NFB Collection
The Company of Strangers
19901 h 40 min 58 secFilm: Fiction, Feature-length fiction
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.
Availability
Other versions
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