An original tragic-comedy inspired by the old tale of Romeo and Juliet and everyday life on our Downtown Eastside streets.

Written by Gina Bastone, with contributions by the artists, Mike Stack and Mr. William Shakespeare.

It Was a Wonderful Life

USA, 1993, 82 min, BetaSp
Directed By: Michèle Ohayon
This film is not rated. No children under 18.

In this award-winning festival standout, Academy Award-nominee Michèle Ohayon presents a riveting and powerful account of six women who are members of America's "hidden homeless" population. Narrated by Jodie Foster, and with an original musical score by Melissa Etheridge, this heart-wrenching film expertly captures the hardships and triumphs these courageous women experience in their daily struggle for survival.

You won't see them on street corners, hand held out for change. At first glance you would not even realize that they are women without homes. They are clean, educated, well-groomed and articulate. It Was A Wonderful Life follows the stories of six different hidden homeless women as they struggle to survive, one day at a time, and find a place for themselves in a society ill-equipped to deal with the "used to haves." With strength, humour and pride, these women manage to survive. They challenge our notion of who can feel secure in our society.

"Compassionately insightful...highlights the need to aid people before they are hopeless as well as homeless." - Booklist