Amid escalating tensions between Canada and the U.S. impacting the film sector, Ottawa-born actor Jay Baruchel expresses unwavering confidence in Canada’s ability to compete head-to-head with its American counterpart. Speaking at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) before the world premiere of The Stunt Driver, Baruchel affirmed, “We’ve always exceeded expectations and have a strong track record in doing so. We always manage to find a way forward.”
Baruchel, renowned for his roles in movies like BlackBerry and She’s Out of My League, takes the lead in the new film based on stuntman Ken Carter’s true story. Portraying Carter, also known as The Mad Canadian, Baruchel depicts the daring stunt where Carter aimed to leap over the St. Lawrence River in a rocket-fueled car during the 1970s, partly driven by a desire to outshine his American rival, Evel Knievel.
The launch of the film amidst the ongoing trade disputes between Canada and the U.S. added a heightened sense of urgency and significance to the storyline, according to Baruchel. He remarked, “If you’ve ever felt belittled or disregarded, you’ll understand the motivation behind this story,” describing it as “an act of defiance.”
The film industry connections between Canada and the U.S., which have been solid for over a century, were underscored by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. Bailey noted that the festival’s opening film, Being Heumann, is a U.S. production shot in Toronto, highlighting the long-standing collaboration between the two countries in filmmaking.
At TIFF, Canadian actors and artists expressed their determination to champion Canadian art, emphasizing the role of art in reflecting the nation’s identity and values. Laurence Leboeuf, who plays Gloria, Carter’s wife in The Stunt Driver, emphasized the importance of art in portraying the Canadian spirit.
Toronto-native actor Devon Bostick, co-writer of Closing Night, another film premiering at TIFF, described the current period as a “Canadian renaissance.” Bostick praised Canada’s thriving artistic scene and its resilience in the face of challenges, contrasting it with the uncertainties in the U.S.
Comedian and actress Mary Walsh echoed the sentiments of unity and strength within the Canadian film industry, suggesting that the increased pressure from the U.S. could serve as a catalyst for promoting Canadian cultural works. Walsh, starring in the upcoming Netflix miniseries Below, highlighted the importance of Canadians supporting and embracing their own culture, expressing optimism that current circumstances would inspire a renewed focus on Canadian artistic endeavors.
