Riley: World Premiere

Ambitious high school athlete Dakota Riley begins his senior year like most of his peers: within the confines of the steady monotony that comes with adolescence – sports, classrooms, dinner tables, and school halls.

With high expectations for his athletic pursuits, Dakota lives within carefully designed boundaries, a calculated blueprint upon which he’s formed the basis of his identity. But when the reality of that identity is thrown into disarray, Dakota is forced to confront the consequences of denying himself or coming to terms with who he really is.

Filled with terrific performances, including a star-making turn by Jake Holley, this stunning feature debut from writer-director Benjamin Howard eschews cliches, resulting in one of the best coming-of-age films in years.

Part of the Calgary International Film Festival