CULTURE GREY ROADS - WORLD PREMIERE In many ways, Markdale is a character, not just the backdrop, in the film, Grey Roads, which is making its World Premiere at the Hot Docs Film Festival until May 10. I had the opportunity to watch a private screening of the film and interview its maker, Jesse McCracken. He grew up in Markdale and Grey Roads tells a story of redemption and hope; with Markdale at its centre. The film is shot in black and white which adds to the nostalgic feeling of days gone by in Grey County as told by Jesse’s father and maternal grandfather - two protagonists who had vastly different influences on Jesse. His mother also plays a role in the film, albeit not on camera. Her words shine through with honesty and candor over the phone. Partway through the film, one is led to believe that Markdale is a town in decline. Like many other small towns across Ontario, it’s left scarred by the shuttering of factories and a retail landscape with much to be desired. Jesse draws parallels to his own family and his relationships with both his father; a brash, hard-living
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biker, and his grandfather; a more softspoken, community-oriented man. “I want people who live in small towns to be proud of their stories,” Jesse explains. “I want them to think differently - more complexly and more openly.” As the film progresses, it takes a hopeful turn toward a town with a more promising future. In the end, I was left with a singular motivation - to tell anyone who’d listen to buy a ticket to watch Grey Roads. Watch Grey Roads until May 10. Buy your ticket and support a local filmmaker: www.boxoffice.hotdocs.ca
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