May 2025

I first arrived in Stanstead as a teenager, enrolling at Stanstead College for what would become six formative years of my life. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of this place, its layered history, its quiet beauty, its cross-border soul. But something about it stayed with me.

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Years later, I was invited back to create a series of promotional documentaries for the College. That project rekindled something profound. Charlotte and I found ourselves falling in love with Stanstead all over again, not just with the school, but with the town itself: its people, its rhythm, its sense of place. Four years ago, we made the leap and moved here with my daughters. Jane started Grade 7 at the College, and AliX began at Jardin des Frontières Elementary before joining her sister at the College last year.

 

Our new life began with Charlotte purchasing an old bank on rue Principale in Beebe and transforming it into Maison Gorchon, a deli that quickly became a community hub. As a filmmaker, I found myself inspired daily by the natural beauty surrounding us. The Tomifobia River, winding and ever-changing, became a muse. I’ve explored it in every season, and each time it reveals something new, a different light, a different mood. It’s a living, breathing character in my films.

 

Another source of inspiration has been the Stanstead Stone Circle. This granite monument, echoing ancient traditions, has served both as a set, in my film Polaris for instance, and as a stage, most notably for ANTENNAE’s performance last year. With each passing year, the Circle becomes more iconic, a symbol of the town’s unique blend of history and creativity. The annual FestiMusik event now brings musicians to the Circle, creating a powerful fusion of art and place.

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Stanstead’s charm doesn’t end there. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House stands as a testament to cross-border unity, straddling Canada and the United States. Jane had her first job there, and I had the honour of presenting Voices of Freedom, a film about liberty in the U.S., within its historic walls. The building itself is a symbol of cooperation and shared culture, even as geopolitical tensions ebb and flow.

Stanstead’s rich tapestry includes its designation as the “Granite Capital of Canada,” reflecting its industrial heritage. The town’s religious history is equally diverse, with churches of various denominations dotting the landscape, each with its own story to tell.

This page is a tribute to Stanstead, a collection of films and stories that aim to capture its essence. From the Stanstead College documentaries to the slow, contemplative journeys along the Tomifobia River, each piece is a love letter to this extraordinary town.

We envision creating a dedicated promotional film and accompanying website to showcase Stanstead’s unique character to a broader audience. This page serves as a glimpse into what that could look like, a celebration of community, creativity, and the enduring spirit of a town that continues to inspire.

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Jason Rodi.