It’s no secret I love films.
Any film that makes me think, feel deeply or reflect makes my list of forever favourites.

Here are the top five and why they make the cut.

About Time

This film has a one-two punch. First, you think you are watching a rom-com, to which you are. Next, you think you are watching some fantastical reality, to which you are, and last, you think you are watching an essay on how to stay mindful and appreciative in your life, to which you absolutely also are. It has perfectly delivered a reminder, laugh and warmth that we all need.

Stories We Tell

Albeit a documentary, this film gutted me and reshaped my reasons for why I write and why I seek to share stories. For me, it’s never been about hitting the zeitgeist or getting noticed, and it’s about trying to reach that compulsion to understand something in a more profound and more meaningful way. Sarah Polly is a beacon in storytelling work for this, and here is a perfect example of how telling stories has value on the inner and outward self.

Inside Out

This animation film shakes the ground on humanity. Pixar killed it and left me processing this for years, and I am still processing it. As I raise my own child, I have moments where scenes come back to me, reminding me when things are tender, unique or raw.

Now & Then

This film brings me back to one of the safest spaces I have ever been. Curled up with my cousin, watching this. It speaks to that age we were, the storm of confusion we were about to experience and what brings me back to this is the idea that we were intertwined then and found our way to be just as intertwined now. Every time I revisit it, it is nostalgic, bitter-sweet, and beautiful things to me.

Before Sunrise

I am late to this trilogy, but it has been another example of pure excellence in storytelling and writing. Many people in film stick their noses up at pages of dialogue. Still, Richard Linklater pushes the envelope open on real people in this project, and each of the three films tells us so much about real people, genuine relationships and real life.

At The Mountains Edge | Genevieve Graham

Adding Canadian reads is something I try to do every year, although don’t go out of my way to do. This book in it’s description and cover reminded me of the Janette Oak series “When Calls the Heart” which I read as a kid and am finding it very similar, therefor comforting. When I finished it, I wanted more from this book and realized many sections seemed to have gaps that I wanted the details of the time in-between. Could be being spoiled by Diana Gabaldons writing or that it’s hard to beat Janette Oaks Canadian segas, either way, I did want more.

Autumn | Melissa Harrison

Just like the previous ‘Summer’ , this anthology I am reading slowly and allowing the poetry and various writings on the season Autumn to sink into my spirit. Just lovely.

Top Girls | Caryl Churchill

I enjoy reading plays to remind me of the craft even when I cannot make it into a theatre. Top Girls is a play I have not seen in person yet know is well known and enjoyed by many. I loved the complexity that is given in the story that is laid out in the three scenes and how Caryl used the concept of having dinner with women in the past to be the spring board into the complexities in life she wanted to uncover and discuss through this play. Now, of course, I am itching to see it done in person.

Choose Wonder Over Worry | Amber Rae

I adore how Amber Rae creates images on instagram and other social media places for us to find and the power of what it means to re arrange our thinking in a visual yet simple manner. This book is a great way to learn more about her and get another soul loving deep dive in what it means to choose wonder.

Awakening Your Ikigai | Ken Mogi

I have loved learning about Japans word and concept Ikigai (‘your reason to get up in the morning’) over the past few years. I wouldn’t say this is the best piece for reading all about it but I did enjoy the read nonetheless. A sweet little take on what Japans take on how this life philosophy can take shape.

The Plain Janes | Cecil Castellucci & Jim Rugg

This graphic novel was a fun and thought provoking read on what it means to use art as a collaborative community force. Art and creativity can be a healing agent and these characters explore that.

Films & TV Series of Note

The Family Stone - for the Christmas atmosphere, laugh & cry.
Greys Anatomy - The latest episodes have been very ‘o.g.’ greys anatomy & I am loving it.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Because it was high time Zoë saw this classic.

Films & Television best watched in Winter from my collection:

Parenthood

This series ranks one of my all time favourites.  Coming from what I consider a larger family in todays North American Culture I found myself identifying with the insanity and coinciding love that occurs within family dynamics.  It's realistic, sentimental and perfect to cozy up to on a cold day.

Annie

There are many versions of Annie the musical now, but for me it will always be this.  Victor Garber as Daddy Warbucks to me is the best representation out there.  This is where my love for acting arrived.  Seeing this as a kid made me feel like I could learn to act and sing someday.  (spoiler alert:  I did! ;) 

Little Women

Is there any question?  So many women I know watch this around Christmas time.  It encapsulates that beautiful girl hood festive feeling , yet still carrying a strong feminist message.  I love everything Marmie is in Susan Sarandon and of course, Wynona is a perfect Jo March. 

The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe

The snow.  Just watching this beautiful magical story will be reason enough to watch this during the winter season.

The Phantom of the Opera

It's eerie, it's mysterious and beautifully played by Patrick Wilson, Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum.  It is beautifully captured in film! I spent endless months of my life singing to this soundtrack, which is currently making a comeback in my playlists.

Other films & tv not from my personal hard copy collection:

The Lord of the Rings - For the Sega.
A Little Princess - For the tears and beautiful message.
Frozen - For the modern animation lover who just has to 'Let it Go'
Ice Age - For those wishing to laugh at an animated sloth
The Crown - For the history and the cinematic vibes.
The Americans - For everyone wishing they were undercover just like this family.
Home Alone - For the classic Christmas lover.

Theres too many to list...