Dancing on the Elephant


Dancing on the Elephant is a Canadian comedy-drama film, directed by Julia Neill and Jacob Z. Smith and released in 2025. Adapted from the stage play by Lisa Hagen, the film stars Sheila McCarthy as Nora, a woman involuntarily placed in a retirement home by her family, who meets fellow retiree Edna and sets out to reclaim control of her life by embarking on an adventure with her new friend.
The cast also includes Amanda Brugel as Barbara, a nurse at the retirement home, as well as Reid Price, Jordan Poole, Bob Mann, Laura Jones, Micha Cromwell, Sara Campbell, Kevin Kincaid, Lee J. Campbell, Murlane Carew, Shane Harbinson, Jeff Schwager, Alvena Poole, Sandi Rankaduwa and Patrick Cadegan in supporting roles.

Production

The film was shot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in spring 2024.

Distribution

The film premiered at the 2025 Atlantic International Film Festival. and has also screened at Cinfest Sudbury, Edmonton International Film Festival, and St. John's International Women's Film Festival.

Awards

At AIFF, Walsh won the Joan Orenstein and David Renton Award for best performance, and Angela Baker won the award for Best Atlantic Editor.