Power of love central to GRIZZLIES film which debuts tonight in Calgary

Friday, September 28th, 2018 1:33pm
Director Miranda De Pencier
“I was just inspired because they had gone through so much and somehow pushing through and finding joy and hope and optimism.” —Director Miranda De Pencier

THE GRIZZLIES will debut tonight at the Calgary International Film Festival.

Director Miranda De Pencier spoke with Jeremy Harpe of CJWE 88.1 FM Calgary about the film.

THE GRIZZLIES is the true story about a group of kids in the Arctic introduced to the sport of lacrosse which profoundly changed their lives and the trajectory of the community.

The director came to know of THE GRIZZLIES after someone sent her a copy of a sports news item, and she was moved by the resiliency of the young people who had been through trauma as a result of colonialism and the intergenerational legacy of residential school.

“I was just inspired because they had gone through so much and somehow pushing through and finding joy and hope and optimism.”

The film received a standing ovation in Edmonton when shown last night, said De Pencier, as well as standing ovations at the Toronto Film Festival.

“I think the film’s been touching people because… all the themes are universal.

“We all face hardship and are looking for hope and tools to push through.”

For more information about the festival go to http://www.calgaryfilm.com