Village Keeper

Writer/Director Karen Chapman has crafted a story about a family moving from living in the perpetual stress of survival mode to discovering present-moment joy.

The story follows Jean, an overprotective mom to two teens and the unintended caregiver to her elderly mother. Even though her kids are old enough to start spreading their wings, Jean is so afraid they will experience harm that she has a hard time coping with the transition. I love how through connection and the ability to speak from the heart, this family eperiences a positive transition after experiencing years of trauma and pain.

Karen Chapman wrote and directed this movie. The writing is excellent, Acting effortless and the film's pacing is spot on.

Village Keeper offers a poignant and deeply reflective portrayal of the weight of motherhood, skillfully capturing the quiet beauty within the stark realities of poverty. It is rare to see Toronto's peripheries highlighted and showcased. The film included a breathtaking performance by Olunike Adeliyi along with a fine ensemble of performers. The movie was also masterfully directed by Karen Chapman produced by first time producer Enrique Miguel Baniqued along with an impressive team of executive producers. Overall this project was a TIFF highlight and was a stellar team who brought this powerful narrative to life.

Director Karen Chapman's narrative feature debut, which has its world premiere at TIFF on Sept. 11, has Beverly-Jean, an abused wife played by Olunike Adeliyi.

Village Keeper is a gripping and emotionally charged exploration of generational trauma and survival. With a raw, intimate portrayal of a mother's fierce determination to protect her children, the film masterfully intertwines suspense with themes of family secrets, domestic abuse, and self-discovery. Its tension builds as the protagonist's fateful decision to clean an abandoned crime scene sets her on a journey of unraveling long-hidden truths, challenging the silence that has trapped her family for generations. The film's strong performances and impactful storytelling make it a compelling and thought-provoking watch, leaving viewers deeply moved.

I highly recommend bringing your mother, aunt, sister, grandmother to see this film if it gets distributed in the US.