Montreal Filmmaker Stacey Tenenbaum Unveils Inspiring Documentary 'Tough Old Broads'
Montreal documentarian Stacey Tenenbaum is renowned for her unpredictable and diversified approach to filmmaking, consistently delivering fascinating and entertaining projects that captivate audiences. Her latest work, Tough Old Broads, is no exception, offering a heartfelt tribute to three groundbreaking women who have made significant impacts in their respective fields and continue to blaze trails well into their 70s.
A Trio of Extraordinary Women
The documentary shines a light on Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967, who played a pivotal role in bringing the women's marathon to the 1984 Olympics. It also features environmentalist Siila Watt-Cloutier, an Inuit leader and Nobel Peace Prize nominee at the forefront of the climate-change crisis and the battle against toxic pollutants. Additionally, the film highlights photographer and civil-rights activist Sharon Farmer, who began her career documenting Vietnam War protests and the Kent State student killings, later becoming the director of the White House Photography Office.
"My goal was to find women not only in very diverse areas—in sports, civil rights, and climate change—but who have had different life experiences along the way," says Tenenbaum. "Someone of colour, someone from an Indigenous community. So I ended up looking for specific types of women and ended up with this blockbuster trio."
Premiere and Personal Motivation
The film makes its Montreal debut at Cinéma du Parc on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in advance of International Women's Day on Sunday. Following the screening, Tenenbaum will engage in a Q&A with the audience, providing insights into her creative process and the stories behind the documentary.
Tenenbaum's motivation for the project was deeply personal, driven by her own experiences in a film industry that often prioritizes youth, particularly for women. "Becoming older, working in a film industry that is not always open to people of older age, particularly women. It's become a young person's game, behind the camera and especially in front of the camera—particularly in front of the camera for women, and for older women even more," explains Tenenbaum, who is a youthful 56.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Endurance
The documentary's title, Tough Old Broads, was conceived before filming even began, inspired by Tenenbaum's admiration for resilient women. However, the production faced significant hurdles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it difficult to connect with older subjects. Despite these challenges, Tenenbaum secured financing in 2023 and successfully brought the project to life.
In the film, Switzer recalls frightening moments from her first Boston Marathon, where she encountered a menacing male competitor. Yet, her perseverance, along with that of Watt-Cloutier and Farmer, underscores the theme of endurance. "What's incredible is that the three women are still doing what they did when they started out," notes Tenenbaum. "Sharon at 74 is still shooting powerful pictures and Siila, 72, is still at the forefront of the climate-change crisis."
Tenenbaum emphasizes that change is possible but requires persistence and emotional endurance. "I didn't want to alienate men here, and it must be pointed out they were able to break barriers because men helped. We do need male allies. But, no question, women are dogged!" she asserts.
Looking Ahead
True to her eclectic style, Tenenbaum's next project, The Doppelganger Project, will follow Montreal photographer François Brunelle, who has spent 25 years photographing people who look alike but are not related. Despite the increasing difficulty of securing financing, Tenenbaum remains undeterred. "I've got tons of ideas. Financing is getting harder and harder. But I'm persistent," she says.
Tough Old Broads screens on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Cinéma du Parc, 3575 Parc Ave., with French subtitles under the title Dures à cuire. The event will include a Q&A with Tenenbaum and Siila Watt-Cloutier, offering audiences a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the stories of these remarkable women.
