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An old man on a beach.

A key cutter in a suburban shopping mall.

A Syrian refugee in a crowded public square.

What connects these seemingly disparate individuals?

In this poignant one-person show, award-winning interdisciplinary artist Jesse Stewart combines storytelling and original music to explore the profound impact that strangers can have on us.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking examination of human connection and empathy, brought to life by one of Ottawa’s most innovative artists, Jesse Stewart.

Chance Encounters documents a one-person show of the same name by Juno award-winning musician and interdisciplinary artist Jesse Stewart.

Combining storytelling and innovative music performed on a variety of unusual instruments, the film explores the profound impact that fleeting interactions with strangers can have on us. 

Executive Producer - Jesse Stewart
Film Director - Hasi Eldib

Chance Encounters Festival Distinctions (2024) 

Award Winner and Official Selection: “Best Feature Film.” Experimental Dance & Music Film Festival, Toronto. 2024.

Award Winner and Official Selection: “Best Music in a Film.” London International Filmmakers Festival. 2024.

Award Winner and Official Selection: “Gold Savvy Award Winner (Feature Film).” The Sound and Vision International Film & Technology Festival. 2024.

Honourable Mention: “Best Feature Film.” Toronto Film Awards, 2024.

Official Selection and Award Nominee: “Best Experimental Film.” Tokyo International Cinema Awards. 2024

Official Selection and Award Nominee: “Best Narrative Feature.” Art Film Spirit Awards, Toronto. 2024.

Official Selection and Award Nominee: “Best Music Video.” Berlin International Art Film Festival, 2024.

Official Selection and Award Nominee: “Best Music Video.” Swiss Alpenglow International Film Festival, 2024.

Official Selection and Finalist: “Best Feature Music Film.” California Music Film Awards, 2025.

Official Selection and Finalist: “Experimental.” World Music & Independent Film Festival, 2024.

Official Selection (Best International Feature Film). Santa Maria Music & Film Festival, 2024.

Official Selection (Feature Narrative). Pickering (Canada) International Film Festival. 2024.

Official Selection (Music Video): Pickering (Canada) International Film Festival. 2024.

Official Selection (Music Video): Markham (Canada) International Film Festival, 2024.

Semi-finalist (Best Music): Atlanta Movie Awards. 2024.

Semi-finalist (Music video): Sacramento Independent Film Festival. 2024.