Film Celebrates Canada’s First Female Infantry Officer, Premieres in Ottawa

A film depicting the life of Sandra Perron, Canada’s first female infantry officer, is set to premiere at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on Thursday. Titled Out Standing, the military drama draws from Perron’s memoir, Out Standing in the Field: A Memoir by Canada’s First Female Infantry Officer, published in 2017. The film had its initial screening at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5.

In an interview with CTV Your Morning Ottawa, Perron expressed her pride in the film, highlighting its authentic portrayal of her journey. “I was so proud of this movie and the way they didn’t sensationalize it or make Nina Kiri, my role, a superwoman,” she stated. “You know she’s petite, she’s strong, she’s got drive. I love the movie and the way they stayed true to my story and portrayed my loyalty and my admiration for the military.”

Perron made history in 1990 when she became the first Canadian female infantry officer. Reflecting on her groundbreaking role, she noted, “I never thought of it that way. I wanted to be infantry, I wanted to go airborne, whether I was the first or not, for me, back then, it was just background noise.” Her desire to serve in the military stemmed from a family tradition, as both of her parents were also in the armed forces. “I wanted to continue that service to my country. I loved every aspect of the military. The physical, the leadership, the development and the challenges, I loved it,” she added.

Following the success of her memoir, Perron was approached by Quebec-based production company GPA Films to adapt her life story into a film. “It was daunting, because all my secrets would be on the big screen, but they were in the book anyways. I was excited to give voice to women across the country,” she remarked.

Directed by Mélanie Charbonneau, Out Standing will be available in theatres starting on September 26. The Ottawa premiere at the National Arts Centre will also serve a charitable purpose; proceeds will support The Pepper Pod, a retreat centre for women veterans founded by Perron herself.

For further details on the Ottawa premiere, visit the National Arts Centre’s official website.