Big Girl

SFIFF06 I talked my girlfriend into watching the short films with me and found that 1 of the 30 that i saw that week stood out the most and BIG GIRL definitely was that film. It's cinematography captures the beauty that Canada has to offer. The acting is top notch from the two main characters. The twist is moves you and brings tears to peoples eyes. I believe this film has something to say to people and if you are willing to find it so you can watch it, it will transmit a different but warm message to everyone. The story is relate-able to anyone trying to find stability and love in their life. It's a great coming of age piece in the best format there is, the short. Truly a must see! I want a copy!

When nine-year-old Josephine (Samantha Weinstein) meets her mother's new boyfriend, Gerry (Kris Holden-Reid from The Tudors) she immediately wants him out of the picture and agrees to enter into a playful competition with him over her Mom. The stakes are high - if she wins, Gerry agrees to stop seeing her mother, but if he wins, she must be nice to him. But as the competition progresses, Josephine begins to learn the big lesson that life will not always deliver in the way she wants it.

Samantha Weinstein's mature and touching performance garnered her the respected 2006 ACTRA Award (Canada's actor's union) for Outstanding Performance - female. Heart-warming yet bittersweet, the film is poignant without giving in to sentimentality. A definite must-see for everyone of all ages.