The Company of Strangers

19901 h 40 min 58 secFilm: Fiction, Feature-length fiction

G

Direction: Cynthia Scott

Production: David WilsonColin NealeRina FraticelliPeter Katadotis

Script: Gloria Demers

A bus breaks down in the wilderness. Eight elderly women, average age 71, are stranded at a deserted farmhouse. The have only their wits, their memories, and eventually some roasted frogs' legs, to sustain them. Through the long days and nights this remarkable group of strangers share their life stories and exchange intimate thoughts; turning the crisis into a magical time of humour and spirit. Featuring non-professional actors and spontaneous dialogue, this memorable film dissolves the barrier between fiction and reality, weaving a heartwarming tale of friendship and courage.

Subject categories


  • Women > Elderly WomenInterpersonal Relationships
  • Seniors > Interpersonal RelationshipsWomen
  • Sexuality and Reproduction > Sexual minorities (2SLGBTQ+ people)
  • English Language Arts > CanLit
  • Family Studies/Home Economics > Feminism
  • Health/Personal Development > Human Growth and Development
  • Arts Education > Visual Arts

Credits


director
Cynthia Scott
producer
David Wilson
editing
David Wilson
executive producer
Colin Neale
Rina Fraticelli
Peter Katadotis
script
Gloria Demers
photography
David De Volpi
Roger Martin
sound
Jacques Drouin
sound editing
André Galbrand
Danuta Klis
re-recording
Hans Peter Strobl
Adrian Croll
music
Marie Bernard
cast
Alice Diabo
Constance Garneau
Winifred Holden
Cissy Meddings
Mary Meigs
Catherine Roche
Michelle Sweeney
Beth Webber

Awards


  • Federal Express Award for Most Popular Canadian FilmInternational Film Festival
  • Award of Excellence for Best Performance in a Leading Role to: Constance Garneau, Winnie Holden, Cissie Meddings, Mary Meigs, Catherine Roche, Michelle Sweeney, Beth WebberAtlantic International Film Festival
  • Alberta-Quebec Award for Film Innovation (Tied with Love-moi and The Colours of My Father, a portrait of Sam Borenstein) - with a cash prize of 1,250$World Media Festival
  • Governors' Award for Best Film Reflecting Canadian ExperienceCanadian Film Celebration
  • Genie Award for Best Editing (David Wilson)Genie Awards
  • Honorable Mention for Best PictureFestival of New Canadian Cinéma
  • First PrizeL'Hippocampe de plomb
  • Public Award for Best Feature Film - with a cash prize of 20,000FF given by the City of CréteilFestival international de films de Femmes
  • Special Jury MentionFestival international de films de Femmes
  • Best Direction AwardInternational Film Festival
  • Grand Prize - CICAE Award for Best Fiction FilmInternational Film Festival
  • Special Mention given by the Interfilm JuryInternational Film Festival
  • City of Mannheim Grand Prize for a First Fiction Film - with a cash prize of 20,000DMInternational Film Festival