Unearthing astonishing truths with her signature wit and humor

Polley, a protégé of director Atom Egoyan, has showcased her diverse talents in films such as the heroines of "Exotica" and "The Sweet Hereafter," "My Life Without Me," and as director and screenwriter for "Away from Her."

Born in 1979 to British stage actor Michael Polley and former actress Diane, who later became a casting director, Sarah Polley directs, acts, and plays "detective" in "Stories We Tell," a film exploring her mother Diane's love life and the secrets of her own birth. The film is set to premiere.

She interviews family members and those who were close to her mother, Diane. While delving into astonishing truths that could bring tragedy to her family and deeply wound her, Polley delicately portrays them with her characteristic wit and humor.

Each "Diane Story" spills forth from those who loved her mother

In the 1970s, Diane Polley was bright and innocent as the sun. Though she occasionally caused trouble, Diane remained a good mother while pursuing her acting career. She passed away young, leaving behind her beloved husband and five children.

When Diane died, her youngest child, Sarah, was only 11. "Sarah's the only one who doesn't look like Dad." Hearing this customary joke within the Polley family always made Sarah feel a little uneasy.

"Maybe Dad isn't my real father." And so, Sarah begins to explore her mother's life. Her mother before Sarah was born. Her mother who lived apart from the family, performing on stage in Montreal. And her mother who was in love with another man. Eventually, stories about Diane, as known by each person who loved her, begin to pour out.—.

The love and wit that vividly color Diane's life, a raw nostalgia, and an overflowing affection for a mother who was perhaps a little too free-spirited, illuminate the bonds of family and Sarah's own life.

Stories We Tell
Opening Saturday, August 30th, at Eurospace in Shibuya and rolling out nationwide.
Directed and Written by│Sarah Polley
Starring│Michael Polley, Harry Glickman, Susie Bacall, John Bacall, Mark Polley
Distributed by│Eurospace
2012 / Canada / 108 min
http://monogataru-movie.com

c 2012 National Film Board of Canada