Welcome to On The Creek Films, where we tell stories of the extraordinary lives of ordinary women.

THE ISOBEL IMPRINT

A dozen years after the devastating suicide of her oldest sister Isobel, filmmaker Ali Grant travels back through old letters, photos, and home movies to arrive at a pivotal moment in their intertwined destinies – Toronto in the summer of 1978. With humour, insight, and love, she explores her own coming of age, 3000 miles from home, and the lasting imprint of a sister’s invitation into a world of possibility. Made with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts. Watch the film here.  (documentary, 7 mins., dir. Ali Grant, 2021)

NOT QUITE THAT 

Might a genetic mutation be the very thing that allows this nice Jewish butch lesbian to be fully seen at last? Meet Sarah, 57. Lesbian? For sure. Jewish? Yes and no. Mother? In all but one sense. Trans? Nope, just often mistaken as such. Breast cancer survivor? Well, that’s the plan, the survival bit, but without the cancer or the breasts. NOT QUITE THAT is an intimate and insightful exploration of how we are seen, how we see ourselves, and why it matters. Developed with the support of Creative BC and the CMPA-BC (Equity and Emerging Development Program), and produced with the support of Telus originals. (documentary, mid-length, dir. Ali Grant, prod. Cari Green, in post-production)

IN SEARCH OF THE LESBIAN

Two lesbian filmmakers ride the tracks from sea to sea to sea, looking for evidence of a once thriving culture. Is the “disappearing Lesbian” real, or urban myth? Have reports of her death been greatly exaggerated? Will the filmmakers be delighted or devastated by what they find? Hop on the train and come see for yourself! Early investigation funding from the Rogers + Creative BC Documentary And Factual Development Fund. (documentary, feature length, dirs. Kris Anderson + Ali Grant, exec. prod. Cari Green, in development)

LARA 

When the world locked down, filmmaker Ali Grant turned to the only woman she could get within 6 feet of – her partner Lara. With footage she already had, Ali put together a short profile which you can watch here.  (documentary, 6 mins., dir. Ali Grant, 2021)

AND ON THE SEVENTH DAY, SHE PLAYED SOCCER 

On any given weekend in Vancouver, Canada, more than 4000 women compete in the non-professional Metro Women’s Soccer League. Sunday after Sunday, women in the “Classics” divisions push their middle-aged bodies to the limit, for neither fame nor fortune. Why do they do it? This short doc not only answers that – it will make you want to get out there and join them! Watch Ali Grant’s graduate film here. (documentary, 9 mins., dir. Ali Grant, 2020)

CITIZEN JANE

Canadian Forces Base, 1987. Private Jane Cross is quickly noticed during her training by Master Corporal Maryann Kirk, and for more than her skills on the battlefield. Meanwhile the military police wage a secret war on homosexuals, spying on soldiers suspected of engaging in ‘immoral conduct.’ Watch Cari Green’s graduate film here. (drama, 16 mins., dir. Cari Green, 2013)