MONICA’S NEWS
feature directorial debut from Pamela Gallant

Trailer

Canadian Theatrical Continues

Halifax, NS
Cinema Park Lane

Wolfville, NS
Al Whittle Theatre  – March 11

Toronto, ON
Cineplex, Scotiabank – Starts March 20

Vancouver, BC
VIFF Cinema – April 12 & 13

Monica’s News, the feature directorial debut from Nova Scotia filmmaker Pamela Gallant, will open theatrically across Canada beginning March 7, 2026, timed to coincide with International Women’s Day. The film has already been named by Exclaim! as one of “10 Canadian Films to See in 2026,” marking it as one of the year’s most anticipated homegrown releases.

Set in 1974 in small town Nova Scotia, Monica’s News follows intrepid nine-year-old Casey Richards, (Polly Gallant-McLean), as she wages a quietly radical fight for her own equal rights. While discovering independence through her new paper route, Casey’s coming-of-age is shaped by tragedy when her beloved, free-spirited feminist cousin (Elisa Paszt) goes abruptly missing. The film explores feminism, girlhood, and moral awakening through the eyes of a child who refuses to stay silent.

Alongside Gallant-McLean the film features a riveting Canadian ensemble cast including Elisa Paszt, Kevin Kincaid, Allegra Fulton, James Gilbert, Jessica Gallant.

“As a young paper carrier myself in 1974, I witnessed women facing injustice in their own homes and communities,” says writer-director Pamela Gallant. “Those who challenged the status quo often paid a high price. Monica’s News is my way of honoring the women who dared to push back, and the girls who were watching.”

Pamela Gallant is a recipient of the Women In the Director’s Chair Feature Film Award, which includes a $400,000 production prize and support toward the realization of the film. The award recognizes bold, original voices and has been instrumental in launching the careers of leading Canadian filmmakers.  Monica’s News won Best  Director (Pamela Gallant) and was also nominated for Best Feature Film at the 2025 Screen Nova Scotia Awards.

The theatrical rollout will include event screenings with filmmaker Q and As, supported by Women In the Director’s Chair (WIDC) and Women in Film and Television (WIFT) where possible. 

Monica’s News is produced by Terry Greenlaw of Picture Plant. Her previous producer credits include Bystanders, Dawn, Her Dad and the Tractor, and Under the Weather. The film is executive produced by Carol Whiteman and lensed by cinematographer Peter Wunstorf.

The film was produced with the support of Telefilm Canada, the Women In the Director’s Chair Feature Film Award, the Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund, the Screen Nova Scotia Content Creator Fund, and the Canadian Film Tax Credit. Script development support was provided by the Nova Scotia Screenwriters Development Fund, the Harold Greenberg Fund, and the WIDC Story and Leadership Program.

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ABOUT PICTURE PLANT
Picture Plant is a Halifax-based production company founded in 1981. Known for award-winning dramatic features, documentaries, and nationally broadcast television, Picture Plant is one of Atlantic Canada’s most experienced independent production companies. Principals are producer Terry Greenlaw and writer-director William D. MacGillivray.