On June 17, Innis graduates had the privilege of witnessing esteemed Canadian actress and filmmaker Sarah Polley receive an honorary degree from the University of Toronto and deliver a moving convocation address that would no doubt stay with them for years to come.
Polley is the director and screenwriter of Oscar-winning film Women Talking and is well-known for her portrayals as Nicole Burnell in The Sweet Hereafter and as Sara Stanley in the beloved CBC series Road to Avonlea.
Beyond her success as an actress and filmmaker, Polley has been a strong advocate for women within the film industry and against sexual abuse.
It’s no wonder then that Polley would speak so eloquently in her address to our 2024 graduates about the importance of “running towards danger” and being brave with your life.
If you simply run away from what you are afraid of, the fear gets bigger.
Above: Photo of Sarah Polley speaking as part of the Alias Grace panel at Innis Town Hall in 2017.