Canada’s “It” Lady of Film

Kathy Chan

Sarah Polley. You may know her as the girl who starred in the television series Road to Avonlea.  Or how about as the girl who quit acting during high school to become a political activist? Still no? She’s the girl who turned down the role of “Penny Lane” (Kate Hudson’s claim to fame with her Oscar win) in Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous. OK, if all this doesn’t add up just yet, it’s because you probably haven’t paid enough attention to Canada’s very own Sarah Polley. There is no better time to start than right now.

Polley, easily one of the brightest and most enlightening actresses to holster up the most indie credibility within this country, has just made the transition from actress to director. The critically acclaimed Away from Her, based on the short story by Alice Munro titled The Bear Came Over the Mountain, is Polley’s first feature film sitting in the director’s chair. Officially debuting at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2006, the film has recently been released in Canada at select theatres. The sultry actress, known for her roles as dark and often depressing characters, has surprised critics from all over with her directorial debut. Polley’s familiarity with raw and emotional films was perhaps part of the success of this touching story of love, tenderness, and a couple’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Don’t miss this film in theatres, and be sure to keep an eye out for Sarah Polley — both in front of the camera and behind it.