LIFT co-presents “Softening” at Hot Docs

 

LIFT co-presents Softening

at the 2013 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival

 

LIFT co-presents Softening

at the 2013 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival

Feature film, Softening
Dir. Kelly O’Brien
 
Screening with short, Just As I Remember
Dir. Andrew Moir
 
Saturday April 27 @ 7:30 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 4

Monday April 29 @ 4:00 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 3

 

When Kelly O’Brien’s second child was born in 2007, she was told he’d contracted a virus in utero that caused “extensive brain damage.” Her doctor’s advice was to get used to “the new normal.” Since then, O’Brien has kept a cinematic journal, documenting her worries, insights and joys while juggling the roles of wife, mother and filmmaker. When she’s wanting for words, her images soar, transcending home-movie aesthetics with evocative 16mm footage. This is not just a portrait of a woman coming to terms with the responsibility of nurturing a son who faces challenges every day. It’s a vividly rendered family album: daughter Emma supplies an unvarnished understanding and deep affection for her brother, husband Terence provides support and compassion, and son Teddy strengthens his family’s bond. O’Brien is never rendered as victim or hero but someone finding comfort through documenting life as honestly as possible, regardless of how difficult that becomes.
—Alex Rogalski

 

 

Saturday 27 April 2013 –

Non-members: $14.60
Members: $14.60

Location:
Various, See Above 
 
Toronto Canada