Summary Adding an intriguing Canadian twist to a universally appealing story of teenage trials, writer/director Sandy Wilson's autobiographical memoir of growing up in British Columbia's picturesque Okanagan Valley in the late 1950s became a popular hit in the 1980s. Newcomer Margaret Langrick stars in the film as Sandy, a bright 12-year-old who is rescued from a summer of boredom when her older, cooler cousin Butch arrives unexpectedly from California in a bright red Cadillac convertible. Sandy and her pre-teen friends fall madly for Butch's rock 'n' roll swagger, but he's more interested in making time with the local girls and getting in fistfights. Though at first, Butch considers his Canadian cousin no more than a little kid, they eventually foster a mutual respect, and together make the summer a truly unforgettable experience. Capturing the restlessness of youth with a fresh, feminine perspective, Wilson's genuinely charming period piece is forever reaching for lost innocence as it playfully contrasts Canadian and American attitudes. Langrick, who picked up a Genie in her first big screen role, discusses her experiences on the film along with co-stars John Wildman and Jane Mortifee, while Sandy Wilson and producer Peter O'Brian reveal why My American Cousin has remained a consistent favourite for Canadians and non-Canadians alike.

• Documentary