Trillium Retirement Community presents CanFilmDay 2024

Based on the true story behind author A.A. Milne's beloved character, Winnie the Pooh, this is a tale of the remarkable friendship between a Canadian soldier and the cub that stood as a symbol of friendship and hope in a world plagued by war.

It was during the early days of World War I that veterinarian Lieutenant Harry Colebourn (Michael Fassbinder) purchased a small bear cub and named her Winnie after his hometown of Winnipeg. As the specter of war looms heavy in the conscience of the citizens and children of London, Winnie becomes the star attraction at the zoo. When a man named A.A. Milne brings his young son to visit the zoo, the story of the bear and her friendship with a far away soldier inspires him to create one of the most beloved characters in the history of children's literature.

Based on Mordecai Richler’s beloved novel, the film charts the rise of young Duddy Kravitz (Dreyfuss), a brash, working-class Jewish kid from Montreal, determined to make a name for himself — no matter what it takes. Taking to heart his grandfather’s advice that “a man without land is nothing,” Duddy gets involved in a series of get-rich-quick schemes in order to purchase a lakeshore property in the Laurentian mountains.

As his business ventures backfire in different ways, Duddy must come to terms with the fact that he’s attaining his goals at the expense of something more important — friendship and love. Both funny and touching, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is a true Canadian classic.

The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and won Film of the Year at the Canadian Film Awards.