The worsening crisis for unhoused people has created daunting challenges for communities all over in Ontario. In exploring these challenges, the team behind this documentary sought out the perspectives of people experiencing homelessness along with people trying new approaches to the situation. Directed by Will Bowes and produced by Linda Schulyer (an icon of Canadian television: co-creator and longtime producer for the teen-TV franchise whose history is explored at KCFF this year in DEGRASSI: WHATEVER IT TAKES) this engaging look at efforts to help and heal in Cobourg and Peterborough succeeds at introducing fresh ways of approaching problems that may feel intractable. This screening includes an extended discussion that connects ideas and initiatives in the film with present realities in this community, too.

This screening will be preceded by the world premiere of the local short film DREAMCATCHER (d. Noah Levac), also screening at KCFF26 as part of this year’s KCFF Doc Factory. Set against the backdrop of the Ontario housing crisis of the 2020s, a political activist and a recently housed street person seek to cultivate a community that gives voice to the vulnerable.

Director: Will Bowes

Language: English

Runtime: 43 minutes

Content warning: discussions of addiction

will bowes, director

Will Bowes is a Canadian Screen Award-winning director, actor and singer/songwriter. He co-directed the CBC series Hey Lady! (which premiered at Sundance 2020) with Sarah Polley and Adriana Maggs. Other films he’s directed, including Loving Every Minute and Christmas Casanova are now available to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Paramount Plus and Peacock. Will spent four years directing for Canada’s Degrassi franchise (2012-2016), receiving a DGC Award Nomination (2016) for his work. As an actor, he is best known for Netflix’s Alias Grace, Spinning Out and Murdoch Mysteries while film credits include Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Women Talking and House at the End of the Street opposite Jennifer Lawrence. The Toronto-based artist is also a two-time first-place winner in the International Songwriting Competition (2018-2019) for songs from his debut album, Character.

linda schuyler, producer

Linda Schuyler has been an independent producer and entrepreneur for over forty years. She is best known for co-creating and executive producing of over 500 episodes of the multi-award-winning Degrassi franchise, comprised of The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, School’s Out, Degrassi Talks, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and Degrassi: Next Class. The internationally-recognized franchise has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Peabody Award, two International Emmys, over 25 Gemini Awards, two Prix Jeunesse International Awards, two Teen Choice Awards, and has been nominated four times for a Primetime Emmy Award.

Dedicated to the art of storytelling, Linda is best known for work that explores the human experience, breaks stereotypes, and encourages communication. As a former schoolteacher, Linda is a strong supporter of the mentoring process. She always encourages professional and personal development for those within her company and has seen many writers, directors and actors go on to contribute to the industry worldwide. She has been a guest lecturer at various Universities including Yale, U of T, TMU, Trent U and Wilfred Laurier.

steven stohn, producer