Sci-fi thriller All the Lost Ones is set to make its world premiere at the Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival as part of the North Bay Day event.
The film, shot in North Bay, will be screened at 4 p.m. Sept. 19 at SilverCity Sudbury.
This feature marks the solo directorial debut of the prolific Mackenzie Donaldson, known for her producing work on the grounded sci-fi series Orphan Black and Snowpiercer.
The project holds a special connection to Northern Ontario as Yas Taalat (producer), Cheryl Meyer (screenwriter), and Cliff Skelliter (associate producer) all hail from the region.
“This is the type of movie you think about for weeks,” says Skelliter. “It’s about relatable people surviving in courageous ways.”
All the Lost Ones is a gripping story that explores the aftermath of a fictional North American war, driven by the devastating effects of climate change, and the harrowing experiences of civilians caught in the middle.
With its poignant themes and suspenseful narrative, the film captures both the emotional and environmental tolls of a world in turmoil.
“In the backdrop of environmental collapse, this film explores how we reclaim a future that feels increasingly out of reach,” Donaldson said.
Led by Jasmine Mathews (The Tomorrow War) and Douglas Smith (Don't Worry Darling), the film features an impressive lineup of Canadian stars including Sheila McCarthy (Women Talking), Devon Sawa (Chucky), Vinessa Antoine (Plan B), Lochlyn Munro (Riverdale), Steven Ogg (Snowpiercer), Matthew Finlan (ORPHAN: First Kill), Kim Roberts (The Handmaid's Tale), and Alexander Elliot (The Hardy Boys).
Taalat, Meyer, Skelliter and the rest of the team are pleased to have prominently featured Northern Ontario within the story and shot the entirety of the film throughout the area.
They are especially honoured to have “All the Lost Ones” premiere as part of Cinéfest's celebration of Northern Ontario talent and creativity.
“I’m so proud to be back in the city that moulded me to share a great cinematic story,” says Taalat.
This feature, with its narrative prominently placed in Northern Ontario, received support from Telefilm, Ontario Creates and NOHFC. Produced by The Donaldson Company and Electric Panda Entertainment, with LevelFilm handling Canadian distribution, All the Lost Ones promises to be a thrilling addition to this year's festival lineup.
