My Winnipeg

The story begins with Guy Maddin waking up on a bumpy train, lost in a groggy contemplation of his life in Winnipeg. This moment serves as the catalyst for his desire to escape the confines of his hometown through filmmaking.

As Maddin travels, he ponders the question, 'What if?' This significant moment reflects his yearning to break free from the languid existence he has built around himself in Winnipeg, solidifying his resolve to create a film that enables his escape.

Maddin dives into Winnipeg's strategic location at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, famously known as 'the Forks.' Through his narrative, he draws an evocative comparison, hinting at a deeper, almost mystical connection between the city's geography and his maternal roots.

He introduces viewers to the concept of a hidden 'Forks beneath the Forks,' a mysterious underground river system that lies below the well-known waterways of Winnipeg. This notion emphasizes the enchanting, dual nature of the city that underpins much of Maddin's reflections.

Maddin shares humorous anecdotes about Winnipeg's quirks, including a sponsored annual treasure hunt by the Canadian Pacific Railway. He amusingly highlights how no resident has ever utilized a one-way ticket out of town, showcasing the deep-seated connection Winnipeggers have with their city.

In exploring local by-laws, Maddin discusses the bizarre situation where new tenants must allow sleepwalkers to return to their previous homes. He playfully suggests that Winnipeg's high rate of sleepwalkers is a factor in residents' reluctance to leave, adding to the city's unique charm.

Maddin rents his childhood home at 800 Ellice Avenue, engaging actors to portray his family members, including his mother. This creative choice allows him to revisit cherished memories while artfully omitting roles that are too painful to confront directly.

In a surreal family gathering, Maddin's fictional family watches a television show titled 'LedgeMan,' which centers on a sensitive man contemplating jumping from a ledge. The parallels between the show and his own life reflect his ongoing struggles with trying to navigate relationships.

The narrative shifts into a historical reflection on the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike, a significant event with both local and global significance. By recounting this pivotal moment, Maddin layers his exploration of personal and collective histories.

Amidst family reenactments, a tale of betrayal unfolds, revealing a mother's suspicion that Janet Maddin is involved in an illicit affair after a deer accident. This subplot illustrates the intricate dynamics of family relationships and secrets that permeate Winnipeg.

Maddin highlights Winnipeg's rich architectural legacy, focusing on significant sites like the now-demolished Eaton's and Winnipeg Arena. His poignant memory of being the last person to use the arena's restroom before its destruction underscores a sense of loss in both personal and communal histories.

A disturbing recounting of a racetrack fire that claimed numerous horses introduces an eerie tone to the film. Maddin evokes haunting imagery of ghostly horse heads supposedly re-emerging from the Red River each winter, leaving lasting impressions of tragedy.

The narrative takes an odd turn as Maddin describes 'If Day', a staged Nazi invasion during World War II intended to promote war bond sales. This bizarre historical footnote exemplifies the surreal events that have shaped Winnipeg's quirky identity.

As Maddin's journey progresses, he conjures the image of the 'Citizen Girl', inspired by the 1919 strike's newsletter, symbolizing his longing for freedom from his hometown. This character becomes pivotal in representing his desires and struggles throughout the film.

The film culminates in a gut-wrenching reenactment involving Maddin's brother Cameron, whose tragic suicide forces Maddin to confront complex emotional realities. This moment encapsulates the bittersweet nature of memory, loss, and the inescapable ties to his hometown.