Murmur to have World Premiere at TIFF 2019

'Murmur', a documentary-feature narrative hybrid that presents an enduring story of aging and the human-animal connection is skillfully crafted by Young and producer Martha Cooley,

The film is based on the story of about 60-year-old Doona, suffering from alcohol-dependency and loneliness, eases her pain and loneliness in the company of pet animals Many Nova Scotian non-professional actors are starring in this film with Shan MacDonald starring as Donna.

Donna was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and was ordered to do community service in an animal rescue shelter, where she bonds with the abandoned animals surrounding her and finds peace and comfort. She finally develops a special bonding with a senior dog who she brings home to prevent from being euthanized.

This was followed by Donna's rescue efforts of other animals from the shelter and buying them online until her small apartment is over-run and ultimately finds herself in the midst of chaos.

“It is important to me to tell the stories of older women and allow them to be complex, flawed and fully realized characters, the likes of which are rarely depicted in cinema,” says award-winning filmmaker Heather Young. “Donna is a difficult character, but hopefully one that will resonate. Her loneliness and addictive nature cause her to act in ways that are at times counterintuitive and destructive but ultimately she is looking for connection -- and that is something that we can all relate to. We are happy Murmur will find a stage here at TIFF and that audiences will have a glimpse into Donna's world.”

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

Image Credit:  Heather Young/Twitter