Description

This essential 1991 episode captures Toronto New Wave cinema at its peak, featuring director Bruce McDonald and actor/screenwriter Don McKellar discussing their cult classic film “Highway 61.” The film, which premiered at the 1991 Festival of Festivals (now TIFF), follows Pokey Jones (McKellar), an orphaned small-town barber who Dreams of becoming a jazz musician, on a wild road trip down the legendary Highway 61 to New Orleans. When he discovers a frozen corpse in his backyard, he meets Jackie Bangs (Valerie Buhagiar), a mysterious roadie who convinces him to help transport what she claims is her brother’s body?though her real plan involves smuggling stolen Dr.ugs across the border.

McDonald won the Silver Shell for Best Director at the 1991 San Sebasti?n International Film Festival, and the film received two Genie Award nominations including Best Actor for McKellar. As an unofficial sequel to McDonald’s 1989 breakthrough “Roadkill,” “Highway 61” solidified the director’s reputation as a leading voice in Canadian independent cinema. The film’s inspired blend of road movie adventure, Canadian landscape, and rock and roll mythology Dr.ew comparisons to the Canadian classic “Goin’ Down the Road” (1970) while establishing its own unique voice.

Also featured: Randy Reisfeld discussing teen celebrity culture and books. This episode documents a pivotal moment in Canadian film history, showcasing the creativity and independent spirit that would influence a generation of filmmakers and establish Toronto as a major center for innovative cinema.