Earlier this week I was given the privilege and pleasure of accompanying a dear friend to a “cast and crew” screening of The Year Dolly Parton was My Mom at Winnipeg’s Cinematheque. This opportunity was made available by my friend, an accounting intern at Buffalo Gal Pictures (producers of the film) who kindly let me tag along as her plus one.

Overall and with little experience in movie reviewing, I thought it was fantastic. My naivety in film study, along with my ill knowledge about what this movie was about, allowed me to watch feverishly with a clean “palette”. Without spoiling the film, all I will do is stress how I think it is a MUST SEE film. It is visually appealing, with local and recognizable landmarks in several scenes for any proud Winnipegger. Personally, I feel that I am better able to engage and connect with the story if I have been to the place it was filmed. I feel like I “was there” physically and with that can form an emotional connection to the plot and the characters. I also personally feel like I can relate to the awkwardness of the eleven year old main character when I was at that age.

The film is the journey of a young girl who unexpectedly finds out she was adopted, and becomes convinced that Dolly Parton (the IT celebrity at the time) is her true birth mother. I loved the transformation of the two main characters throughout the film. The realism in the broken relationships and necessary rebuilding of them. I am sure everyone will connect and favor the relationship between the mother and daughter (as I did).

Post-screening cake and beverages were served and I was able to discreetly snap a photo with one of the film’s director Tara Johns (above). She was kind enough to chat with me briefly about the film.

Tara Johns (Director/Screenplay) & Barbara Shrier(Producer) & Liz Jarvis (Producer)  cutting the cake at the cast & crew screenplay reception.

I must say I was incredibly impressed with the wardrobe choice for the characters in the film. They donned fabulous and fitting 70′s attire… (yes, of course I notice the fashion).

The Year Dolly Parton was My Mom will be playing in Winnipeg from June 10-12 at the Cinematheque located 100 Arthur Street.  Do Winnipeg talent a favour and go watch it- support our locals!

Below I have inserted the movie trailer- to add a visual to my description.

Links to visit:           The Movie Website   and   The Movie Blog

Ta ta for now!