Ballinran Entertainment proudly presents “The Crosswalk,” a documentary story inspired by the tireless efforts of Sirkel Foods proprietress Kelly Ballantyne and her many LGBTQ+ allies to have a rainbow crosswalk installed in the heart of Stratford’s heritage downtown, a stone’s throw away from the Avon Theatre where “La Cage aux Folles” is being presented this season.

This documentary reaches far beyond the crosswalk, weaving together a powerful mix of diverse and evocative stories from individuals who make up the LGBTQ+ community in Stratford (and Perth County). Additionally, the documentary delves into issues that include education, mental health, social inclusion, programs and supports.

Core to our mission, Ballinran Entertainment is bringing one of Stratford’s unique untold stories to life and to the world and we need your financial help in order to make that possible. If you believe this is a story that is important and needs to be celebrated and shared, then please help us with your gift of donation and support.

We invite you to learn more about Ballinran Entertainment and encourage you to share this opportunity with your network.

We are bringing Stratford’s story to the world and your financial contribution will help make that possible. If you believe this is a story that needs to be told, your generous support would be greatly appreciated. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your network.

Please click on the donate button below.

Testimonial

“We are grateful that an accomplished filmmaker like Craig Thompson is interested in turning his attention to members of the LGBTQ+ community in Stratford and rural Ontario,” says Melissa Marcelissen, Co-Chair, Stratford-Perth Pride. “Sharing stories of exceptional members of the queer community is critical when it comes to representation. Often the stories young people navigating coming out and their families hear are those of challenges and hardships faced by queer folks. By focusing on the joy that exists in the life of LGBTQ+ folks, this film will contribute to overcoming an incomplete narrative queer youth and others face in today’s media.”

MEDIA COVERAGE

MY STRATFORDNOW

A newly announced documentary is expected to highlight the inspiring stories of Stratford and Perth County’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

President and executive producer of Ballinran Entertainment, Craig Thompson, told MyStratfordNow that the documentary is inspired by Kelly Ballantyne, owner of Sirkel Foods, who led the effort to install a rainbow crosswalk in downtown Stratford.

THE BEACON HERALD

‘The Crosswalk’ is a MicroDoc from award-winning film production company Ballinran Entertainment that shares the story of both pride and prejudice in our small town. At the centre of the story is the pride crosswalk, symbolically positioned in the shadow of Stratford City Hall at the centre of the city’s heritage downtown district. At a time when some communities in Southwestern Ontario are rejecting pride flags and crosswalks, Stratford has strode a different path.