‘The Swearing Jar’ Filmmaker Lindsay MacKay’s Family Drama ‘What If’ Sets Market Debut at Toronto (EXCLUSIVE)
Penguin Pictures and Farpoint Films have unveiled their new feature film “What If,” to be directed by Lindsay MacKay (“The Swearing Jar,” “Wet Bum”). The family drama is set to make its market debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
“What If” follows Marley, a woman in her 40s who discovers she was part of a hospital birth mix-up. The revelation sends her on a journey to redefine family, accompanied by an old high school friend facing his own truths.
More from Variety
Indie Films Are Staging a Box Office Comeback. How Will That Affect the Toronto Film Festival?
'Hard Truths' Trailer: Marianne Jean-Baptiste Can't Stop Her Angry Tirades in Mike Leigh's New Film
Koya Kamura's Toronto Premiere 'Winter in Sokcho': A Dance Between Art and Isolation
Written by Leanne Melissa Bishop (“In Search Of”), the film is produced by Michael P. Mason (“The Weight of Perfection”), Bishop and Kyle Bornais (“The Swearing Jar”) of Farpoint Films. Peter Wetherell serves as executive producer.
The film’s creative team includes TIFF veterans. MacKay’s debut “Wet Bum” premiered at TIFF in 2014, while her sophomore feature “The Swearing Jar” screened at the 2022 festival. Mason, a Canadian Film Centre graduate, has worked on films that have shown at TIFF and other major festivals.
Casting details for “What If” are yet to be announced.
“The overall vision is to create a vehicle for people to see themselves for who they are, no filters. Our characters are on a journey to find their family, their tribe. We want this film to give voice to that journey, and through it, help others find their true authentic selves. And there’s nothing wrong with entertaining people along the way,” said Bishop.
MacKay added: “The script brings to life an emotional and complicated family history but manages to do so with levity and humour. I’m excited to take the audience on Marley’s journey as she discovers her past and finds a path towards her future.”
Bornais said: “‘What If’ is a special film that gives a voice to the choices we make every day. We might not realize it, but it’s these daily decisions – not the outcome – that bond us together.”
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.