Former Niagara runner brings Boston Marathon drama to Film House
‘Billy Runs Boston?’ to screen on May 27
When longtime runner Tony Marra was accepted to compete in the Boston Marathon two years ago, he figured it was his last chance.
It was a chance taken away when he was injured while training. But rather than let the opportunity slip away, he had other plans: come back with a movie.
So, with a small crew and an iPhone, he entered the race intent on telling a story rather than seriously competing. The result is the new family drama “Billy Runs Boston?” about a runner’s relationship with his sister and brother as he tries to qualify for the famed marathon.
“You’re actually allowed a smartphone on the course,” he says. “I ran (the marathon) in character and filmed myself along the way.”
Marra, who graduated from Ridley College in St. Catharines, has been a long-distance runner for 40 years. He brings the film home for a screening at The Film House inside FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on May 27.
“It feels great,” he says. “I’m more excited about this screening than any of them. It feels like I’m coming home.”
The film has built a fan following in the running community, which doesn’t surprise Marra. Runners appreciate the fine details the film depicts, along with the sacrifices required to run a marathon.
“It’s a bit of a love letter to the running community. There’s a lot of little Easter eggs in there that they’ll get.”
Marra first ran the marathon in 2012. While it’s an “energizing” event, he doubts he’ll enter it again.
“I think my marathon days are over. It does take a toll on your body, so I think I’m just sticking to shorter distances.”
Marra plays the main character Billy, whose home life is so tense he seeks an escape by running the Boston Marathon.
While Marra had the running part of the film nailed, the family drama required some finessing.
“That was created for the film,” he says. “I needed a home life for Billy that would contrast the times he was running, and escaping from that.”
Marra managed to shoot the film for $10,000. Postproduction was an additional $10,000.
The challenge now is getting the movie accepted into film festivals and art houses across the country.
“With a solo operation, it’s tough to get in film festivals and get it distributed,” he says. “That’s what these screenings are about, to get the film out there.”
“Billy Runs Boston?” is at The Film House in St. Catharines (250 St. Paul St.) on May 27 at 7 p.m., followed by a Q-and-A with the director. For tickets, go to www.firstontariopac.ca.