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Before the Road Splits – A Powerful Premiere Night
April 17, 2025 | Cineplex Empress Walk, Toronto
A Journey Across Ice, Memory, and Indigenous Voice Begins.
On the evening of April 17, 2025, the original documentary Before the Road Splits, produced by Linn Portfolio Education, held its world premiere at Cineplex Empress Walk in Toronto. Over a hundred guests were in attendance, including student filmmakers, parents, educators, media representatives, and documentary enthusiasts.
The screening played to a full house. As the final credits rolled, the auditorium was filled with both silence and applause. The film follows the lives of residents in Tuktoyaktuk, a remote Arctic community, as they stand at the crossroads between tradition and modern development. “I was almost brought to tears,” one audience member said. The honesty and resilience of the Indigenous voices struck a deep emotional chord.
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Guests & Poster Wall
The film poster backdrop became a highlight of the evening, as guests, students, and their families captured the moment. For many parents, this was the first time seeing their children’s work showcased in a cinema, and their pride was palpable.
02
Creative Team on Stage
After the screening, director Yi Lin and the production team took the stage to share behind-the-scenes stories. From frozen lenses to disabled autofocus, the team operated equipment by muscle memory in –30°C conditions. Lin thanked the Indigenous community for their trust: “This film is not about disappearance, but about decisions and identity.”
03
A Packed Theatre, Moved Audience
The premiere was a heartfelt celebration. Many audience members stayed afterward to speak with the team, exchange reflections, and pose for photos. One parent shared: “This experience changed the way my child sees the world. It was more than filmmaking—it was a transformation.”
The film is now preparing for international festival submissions and a community screening tour in summer 2025. Stay tuned.
Photos for Before the Road Splits Premiere – Photo Gallery are ready
Click the link to see all photos: https://linnportfolioeducation.pixieset.com/beforetheroadsplitspremierephotogallery/
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