Irene Willis (Michelle McLeod) lives in a town deemed the most insignificant geographical location in North America. The cycle of life is predictable and bland, something 15-year-old Irene, “the fattest girl in high school,” might just be able to shake up.
Fuelled by the dream of becoming a cheerleader, but constantly told by both her overprotective mother and society that she isn’t exactly a fit for the role, Irene turns to her confidante and all-around god: Geena Davis. Speaking to Irene via the A League of Their Own poster on her bedroom wall, Geena provides the inspiration and tough no-nonsense motivation she needs to face her bullies and follow her passions.
Special Guests Michelle McLeod and director Pat Mills will be joining us for an audience Q&A session after the film.
Peterborough native Michelle McLeod got her start on stage at 11, performing in several St. James Players musicals and Theatre Guild productions in Peterborough over the years. She went on to study in the University of Guelph theatre program, then Humber College’s acting for film and television program. Afterwards, she graduated from Second City’s Conservatory program. Don’t Talk to Irene is her first feature film.
Pat Mills was born in Ottawa and graduated from Ryerson University. Two of his short films, Pat’s First Kiss and 5 Dysfunctional People in a Car, screened at TIFF, as did his feature directorial debut, Guidance in 2014. Don’t Talk to Irene is his second feature film.
The short film The Talk will be included with this screening.
