Dawn, Her Dad, & the Tractor

Hello –

I’m Shelley Thompson, an actor and filmmaker originally from Calgary, Alberta, now making my home in Nova Scotia, Canada.

In 2015, my only child began a journey toward transition. It was a journey fraught with anxiety, bereavement but eventually joy, and the biggest learning curve I’ve ever experienced.

Eventually, with his permission and support and the support of many in his community as liaison people and script consultants, I wrote this family drama, intended for family audiences – 14+. It was supported by Telefilm Canada, the Canada Council, local arts councils, international organizations, and has won numerous honours and script prizes along the way – more information below.

One of the biggest lessons I learned about young trans people – and there were many – was that the support of a loving family and community can mean the difference between life or death. Communicating that message became a mission for me, and DAWN became my first feature film after studying at Canada’s foremost screen institution, the Canadian Film Centre in Toronto.

DAWN was shot during the pandemic, post-production was completed during lockdowns in Toronto and Nova Scotia where we filmed, and it began its film festival life selling out at Inside Out film festival in Toronto in June and FIN (Halifax International Film festival) in September. It’s continued its travels across the country stopping at the St Johns International Women’s film Festival, Charlottetown FF, and next – though not public as yet! – it will compete for the Borsos prize at the Whistler Film Festival in December.

One reason I’m sure DAWN has garnered a lot of interest from audiences is our stellar cast: our young trans star is May V. Henry – a YouTube influencer and extraordinarily talented actress from Toronto in her first feature role – an educator and straight-talking trans individual who has helped so many folks through their transitions. The Dad, John Andrew MacGinnis, is played by the wonderful Robb Well, best known to Canadians as Ricky in Trailer Park Boys – unrecognizable in this role.

Education is the key to acceptance and kindness and the safety of the trans community. March 31st is the Trans Day of Visibility, and I would like this film on every high school screen in the country – somehow. Through GSA’s or via the curriculum

You can watch the trailer for the film here: https://vimeo.com/551509147

Find out more about the filmmakers and cast here, as well as interviews, reviews, articles about the film and the accolades it’s won here www.dawnandherdad.com

Thanks, and I’ll look forward to hearing from you!

Best,
Shelley Thompson she/her
writer/director DAWN, HER DAD & THE TRACTOR
www.shelleyathompson.com

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