A new documentary with a strong Sarnia connection is challenging audiences to look beyond stereotypes of homelessness by celebrating the life, art, and poetry of a man who was often misunderstood. The film, Interpreting Erik, tells the story of Erik D’Haene through the eyes of his siblings, including Sarnia resident and cinematographer Ronny D’Haene. It […]
A new documentary with a strong Sarnia connection is challenging audiences to look beyond stereotypes of homelessness by celebrating the life, art, and poetry of a man who was often misunderstood.
The film, Interpreting Erik, tells the story of Erik D’Haene through the eyes of his siblings, including Sarnia resident and cinematographer Ronny D’Haene. It will be featured next month as part of the Forest City Film Festival’s Deep Dive program in London.
Created by Erik’s brother, Donald D’Haene, the 57-minute film is described as a memoir of strength, loss, and love, proving that “the end of the road marks a new beginning.” Instead of focusing on his struggles, the documentary uses Erik’s own vibrant artwork and profound writings to showcase the talented, creative, and loved person he was. As Ronny D’Haene writes “Erik was not nothing, he was everything.”
The film is a true Southwestern Ontario production with deep local roots. Several short scenes were shot in Sarnia, while most of the film was filmed in London. Key cast and crew members also come from London and St. Thomas.
Described as a “labour of love,” the project is a collaborative family effort, with siblings Donald, Marina, and Ronny D’Haene all working together to bring Erik’s story to light. The film invites the audience to become interpreters themselves, piecing together a life through the art he left behind and fundamentally challenging the way we view people struggling with homelessness.
The film contains mature themes, including references to child sexual abuse and suicide. Ultimately, it is presented as a story of hope and of protecting those you love, in life and in death.
Interpreting Erik will be screened at the Wolf Performance Hall in London on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 12 p.m. Tickets are available through the Forest City Film Festival website.
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Editor's note: A previous version of this article incorrectly attributed the quote, 'Erik was not nothing…'. This has been corrected.
