Film Tackles Tough Issue of Sexual Assault

THUNDER BAY – New Vision Unlimited and IMPACT Arts*, in association with Imaginarium Studio (Thunder Bay), are pleased to announce a sneak peek screening of Autumn Springs (2017), a feature film that addresses the issue of sexual assault from a unique perspective- through the eyes of men, and the many choices they make in how they treat women. Screenings will be hosted in Sioux Lookout on Thursday, March 30 and Thunder Bay on Friday March 31, 2017.

With a distinct Northern Ontario feel this story follows Trevor and his teenage daughter, Lauren, as they visit Autumn Springs, a town he vacationed in as a teenager. While in the community Trevor is confronted by his past and Lauren is faced with a challenge that threatens to unravel her future. Both struggle to figure out who they are and how they can move forward within their new realties. Incredibly relevant, unique and timely, Autumn Springs is both moving and inspiring.

Filmed in Sioux Lookout and Lac Seul First Nation in August 2015, this project brought together over 100 people (crew, actors and musicians) from Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, Lac Seul First Nation, Dryden, and Timmins to create a story intended to prompt conversation about this important  issue.

Under the leadership of Erin Horvath of New Vision Unlimited/IMPACT Arts, the story was written collaboratively over   three years through a community-engaged, research-creation process. “As a society, we are so used to thinking of sexual assault as a women’s issue”, explained Horvath. “Exploring it from a male perspective, that included examining the social norms that perpetuate it, added a unique challenge. People aren’t as eager to speak about things this way- especially men.  As a mother of two boys, I am convinced we need to do more  to create opportunities for dialogue and learning if   we are going to see real change  happen”.

The crew was comprised of many from Thunder Bay including Piotr Skowronski (Director of Photography) and Jessica L. Graham (Director). “The passion and personal touch of everyone involved was wonderful and integral to translating the heart of the script to the screen”, commented Graham. “ I’m proud to have been part of telling this very relevant story”.

Project sponsors include: Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Government, Tikinagan Child and Family Services, New Vision Unlimited, and various other corporate, community, and private sponsors. Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION) and Music and Film in Motion (MFM) have  generously sponsored the  sneak peek   screenings.

*New Vision Unlimited is a not-for-profit community development organization that uses collaborative approaches to inspire change and build community. IMPACT Arts is an artistic branch that engages groups in writing and performing stories about social, cultural, or historical issues that matter to  them.

Screening details:

Thursday March 30, 7pm                                                                      Friday March 31, 7pm Queen Elizabeth High School Auditorium                                                                                                    Trinity United Church Hall 15 Fair St, Sioux Lookout      310 Park Ave, Thunder Bay

Suggested Donation: $10 (at the door)                                        Suggested Donation: $10 (at the door)