The Cinematheque

Guests in Attendance

The highly anticipated feature debut from Vancouver’s Kathleen Hepburn, one of Canada’s most promising young filmmakers, is a devastating examination of the costs of long-term illness. Shirley Henderson delivers a deeply-moving performance as Judy, a woman who has battled Parkinson’s disease nearly all her married life. Her husband Eddie (Nicholas Campbell) struggles to care for her—and pushes their son Jamie (Théodore Pellerin) into adulthood, demanding he take a job far from home. Propelled by an acute empathy, Never Steady, Never Still boasts some of the most touching scenes you will see all year. Hepburn’s compassion shines even in the ancillary characters: pregnant teen shop clerk Kaly is the soul of generosity, beautifully played by Coast Salish actress Mary Galloway. Sea to Sky Award, B.C. Emerging Filmmaker Award, and Emerging Canadian Director Award, VIFF. —Steve Gravestock, TIFF