“There's a warm-hearted tale here suffused with wit and a positive and life-affirming message about having the confidence to achieve your goals in the face of adversity.” - Bruce Demara, Toronto Star
“From first tentative rehearsals to road trip, you can see where the "let's put on a show" gumption is going. But the newly empowered teenage choreographer and her ragtag troupe ride their own giddy momentum.” – Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter
Irene Willis (Michelle McLeod) lives in a town deemed the most insignificant geographical location in North America. The cycle of life is predictable and bland, something 15-year-old Irene, "the fattest girl in high school," might just be able to shake up. Fuelled by the dream of becoming a cheerleader, but constantly told by both her overprotective mother and society that she isn't exactly a fit for the role. When Irene gets suspended and is forced to do community service at a retirement home — run by discipline freak Barrett (Scott Thompson) — alongside her bullies and her new friend, Tesh (a gender non-conforming, glitzy dreamer), an opportunity arises. If she can't be a high-school cheerleader, maybe she can turn her new-found circle of elderly friends into an unlikely dance troupe. This is an empowering comedy about acceptance on your own terms. Disarmingly honest, Irene goes through the world with no filter, quick repartee, and an underlying sense of potential achievement. She just needs a bit of a lift to soar. - TIFF 2017
Awards:
Won, Audience Award, Austin Film Festival, 2017
Won, Jury Award, Austin Film Festival, 2017
This program is sponsored by Busch Systems, Cravings, Hugh Hardy RE/MAX Broker, Netgain, Pilatez.ca, Restorations by Rodgers/Renovations by Rodgers, Storage Mart, Venable Park Investment Council Inc.