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At Dept.9 Studios, we believe in stories that connect people. Soul’s Road Movie is one of those stories - an idea that began years ago with Dept.9 Studios Founder, John MacDonald, and has now grown into a film we are proud to share with audiences across the country.
John first penned the script some time ago, but the project took on new energy when the search began for the lead character - Ronan Garrett, a disgraced rock star who returns to the hometown and people he had forsaken a decade earlier.
It was after attending a Canadian country music performance, Dallas Smith, that John found his Ronan. Watching Dallas perform, he saw more than a musician - he saw the depth, authenticity, and presence needed to bring this complex character to life. That spark was the beginning of the journey that ultimately brought Soul’s Road Movie to the screen.
“There’s a piece of me, not just from the experiences I had that were similar to Ronan, but… we’re sharing the same song. There’s a part of Ronan that I connected to.”
“Making a movie is a very brick by brick process. We’ve got a remarkable cast, and I wanted to have good souls in this picture.”
After its debut, the film quickly made an impression. Screenings at the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) and the Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF) were met with enthusiastic audiences and strong reviews.
Adding to the excitement, Soul’s Road has been nominated for eight ROSIE Awards, a milestone that recognizes the creativity, dedication, and craft of the entire team at Dept.9 Studios.
Best Scripted Feature, Made-for-TV Movie or Made-For OTT, or Specialty Cable Networks
Soul’s Road // John K. MacDonald, Don Depoe, Michael Feehan, Producers // Dept.9 Studios
Best Supporting Performance Male or Nonbinary
Orin McCusker // Soul’s Road // Dept.9 Studios
Best Supporting Performance Female or Nonbinary
Geena Meszaros // Soul’s Road // Dept.9 Studios
Best Screenwriter Scripted Over 30 Minutes
John K. MacDonald // Soul’s Road // Dept.9 Studios
Best Editor Scripted Over 30 Minutes
Dean Evans // Soul’s Road // Dept.9 Studios
Best Overall Sound Scripted Over 30 Minutes
Brent Planiden, Chris Ferguson, Garrell Clark // Soul’s Road // Dept.9 Studios
Best Original Musical Score Scripted
Stew Kirkwood // Soul’s Road // Dept.9 Studios
Best Makeup and/or Hair Artist
Ashly Mckessock // Soul’s Road // Dept.9 Studios
This year, Soul’s Road Movie will tour Canadian theatres, giving audiences from coast to coast the chance to experience the story on the big screen.
Screening Cities, Theatres & Dates
Toronto - Sept 19
Halifax - Sept 20
St. Johns - Sept 21
Winnipeg - Sept 26
Edmonton - Sept 27
Vancouver - Sept 28
Tickets are available now — visit www.soulsroadmovie.com to learn more and secure your seats.
For all of us at Dept.9 Studios, this project represents more than a film release. It’s a collaboration between artists, storytellers, and audiences. Bringing Soul’s Road from the page to the stage - and now to screens across the country - has been an exciting journey, and one we’re honoured to share.
We invite you to join us for a screening near you!
