We are so pleased to announce that Passionflower will have its World Premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
This intense 1960s drama about a family coming to terms with the mother’s mental illness introduces Kassidy Love Brown as the child lead and stars Kristen Harris and Darcy Fehr (best known for playing Guy Maddin in My Winnipeg).
Set in the suburban Winnipeg of the 1960s, Passionflower follows the story of Sarah Matthews (Kassidy Love Brown) whose life on the brink of puberty is increasingly challenged and confused by her mother’s (Kristen Harris) instability and sexual power. While her father (Darcy Fehr) refuses to acknowledge that the family is fracturing under the stress of his wife’s mental illness, Sarah uses her creativity, inner strength, and a new friend to discover her own identity. With courage, Sarah bears witness and demands truth from the adults around her, demonstrating love’s capacity to endure.
“Kassidy was a complete natural. I knew she was right for the part from the moment I laid eyes on her,” says Carter. “The adult leads also give performances that audiences will have a hard time forgetting.”
Carter acknowledges the semi-autobiographical nature of the film. “I had to tell this story. It comes from my own life and development as an actor and director,” says Carter. “My producer calls me ‘the happy ending’ to this story.”
This made-in-Manitoba production was shot in Winnipeg, with an entirely Manitoba cast and crew. Carter, who grew up in Winnipeg, was able to use locations she remembered from her childhood. Passionflower was produced by Polly Washburn.
We are grateful for the support of Telefilm, Manitoba Film & Music, and the Winnipeg Arts Council.
The film will be eligible for the Shaw Media Award for Best Canadian Feature Film. This $20,000 prize will be awarded to the director of the winning film, as selected by the Canadian Images jury. The award will be announced prior to the Closing Gala film on October 14th.
More details to come!
