The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR), in collaboration with the Key City Theatre and Cranbrook Pride, is proud to present a special screening of Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story in celebration of Pride Month 2025.

This event is presented in partnership with Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) and the Edmonton Queer History Project (EQHP) and aims to honour the contributions of our local 2SLGBTQI+ community while fostering meaningful conversations about equity, human rights, and inclusion.

Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story chronicles the landmark legal battle that changed the course of Canadian history. In 1991, Delwin Vriend was fired from his job at a Christian college in Edmonton for being gay. When Alberta’s human rights legislation failed to protect him, Vriend took his case all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada — and won.

The 1998 decision in Vriend v. Alberta ensured sexual orientation was protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, shaping the future of 2SLGBTQI+ rights in Canada.

Directed by Darrin Hagen and produced by ECF and the EQHP, Pride vs. Prejudice has been celebrated at film festivals around the world, earning multiple Audience Choice Awards and critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling and cultural impact.

“ECF is proud to partner with community foundations across the country to share Pride vs. Prejudice,” says Tina Thomas, CEO of Edmonton Community Foundation. “The Delwin Vriend case is not just Edmonton’s story — it’s Canada’s story. We hope these screenings spark reflection and dialogue, while also celebrating the resilience, advocacy, and joy of2SLGBTQI+ communities.”

CFKR Executive Director Lynnette Wray stated, “The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies is honoured to join our fellow community foundations in sharing this important film, to raise awareness, celebrate diversity, and build a sense of belonging.”

“Key City Theatre is honoured to support this national initiative and provide a platform for stories that champion equity and inclusion,” added Galen Olstead, Executive Director of Key City Theatre. “We’re proud to stand alongside Cranbrook Pride and CFKR in fostering dialogue and celebrating the resilience of our 2SLGBTQI+ community.”

EVENT DETAILS:

What: Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story Screening.

When: Thursday June 12.

Where: Key City Theatre, Cranbrook.

Tickets: By donation at the door, with all proceeds going to support Cranbrook Pride.

View the trailer:

For more information about the screening, please see our Facebook event.

Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies

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