Winter Kept Us Warm
Winter Kept Us Warm
Winter Kept Us Warm
Winter Kept Us Warm
Winter Kept Us Warm
Winter Kept Us Warm
Winter Kept Us Warm
Winter Kept Us Warm
Winter Kept Us Warm
Winter Kept Us Warm
Winter Kept Us Warm
Winter Kept Us Warm

Canadian International Pictures

Winter Kept Us Warm

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Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcover

CIP-038 SLIP
{ "42959283060778":1 }
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This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!

Details

This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Seth) is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

From arthouse to Canuxploitation, Canadian International Pictures (CIP) is devoted to resurrecting vital, distinctive, and overlooked triumphs of Canadian cinema. This label is focused on the country’s original cinematic boom years – spanning the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s – occasionally venturing past that period (and the country’s borders) to highlight the films of Canada’s most inspired actors and filmmakers. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing CIP's brand new line of home video releases!

60th anniversary special edition

Leaving his small town to attend the University of Toronto, introspective freshman Peter (Henry Tarvainen) finds a campus steeped in tradition waking up to the radical politics of the 1960s. Following a disastrous first encounter, he connects with handsome and cocksure sophomore Doug (John Labow), who quickly indoctrinates him in city and college life. But as their bond grows, Doug’s girlfriend Bev (Joy Fielding) feels increasingly cast aside and begins to question the nature of the friendship. Tensions come to a head when Peter starts dating Sandra (Janet Amos), forcing Doug to confront his true feelings and desires. 

Often described as the first LGBTQ+ film ever to screen at the Cannes Film Festival, David Secter’s Winter Kept Us Warm was one of the first Canadian feature films to attract international acclaim with its lovingly observed portrait of a burgeoning queer romance, at a time when homosexuality was still illegal in the country. A milestone in independent film production, Secter’s debut would go on to influence a wide range of Canadian auteurs, most notably David Cronenberg, who cites Winter Kept Us Warm as the film that inspired him to become a filmmaker. CIP is proud to resurrect this trailblazing classic with a new 4K restoration.

directed by: David Secter
starring: John Labow, Henry Tarvainen, Joy Fielding, Janet Amos
1965 / 82 min / 1.37:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0

Additional info:

  • Region A Blu-ray
  • Newly scanned and restored in 4K from the original 16mm A/B camera negatives by Canadian International Pictures with sound transferred from the answer print
  • New audio commentary featuring director David Secter
  • New audio commentary featuring filmmaker John Greyson and author/professor Thomas Waugh
  • Learning on the Job (2025, 18 min.) – New interview with Secter 
  • The Actor as Author (2025, 16 min.) – New interview with actress Joy Fielding
  • Winging It (2025, 16 min.) – New interview with executive producer Ronald B. Thomson
  • First Score (2025, 12 min.) – New interview with composer Paul Hoffert
  • After Winter (2025, 13 min.) – Hoffert reflects on his body of work
  • Behind-the-scenes footage (1965, 5 min.)
  • Outtakes and deleted scenes (1965, 18 min.)
  • Unmade Memory (2025, 9 min.) – Secter on Memory & Desire, the sequel he wrote, but never shot
  • Screenplay draft for Memory & Desire
  • Press gallery
  • Theatrical re-release trailer
  • Love with the Proper Guppy (1964, 8 min.) – New 2K scan of Secter’s first short
  • The Best of Secter & the Rest of Secter (2005, 58 min.) – Documentary on David Secter’s life and work with a new introduction by director Joel Secter
  • Booklet featuring a new essay by Chris Dupuis and an archival essay by Waugh
  • English SDH subtitles

Overall rating: 4.68 / 5 from 25 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

This special limited edition slipcover from Canadian International Pictures features a groundbreaking film from the 1960s, highly regarded for its portrayal of a queer romance. The release includes a 4K restoration, new audio commentaries, and additional behind-the-scenes content. It is a must-have for film enthusiasts and collectors.

Summary topics

  • Product Release: 23%
  • Film Quality: 28%
  • Cinematic Impact: 23%

Review topics: ["feel","film","cinema","release","movie","story","cinematography"].

Review highlights

  • "Really excellent early LGBTQ+ film with some touching performances." — Colin H.
  • "Fascinating and important film in the history of LGBTQ Cinema" — Ryan L.
  • "What a wonderful release." — Mark B.

Reviews

Classic LGBTQ

"Canadian LGBTQ flick that gives nostalgic vibes. Recommended."

— Jeffrey L. (5/5)

Early gay cinema.

"This was a fascinating release that I had never heard of prior to purchasing. An early Canadian film dealing with homosexuality of college students made in the 1960s. It isn't the best gay themed film but an important time capsule in the history of LGBT cinema. The sleeve art is great."

— Michael B. (4/5)

Fascinating and important film in the history of LGBTQ Cinema

"A very lovely film that made much noise upon its initial premiere at the Cannes film festival. A worthy pickup for those willing to take the chance."

— Ryan L. (4/5)

A winner lol

"Excellent movie with great extras."

— Keith D. (5/5)

Winter Kept Us Warm

"An piece essential of queer Canadian cinema"

— James T. (5/5)

This film should be talked

"This film should be talked about more."

— Dave C. (4/5)

Subtle and heartfelt

"An amazing feat to land a film without any real prior knowledge just a want to make films. Lovely black & white cinematography and a heartfelt story. Loads of extras. Very highly recommended."

— Hansi L. (5/5)

5 stars

"great release"

— Andy N. (5/5)

Good Canadian

"Great slow independent film"

— Mary D. (5/5)

A solid release of a

"A solid release of a queer cinema hidden gem."

— Mike S. (4/5)

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