Spirit Unforgettable

Pete McCormack – Canada 2016 – 86 MIN

Friday, November 4
7 PM – GYMC – $12

PRODUCER BEN MURRAY WILL lead a post-film discussion

Advance tickets available for this screening

Stay after the film for a post-film party with Wellington beer available

Presented by Hillside Festival as a FAB 5 co-presentation and CFRU

Spirit Unforgettable is the powerful, devastating and inspiring story of the iconic Canadian Celtic rock band Spirit of the West, and their charismatic singer John Mann, who in 2014, at the age of 51, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Bandmate anecdotes and archival material are interwoven with John’s struggle to retain a sense of self in this emotional tribute to an incredible artist making the most of every moment as he fights with dignity against a crippling disease.

With the early onset of Alzheimer’s at 52, John Mann, front man for Canadian Celtic rock band Spirit of the West, confronts the reality that he’s losing grasp of the poetic and political lyrics he shared with millions. With the support of his wife, he and his lifelong bandmates decide to give their fans a goodbye, hoping John can hang on for what could be his final performance at Massey Hall. From the opening line—”You’ll have to excuse me, I’m not at my best”—to the climactic refrain of “take me home,” the lyrics to the band’s greatest hit, “Home for a Rest,” have taken on new meaning. Bandmate anecdotes and archival material are interwoven with John’s struggle to retain a sense of self in this emotional tribute to an incredible artist making the most of every moment as he fights with dignity against a crippling disease.

Special Guest: Producer Ben Murray

A veteran of more than ten years in the film and television industry, Ben Murray served as a programmer at the Toronto International Film Festival, Director of Business Affairs & Development at Serendipity Point Films and, most recently as Director of Business Development at Halfire Entertainment. During his time at Halfire, he served as a Producer on the 1/2 hour comedy, Working the Engels (2014) for Shaw and NBC. Ben is the producer for Spirit Unforgettable.