OPENING NIGHT GALA
- DATE: Friday January 26
- TIME: 7:30 pm
Take a detailed look at the famed, iconic Canadian television show that impacted multiple generations across its 39 year presence on television and its on-going legacy.
Winner of the People’s Choice Award for Best Documentary at TIFF, Robert McCallum’s documentary looks at the life and work of Ernie Coombs, the nerdy American artist who got his start working with Fred Rogers (Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood) and eventually became one of the CBC’s most beloved children’s personalities — a grown-up pal to kids across the country for nearly 30 years, both on his TV show and in innumerable public appearances. The film also explores the love story of Coombs, his wife Lynn, and their kids, who grew up sharing their father with every other child in Canada.
As a one time resident of Campbellville, Ernie Coombs holds a special place in the hearts of Miltonians and is recognized on the Milton Walk of Fame.
VIP ticket and pass holders may join us for a special Gala After-Party at Marquee Steakhouse following the screening.
“Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe is a feel-good blast of nostalgia, reminiscent of a kinder and gentler time.” – Richard Crouse
Producer Aeschylus Poulos will be attending for an audience Q&A after the film, moderated by host Cynthia Crofoot.
Aeschylus Poulos is a Toronto-based feature film, television, and documentary producer. He Co-founded Hawkeye Pictures and served as the executive producer for SLEEPING GIANT (2015 Cannes Film Festival Semaine de la Critique), which garnered numerous national and international awards, including the Best Canadian First Feature at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival, and also screened at the Milton Film Festival in 2016. Before Hawkeye’s inception, Aeschylus co-produced Ruba Nadda’s INESCAPABLE, starring ACADEMY AWARD® winner Marisa Tomei, and Kate Melville’s Picture Day, with Sundance and EMMY® winner Tatiana Maslany in the lead. His production credits also include THE BOOK OF NEGROES and OCTOBER GALE, both starring Patricia Clarkson.
Throughout his career, Aeschylus has produced award-winning projects showcased at festivals globally. Productions from Hawkeye Pictures include MARY GOES ROUND (TIFF 2017) starring Aya Cash; 22 CHASER (2018) with Brian J. Smith; PROPAGANDA: THE ART OF SELLING LIES (Hot Docs 2019); TITO (SXSW 2019 Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award); and the acclaimed MY TREE (Hot Docs 2021).
2022 stood out, featuring Sheila Pye’s THE YOUNG ARSONIST and Clement Virgo’s BROTHER — both world premiering at TIFF2022 and released in 2023. Critically celebrated during its festival run, BROTHER earned a spot in TIFF Canada’s Top 10 films, received a nomination from the Toronto Film Critics Association, and clinched 12 Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Motion Picture.
- Shown with the short film Mr. Lankly’s Tall Tales, dir. Tania Goncalves
Mr. Lankly, a formerly famous children’s TV storyteller, convinces his constantly busy grandson, Kevin, to let him read him one last story.
