WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Memphre in the Movies

Memphre in the Movies

Newport, Vermont - October 20, 2004

Vermont's most famous sea serpent, "Champ," has some competition. "Memphre," the Lake Memphremagog monster, is now in the movies.

A Montreal production company has created a one-hour satirical documentary that explores the myth surrounding Memphre. The film takes viewers on a humorous hunt for the legendary creature. It also explores a strange copyright battle involving the monster's name.

Lake Memphremagog is partially in Newport and partially in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Filmmakers called on locals from both sides of the border to help with the project.

"They said want to hunt for a monster," says Scott Wheeler, who appears in the documentary. "It took me about two seconds to say yes. I love history. This is part of history. Do I believe? No. But that's okay. A myth is part of the culture, as well."

The Legend of Memphre will debut on Canadian cable next week. It will then be shown at various film festivals on both sides of the border. The production company is also in negotiations with U.S. cable networks, like the Sci-Fi Channel.

Darren Perron - Channel 3 News