Al Purdy Was Here

Tiff Docs

Al Purdy Was Here is a fascinating little look at just what might be one of the most culturally important Canadians…that most of us have never heard of, as our collective Canadiana gets an education.

A tribute to the late great poet Al Purdy who managed to be equal parts rock star, raconteur and all around rabble rouser as he came up during a time in the 1960’s with the likes of Leonard Cohen, Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje.  He stood out with his ability to spurn the tired and a-typical stories of Canadian life and gave our national voice a distinct and very different voice.

While admittedly stumbling out of the gates, Al Purdy Was Here ramps into a fascinating portrait of a man that we all would have liked to have had a beer with at one stage in another in our lives and who has influenced some of our countries most prolific artists.

Director Brian D. Johnson’s debut feature effort keeps a gentle balance between the necessary historical data and the wryly entertaining anecdotes that made up the life which made him such a unique cultural icon.  Johnson allows his friends and most importantly his own words tell the story of a man who should be mentioned in the same breath as the likes of some of our countries best.

Ultimately, Al Purdy Was Here serves as a fantastic reminder of what richly layered stories we have in our country and often take for granted.

Show times

Tues, Sept 15^th at 7PM at the TIFF Bell Lightbox

Thurs Sept 17^th at 4:45 PM at the Isabel Bader Theatre