Description

Each Friday, a different film will be screened at 7:30pm EST, preceded by an introduction to each event, a pre-show virtual cocktail mixer with a toast by Zirkova Vodka, and musical interlude by a featured female musician, starting at 7:15pm EST. Each film will be followed by a Q&A with some of the directors, screen-writers, actors or others affiliated with the film production.

The stellar lineup for this year’s International Women’s Day Film Series includes:

Friday, March 12th: My Salinger Year – An Canada/Ireland co-production, this film focuses on the personal growth story of a young female poet who works for Salinger’s publishing house.  Writer Joanna Rakoff crafts a nostalgic, engaging coming-of-age story that personalizes the maturation process of a young female writer.  The film stars Margaret Qualley (daughter of actress Andie MacDowell) oscar-nominee Sigourney Weaver, Gemini award-winner Colme Feore (Chicago, Bon Cop, Bad Cop), and English actor Douglas Booth (Romeo and Juliet). Hull, Quebec born Director Philippe Falardeau casts the film perfectly.

Maple-Mint Vodka Spritzer. Click for the recipe!

My Salinger Year will be preceded by a Performance by Sydney Mae.

• BIO: Canadian Singer/Songwriter, Sydney Mae, is an award-winning recording artist. She has been recognized internationally for her gift of superior storytelling and smouldering vocals that silence the room and draw you in to see the world through her eyes. Having songs cut by Nashville and Canadian Artists, she has a deep-rooted passion for songwriting and a dedication that has earned her a powerhouse reputation.
•  Song name: Feet First
• Song credits: Written by Sydney Mae, Bess Rogers, Allie Moss

My Salinger Year: Q&A includes Director Philippe Falardeau, and writer Joanna Smith Rakoff (novel)

Friday, March 19th: Little Orphans  – An exceptional drama from St. Johns, Newfoundland which focuses on 3 sisters dealing with childhood abandonment by their mother, and issues of substance abuse, ongoing family trauma,  personal growth.   This film won the best feature award at the Whistler Film Festival.  This incredible film is the first feature for Director Ruth Lawrence and writer Emily Bridger (who also stars in the film opposite Marthe Bernard from (Republic of Doyle) and Rhiannon Morgan (Black Conflux).

Strawberry-Blueberry Nor’easter Slush Cocktail. Click for the recipe!

Little Orphans will be preceeded with a performance by Indigenous musician/dancer Semiah Smith

• BIO: Semiah Smith is a singer/songwriter currently enrolled in her last year at McMaster University. She challenges herself to explore the nuances of identity, love, and the growing pains of her twenties.
• Song name: Nothing Can Kill My Love For You
• Song credits:
  • Songwriter: Semiah Smith
  • Producer: Rob Lamothe (he is also playing the guitar in the video)

Length of song: 3mins 23 secs

Little Orphans Q&A includes: Director Ruth Lawrence, writer Emily Bridger, actresses Marthe Bernard, Rhiannon Morgan, and Producer Jenny Hawley

Friday, March 26th:  . Canadian Festival Digital Premiere-  Based on a true story, Judi Dench plays a British woman headmistress of a finishing school for girls, a boarding school that houses daughters of the leaders of the Third Reich (German girls- innocent of any crimes) during the time leading up to the declaration of the Second World War. (pre-taped Q&A due to UK participants).

Earl Greyhound Fizz Cocktail. Click for the recipe!

Six Minutes to Midnight will be preceded by a performance by singer/songwriter Bolu.

Short Bio- 

Bolu is a 13 year old Canadian singer songwriter of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin who emerged as an important new artist in the summer of 2020 with her internationally acclaimed song, “Make It Right,” a powerful call to action about social injustices. Just weeks after first performing the song publicly she was performing it for media nationwide and around the world. Recently honored with the two high profile Awards from Universal Women’s Network for 2020 Youth Excellence Award at the 2020 Women of Inspiration gala, the 2020 Young Achievers Award from Zim Achievers Award and was also an Theidealme Humanitarian Award Nominee. She has also used her platform to better local communities in other ways, too ( working with Pickering Great Events on a pilot project fighting racism and a virtual performance for Feed The Need Durham are just two examples.) Bolu is already a world changer – this hugely impactful young woman continues to use her voice, determination and many talents to make a positive difference in the world.

Song Name- 

Make It Right

 Song Credits – 

 Music composed by : Boluwatife Adefemi (Bolu) aka Bolu Sings

 Lyrics written by: Boluwatife Adefemi (Bolu) aka Bolu Sings

Six Minutes to Midnight: Note: this Q&A is Pre-taped. Q&A includes Director Andy Goddard, Writer/Actor Eddie Izzard, and actress Tijan Marei