Kari Matchett Shines in MAUDIE, Debuting at Toronto International Film Festival

Canadian actress Kari Matchett makes her debut at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) with a starring role in Maudie. Based on the true story of Maud Lewis, a NOVA Scotian woman who overcame physical challenges to become a beloved and successful folk artist, the heartwarming biopic film will celebrate its Canadian premiere at TIFF on Monday, Sept. 12 at the Elgin Theatre.

Directed by Aisling Walsh, Maudie tells the story of an unlikely romance in which the reclusive Everett Lewis (Ethan Hawke) hires a fragile yet determined woman named Maudie (Sally Hawkins) to be his housekeeper. The film charts Everett falling in love with Maudie, her deep and abiding love for him and her rise to fame as a folk painter. Matchett takes on the role of Sandra, an American art collector who spends her summers in NOVA Scotia. She and Maud strike up an unlikely and lasting friendship. Sandra is based on a collage of various real-life collectors and people who knew Maud.

Maudie was shot in Newfoundland, whose historic locations are reminiscent of NOVA Scotia in the 1930s through to the 1970s, when the story takes place.

"Maudie is more than a film, it is an homage to a woman who defines the strength of the human spirit. It is a thoughtful and beautifully told biography, and I am excited to share this inspiring story with audiences at TIFF and around the word," said Matchett. "It was an honour to work with such an incredible cast and crew, and to get to film this in Canada - Newfoundland is one of the most gorgeous and pristine places on earth."

Maudie will be distributed in Canada by Mongrel Media in Spring 2017.

Kari Matchett is a Canadian Gemini Award-winning actor with over 20 years of experience working in film and television. Her credits include Covert Affairs, ER, 24, The Tree of Life, Civic Duty, Men with Brooms, Lead With Your Heart, A Colder Kind of Death, LEVERAGE and Crash. Prior to her successful acting career, she trained at and graduated from the National Theatre School in Montreal. Matchett started her career working in the theatre, including performing at the prestigious Stratford Festival. A native of Spalding, Saskatchewan, Matchett currently lives in Los Angeles, and is an avid runner, yoga-enthusiast and dedicated mother.

Photo Credit: Brie Childers