The Grasslands Project - Val Marie Hotel

Aline Laturnus travaille dur pour assurer le bon fonctionnement de l'hôtel Val Marie. Le petit déjeuner y est servi dès sept heures et certains soirs, le bar demeure ouvert jusqu'à deux heures. Plus qu'un simple commerce, l'établissement est le lieu de rassemblement de la communauté, et Aline sait bien que sa fermeture aurait de lourdes conséquences sur cette petite agglomération. Nous l'accompagnons alors qu'elle se prépare à une soirée chargée, et apprenons des gens de Val Marie l'importance que revêt l'hôtel.

Many small communities are losing their young people, attracted to careers away from the farm. Nineteen-year-old Shawn Catherwood knew from a young age that he'd be a farmer. It's always been his dream to follow in the footsteps of his father, Ken. This gentle film shows Shawn and his father as they navigate the coming generational change, while the audience is given insight into their deep love of the family farm.

Across the Prairies, annual celebrations take place in countless small communities. These small-town gatherings are a major force in keeping rural communities vibrant. In Magrath, Alberta, this is the weekend when everybody comes home to participate in chicken chases, family reunions and massive community barbecues. We follow the celebrations through the actions of key volunteers, who are the cornerstone of these events.