Pride vs. Prejudice: National Screening Initiative  

A landmark story. A shared legacy. A community-powered movement.

About the Film 

Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story is a powerful new documentary produced by Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) in partnership with the Edmonton Queer History Project. The film tells the true story of Delwin Vriend, a young teacher who was fired for being gay—and whose quiet act of resistance led to one of Canada’s most important human rights victories. 

The Vriend v. Alberta decision affirmed sexual orientation as a protected ground under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, paving the way for marriage equality and influencing legal rulings around the world. 

This documentary is the final piece in a broader, cross-platform storytelling initiative launched by ECF in 2021. The goal? To honour this defining moment in Canadian history and amplify the voices of those who shaped it. 

Watch the trailer

Community Foundations Leading the Way

In celebration of Pride Month and in partnership with 23 community foundations across Canada, ECF is proud to launch the Pride vs. Prejudice National Screening Initiative. 

Together, we’re bringing this story to audiences in: 

Newfoundland and Labrador
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Manitoba
Alberta
British Columbia
Northwest Territories 

These community-led screenings aim to spark dialogue, inspire action, and create space for reflection on how far we’ve come — and how far we still have to go. 

Why This Story Matters 

At ECF, we believe in the power of storytelling to spark change. Pride vs. Prejudice is a direct reflection of our mission to amplify marginalized voices and invest in projects that strengthen community connections. 

  • The film was directed by Darrin Hagen, a member of Edmonton’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. 
  • It features 14 key voices involved in the landmark case, including Delwin Vriend himself and former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci. 

The wider project includes: 

  • A feature magazine story published in ECF’s Legacy in Action magazine, also nominated for industry recognition. 

The film has been awarded: 

  • Official Selection status at 9 film festivals across Canada, the U.S., and Europe 
  • Three Audience Choice Awards 
  • One Director’s Choice Award 

Interested in bringing a screening to your community?

   Please fill out the form to have our project lead contact you.