There was a surprise guest at the gala screening of “Through Black Spruce” at Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival Friday evening.
The film is an adaptation of Canadian author Joseph Boyden's 2008 novel of the same name, and the author himself showed up for the screening.
Boyden declined an on-the-spot interview with Sudbury.com immediately after the screening, although we're still hoping to connect with him by phone today.
The author has been the source of some controversy over the past few years after his claims of Indigenous heritage were called into question.
The film, shot in Northern Ontario, including right here in Greater Sudbury, deals with the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
The screening was also attended by well-known Canadian filmmaker Don McKellar, who directed the film, and Canadian actress and filmmaker Tina Keeper, its producer.
McKellar and Keeper answered questions from audience members after the screening.
Sudbury.com interviewed the filmmakers about “Through Black Spruce” in the lead-up to Cinéfest. You can check out that article here.
Did you snap a photo with Boyden, McKellar or Keeper Friday evening? Or do you have another Cinéfest photo you'd like to share? Send your pics to [email protected] or post them in the comments below.
