Ivor Sharp

Conceived, written and shot in Newfoundland, this study in grief and adolescent longing is a sure sign of local filmmaker Adriana Magg's huge potential. The plot centers on Crystal Janes, a young girl with an odd relationship to her dead brother. Typically moody and self absorbed, Crystal is nonetheless sensitive and smart. Growing up is hard enough in average families, let alone one still working through its grief and guilt. A strong performance by Marthe Bernard as Crystal helps to anchor the story in a strong sense of realism, ghostly presences and all.

"A Life In The Days Of Mary" tells the life story of Young Mary, a Newfoundland outport girl, in seventeen-minutes. It starts with her childhood abuse at the hands of a powerful man in her community and follows her life's journey until her death as a very happy, very old woman.