Erase & Rewind
Directed by Lauren Grant

World Premiere
Canadian Film Fest
Homegrown Shorts 6
Saturday, March 23, 2:30pm
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Erase & Rewind, directed by Toronto-based filmmaker Lauren Grant, is set to World Premiere March 23, 2:30pm at Scotiabank Theatre as part of the Canadian Film Fest’s Homegrown Shorts.

Adapted from Meghan Bell’s gripping short story of the same name, Grant unveils a powerful narrative adaptation that offers a compelling exploration of trauma, consent, and the aftermath of sexual assault.

Upon encountering Bell’s story at the Ontario Creates From Page to Screen event (now named IP Market Day), Grant was immediately captivated by the visual storytelling and intricate narrative structure, recognizing the potential to bring this tale to the screen. The project presented both a challenge and an opportunity to explore the inner world of the protagonist, Louisa, while also delving into the cinematic possibilities of reverse timelines.

“As a filmmaker drawn to stories that amplify the female experience and shed light on topics often silenced in public discourse, I felt a deep resonance with the themes of Erase & Rewind,” Director Lauren Grant reflects. “This film invites audiences to confront difficult questions about accountability, consent, and the aftermath of trauma.”

The production of Erase & Rewind prioritized creating a safe and respectful environment for cast and crew, particularly when addressing sensitive subject matter such as sexual assault. Working closely with intimacy coordinator Anisa Tejpar, Lauren Grant ensured that each step of the assault scene was meticulously choreographed, allowing for a supportive space for actors to navigate complex emotional transitions. A counselor was also made available to cast and crew following the film shoot.

“Through storytelling, we have the power to break silences and foster empathy,” Grant emphasizes. “I hope that Erase & Rewind resonates with survivors and fosters meaningful conversations about the complexity in speaking out, and the stories we rewrite and tell ourselves to survive..”

Erase & Rewind serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. As the film prepares to make its debut, audiences can anticipate a thought-provoking exploration of trauma, consent, and the complexities of survivorship.

Erase & Rewind is Directed/Produced/Written (Adaptation) by Lauren Grant, Producer is Ashleigh Rains, Gabriela Osio Vanden is Cinematographer, Katie Chipperfield is Editor, Natasha Uhrig is Productions Designer, Kristin Somborac is Costume Designer, Erik Arnesen is Composer. The film is supported by Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council.

Lauren Grant owns Clique Pictures, a film and television production company that focuses on working with female creative talent in front and behind the camera. Her debut short film as director Things We Feel but Do Not Say premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival and went on to screen at festivals in Canada, Australia, and the US before launching on CBC Gem. Erase & Rewind is her second short film and based on the short story by Meghan Bell. Her feature film Afterwards received development funding from the Harold Greenberg Fund, Telefilm Canada and Ontario Creates. It was named a quarterfinalist in the Atlanta Film Festival Screenplay competition and the Vail Screenplay Competition. Known for her producing work, Lauren has produced the feature films Sugar Daddy, The Retreat, Riot Girls, Wet Bum and Picture Day as well as the documentaries On the Line, Metamorphosis, Traceable, Take a Walk on the Wildside, and One Leg In, One Leg Out. Her films have screened at TIFF, Berlinale, SXSW as well as festivals around the world. She won a Canadian Screen Award for the short documentary Take a Walk on the Wildside and a Genie award for the short film Savage. The Hollywood Reporter named Lauren one of 15 Talents to Watch. Lauren is an alumna of ACE Producers, Trans-Atlantic Partners, Rotterdam Lab, Berlinale Talent Campus, TIFF Studio and the CFC Producers Lab. She served as an Executive Producer on the Amazon series The Sticky. She is currently studying at UBC (optional residency program) for her MFA in Creative Writing.

Ashleigh Rains is a seasoned producer and co-founder of C’mort Mort Productions. With a passion for amplifying underrepresented voices and exploring complex narratives, Rains has established herself as a dynamic force in the Canadian film and television industry. Her extensive experience spans various genres, from thought-provoking dramas, like Things We Feel But Do Not Say and Sara, the feature film Canadian Strain, and the comedy television series With A Twist for which she was writer, producer and co-creator. Her films have played festivals including the Vancouver International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, Newport Beach, Whistler, Edmonton, and more. As a writer, her work has been selected to Stowe Story Labs and placed in festivals and contests including Inroads Fellowship and Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards. Rains won a Canadian Screen Award for producing the Toronto Film Critics Association Awards Gala. She is an alumna of NSI Totally Television, Stowe Story Labs, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and Canada’s National Ballet School.