Moviegoers across Ontario will see the natural beauty of Trent University's Peterborough campus on the banks of the Otonabee River on full display as Lauren Hadaway’s award-winning directorial debut film, The Novice heads to the big screen.

The film has been stirring up international interest since it was selected for the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, but before that, the film was making waves in 2019 when a full film crew descended on Trent University’s Peterborough campus and the Peterborough Rowing Club.

The film focuses on the life of Alex Dall, played by Isabelle Fuhrman and showcases the highly competitive world of varsity sports as Alex navigates college life, relationships, and deteriorating health, grades, and social life.

Trent posed the perfect backdrop for the film – featuring academic spaces alongside the University’s state-of-the-art and second-to-none indoor and outdoor rowing facilities. The film even features a few members of the Trent Excalibur Women’s Rowing team.

The Novice launched into the Tribeca Film Festival and took away awards for Best Actress, Best Cinematography, and the Founders Award.

Starting December 17, the film will be on limited release in several theatres across Ontario, including the Galaxy Cinemas in Peterborough.