In a personal essay series called “Cutaways,” Canadian filmmakers share the behind-the-scenes stories of their films. Director Sophy Romvari’s work, “Blue Heron,” presented at TIFF 2025, delves into the concept of memory fallibility.
The narrative of “Blue Heron” revolves around Sasha, the youngest sibling in a family of four. Through her perspective, viewers witness her older brother Jeremy’s descent into increasingly risky behavior. The film explores the idea of how our childhood memories evolve as we gain adult perspectives.
While “Blue Heron” is a coming-of-age tale, it also acknowledges that this transformation occurs later than typically portrayed in movies. The film emphasizes the significance of reflecting on our past, with cinema serving as a medium for such introspection.
During the scriptwriting process, the director confronted the realization that many memories were distorted or missing. This revelation granted her artistic freedom, allowing her to create a narrative that, while partially true, primarily reflected her emotional journey from childhood to adulthood.
To capture the essence of the filmmaking journey, the director committed to journaling every night during production. This practice, along with reading from a filmmaking book, helped her process each day’s challenges and maintain enthusiasm for the project.
Reflecting on the filming experience, the director expressed gratitude for the supportive cast and crew and the collaborative atmosphere on set. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of independent filmmaking, particularly from the works of Cassavetes, she valued the on-set environment as a crucial element that translates onto the screen.
The director shared an excerpt from the production journal, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster of creating a feature film and the satisfaction derived from the collaborative process. She emphasized the uniqueness of each filmmaker’s journey and the personal fulfillment found in expressing oneself through the art of cinema.
As “Blue Heron” premieres at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, the director remains appreciative of the challenging yet rewarding experience of bringing her vision to life and preserving her memories through film.