Onwards and Onwards

Acclaimed filmmaker Sarah Polley embarks on a deeply personal journey to explore the complex and often challenging nature of family relationships. Through candid interviews with her own family members, including her father and stepmother, she delves into the stories, memories, and unspoken truths that have shaped their lives. The documentary weaves together intimate conversations with archival footage and personal reflections, offering a poignant look at love, loss, and the enduring bonds that connect us.

"Onwards and Onwards" was met with widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth, thoughtful direction, and honest portrayal of family dynamics. Critics lauded Sarah Polley's vulnerability and skill in navigating sensitive subject matter, resulting in a film that resonated deeply with audiences for its universal themes of love, memory, and reconciliation.

• Praised for its raw emotional honesty and intimate storytelling.

• Lauded for Sarah Polley's insightful and empathetic directorial approach.

• Recognized as a powerful exploration of family legacies and the complexities of memory.

Google audience: Viewers found "Onwards and Onwards" to be an incredibly moving and relatable documentary. Many appreciated the film's genuine portrayal of family relationships, with reviewers often highlighting its ability to evoke strong emotions and encourage personal reflection on their own family connections. Some viewers noted the film's thoughtful pacing and Sarah Polley's skillful ability to draw out meaningful conversations.

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival; Won Best Documentary at the Canadian Screen Awards.

The film features Sarah Polley interviewing her own father, Michael Polley, about his late wife and Sarah's mother, Diane. The process was so emotionally taxing that Sarah Polley initially did not plan to include herself as a subject but decided to do so later in the editing process.