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Al Purdy Was Here

AL PURDY WAS HERE: World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2015 TIFF Docs Program

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AL PURDY WAS HERE: World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2015 TIFF Docs Program

Johnson’s debut feature documentary also captures a Purdy revival as a grassroots movement rallies to preserve his legendary A-Frame cabin as a writing retreat.  Built by Purdy and his wife Eurithe in 1957 in Ontario’s Prince Edward County, the A-frame was a hangout for the pioneers of CanLit, including Margaret Lawrence, Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje.  In this rustic salon, nourished by Al's wild grape wine, a cultural community took root.  Now, 15 years after the poet’s death, the cabin becomes an unlikely beacon for a creative renaissance.

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