Stories We Tell

Stories We Tell is a 2012 documentary film by Canadian actress/director Sarah Polley that chronicles the story of her family, including the revelation that she was the product of an extramarital affair. Her mother died of cancer when Sarah was 11. The film was produced by the National Film Board of Canada and premiered August 29, 2012 at the 69th Venice International Film Festival.

The film looks at the relationship between Polley’s parents by incorporating Super-8 home movies, dramatic recreations and interviews with Polley’s siblings and father.

Polley revealed while promoting the film that several journalists had known about the story of her biological father for years, but respected Polley’s wishes to keep the matter private until she was ready to tell the story her way. Enter Stories We Tell.