Edmonton International Film Festival 2008

One Week tells the story of Ben Tyler (Joshua Jackson), a man in his mid-twenties who is diagnosed with a virulent cancer. He has only a 10% chance of survival. Though it is imperative that he begin treatment immediately, Ben instead takes off on a road trip on an impulsively- purchased motorcycle. What starts off as an ill-defined attempt to escape soon morphs into a cross-country odyssey from Toronto to Tofino.

Against the immensity of the Canadian landscape and the enormity of his recent diagnosis, Ben re-examines his life. His fiancée, thinks the trip is reckless and refuses to accompany him, and Ben gradually comes to realize that something is lacking in their relationship that he has never before confronted. Other disappointments are thrown into focus by his illness: his unfulfilling job as a high school English teacher, and a manuscript no one will publish. As Ben travels west he meets a variety of people who help him understand what he believes in and what he really wants.

A beautiful love letter to Canada, held together by Joshua Jackson’s perfectly understated performance, this life-affirming film should have you leaving the cinema asking the question…’What would you do?’, faced with just One Week to live…

One Week is in competition for the Citytv Canadian Feature Award, chosen by YOU – the audience. Vote online until noon on Saturday, October 4th at www.citytv.com.