December 19, 2016 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

Following the world premiere of Teresa MacInnes’s National Film Board of Canada (NFB) short documentary Mabel at the Atlantic Film Festival, 90-year-old hairdresser Mabel Robinson of Hubbards, Nova Scotia, became an online sensation when CBC Nova Scotia aired a 30-second teaser clip of the film, generating millions of views and hundreds of heartfelt comments.

So it’s only fitting that the full version of Mabel is making its world television premiere on Tuesday, December 27, at 6:30 p.m. on CBC Nova Scotia―back where so much of the excitement began. Chosen as one of the best local films of 2016 by The Coast’s Stephanie Clattenburg, it’s a heartfelt, truly Nova Scotian story that’s a great family experience for the holidays.

Mabel Robinson broke barriers back in the ’40s when she became the first woman in Hubbards to launch her own business—a hairdressing salon where she still provides shampoo and sets over 70 years later, catering to a faithful but dwindling clientele. “They’re all dying on me, but I’m still going strong,” she observes with customary wry humour.

At a time when most people’s dreams revolve around retiring as early as possible, Mabel tells a different story. It shows how diligent work, however repetitive and humble, can be a path to meaningfulness, purpose and dignity in the golden years, especially if it springs, as in Mabel’s case, from one’s heart, and connects one to one’s community.

An affectionate documentary portrait from the hand of Halifax filmmaker Teresa MacInnes, Mabel weaves animation and archival imagery with intimate interview footage, exploring the power of community and friendship. The film is produced and executive produced by Annette Clarke.

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Associated Links

CBC Nova Scotia