FERGUS – Wellington County’s most iconic and historic landmark will be in the spotlight as a local author’s book is getting a film adaptation.
Pat Mestern confirmed a film producer has optioned Anna: Child of the Poor House and it is now in development.
Mestern said in a phone interview she couldn’t believe it when she saw an email letting her know of this news.
“It was published in 1981 and all of a sudden there’s this really great interest in it,” Mestern said.
First published 40 years ago, Anna is about a girl born into Wellington County’s local house of industry and refuge, better known as the poor house which is now the Wellington County Museum and Archives. She is later adopted by a wealthy Toronto family but returns to the area as an adult to learn about her past.
It is historical fiction but Mestern said it is drawn from a lot of true stories, including the lead character who she said she had met when she was 12.
The book was recently re-released by an American publishing company which she said has generated new interest in the story from the public and film producers.
Although she isn’t the one in negotiations with the producer but said she thinks it’s being picked-up because Anna presents an interesting story that is a bit different from what is being offered on the screens.
“They’re getting sick and tired of the violence on television and the violence in movies and they’re looking for something that is a nice story without being violent,” Mestern said she’s heard from people she’s talked to.
She also believes it is an important story to tell as this was not the only poor house, it’s just a well known one because of its grand appearance and visible location at the top of a hill.
“They knew they existed but they didn’t know how bad they were or they didn’t know what happened to the people or where the people came from,” Mestern said.
She said filming on location in Wellington County will be done as much as possible, including at the former poor house grounds.
Other details remain scarce for now but Mestern said she is looking forward to what will come from this as there is potential for adaptations of Mestern’s other works.
