Filipe Masetti Leite's documentary premieres in Calgary
A young cowboy's epic journey 10 years in the making comes to life on the big screen for Calgary audiences starting on Canada Day.
The Long Rider is a documentary film shot by Filipe Masetti Leite with his story of adventure departing from the Calgary Stampede bound for his family's property in Brazil -- but the journey takes him beyond what he could've imagined.
"The first time I hit record on this project was over a decade ago," Leite told CTV News on Friday.
His long ride began in Calgary in 2012, when he left the Calgary Stampede grounds with his horses packed and headed south.
Leite captured about 500 hours of video, as he and three horses rode through the 12 countries between Canada, U.S.A. Central and South America over two years.
Leite is the youngest person to journey on horseback through this part of the world.
In 2020, he returned to the Calgary Stampede as the parade marshal, which he's described as an honour for a cowboy with a dream.
"Literally I feel like I have family in Calgary. I feel the Calgary Stampede is a part of my story and it feels amazing to share this film with audiences in Calgary," said Leite.
His journey to reach his family ranch in Brazil was at times lonely, even dangerous.
The Long Rider is a documentary film shot by Filipe Masetti Leite with his story of adventure departing from the Calgary Stampede bound for his family's property in Brazil -- but the journey takes him beyond what he could've imagined.
"It was fraught with speeding transport trucks and corruption at borders and nature's wrath," said the documentary film director Sean Cisterna.
Leite's journey didn't end in Brazil; he embarked on more long rides totalling more than 25,000 kilometres.
Along the way he learned more about himself, his horses, his family, and his sense of home.
The filmmakers say they wanted his global perspective to translate on screen.
"It's rooted in Canada but its so expansive and it definitely bridges the gap between north and south and Latin America," said Cisterna.
The Long Rider premieres in Calgary at the Cineplex Eau Claire with showings at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on July 1st.
The documentary will be shown in theatres around the world later this summer.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says Canada becoming 51st U.S. state 'a great idea'
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is taking aim at Canada once more, saying it would be 'a great idea' to make it America's ‘51st state.'
After scamming their victims, some con artists go on to scam our courts with impunity
Convicts, including fraudsters, are skipping out on their court-ordered payments to their victims to the tune of tens of millions of dollars across the country, according to figures obtained by CTV W5.
There are 88 new Order of Canada appointees. Here's a look at some of the most notable names
Ryan Reynolds, Scott Oake and Maureen Ann Jennings are among the 88 new recipients of the Order of Canada.
Synagogue on Montreal's West Island targeted by alleged arson
A synagogue on Montreal's West Island was the target of an alleged arson attack.
The barriers and benefits as a global bank looks to branch out in Canada
It's not every day, or even every decade, that a big foreign bank decides to have a go at Canada's retail banking market. But Spain's Banco Santander is poised to be among the few that have tried as it nears the all-clear to expand in Canada.
Quebec man pleads guilty to spreading hate speech about Jews, trying to make 3D-printed guns
A Quebec man has pleaded guilty to attempting to manufacture multiple firearms with a 3D printer, including an AR-15, and spreading hate speech about the Jewish community.
Restaurants that charge tax during holiday break could get investigated by CRA: industry expert
Restaurants that fail to honour the holiday tax break could be investigated by the Canada Revenue Tax Agency, according to the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association.
NEW
NEW These seniors were hit by the affordability crisis in a different way. They're having to support their children and grandchildren
With the high cost of living increasingly a concern, some seniors are making sacrifices to help their adult children and grandchildren make ends meet. Here are some of their stories.
5 family members found dead at Utah home and 17-year-old hospitalized with gunshot wound
Five family members including three children were found dead in a home in Utah on Tuesday, and another, age 17, was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound, police said.
Edmonton
-
Police officer hurt, 2 arrested after gun fight reported at Stantec Tower
A police officer and two men were taken to hospital on Tuesday after an arrest at Stantec Tower.
-
Caught on camera: Porch pirate steals dirty diapers from Edmonton step
A would-be thief got away with a bag of dirty diapers after snagging what they thought was a package off an Edmonton porch.
-
Family escapes north Edmonton house fire
A family of five escaped a house fire in north Edmonton early Wednesday morning.
Lethbridge
-
Voters head to polls to fill vacancy in byelection in Lethbridge, Alta.
Voters head to the polls today to pick a new legislature representative in Lethbridge-West.
-
Lethbridge businesses counting on a strong holiday shopping season
Local businesses have been seeing plenty more foot traffic over recent weeks, as shoppers head to downtown Lethbridge to pick up holiday gifts.
-
Lethbridge residents react to Canada Post operations resuming
Lethbridge residents will see mail begin moving again, now that Canadian postal workers are heading back to work.
Vancouver
-
City staff recommend demolition for derelict vacant building in downtown Vancouver
The City of Vancouver’s chief building official has deemed a 176-room hotel in the heart of the city’s downtown too derelict and poorly maintained to remain standing.
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
There are 88 new Order of Canada appointees. Here's a look at some of the most notable names
Ryan Reynolds, Scott Oake and Maureen Ann Jennings are among the 88 new recipients of the Order of Canada.
Vancouver Island
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
Langford council votes unanimously in favor of purchasing Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre
Langford city council has voted unanimously in favor of purchasing the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre for the price of $35 million. The facility's largest tenant is the YMCA/YWCA, which operates the municipality's only public pool.
-
Tofino Harbour Authority closed due to standoff with 'squatter,' agency says
The Tofino Harbour Authority says it has temporarily shuttered its office in the coastal Vancouver Island community due to an escalating standoff with the operator of a so-called "squatter" vessel.
Saskatoon
-
First Nation leaders push to close 'loophole' laws after judge stays fatal THC-impaired driving charge
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) wants to change the Criminal Code of Canada to prioritize victims that are children.
-
'She was fiercely competitive': Saskatoon historic Olympic medal winner honoured
One of Saskatoon’s most famous Olympians finally gets her official recognition — and it’s been almost a century in the making.
-
Sask. local businesses seeing holiday sales dip due to Canada Post strike
Canada Post employees are heading back to work after a month-long dispute – leading many local businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. However, business is not back to usual just yet.
Regina
-
Regina youth Powwow group more than an after-school program for its members
An after-school Powwow program in Regina has been a place of belonging for its members, as well a generational source of singers for the Indigenous community.
-
Saskatchewan cow slaughtered in Alberta was infected with bovine tuberculosis
A case of bovine tuberculosis originating from a cow that came from Saskatchewan is under investigation by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
-
Snowfall warnings issued for southern Saskatchewan
Canada's federal weather service has issued snowfall warnings for most of southern Saskatchewan Tuesday.
Toronto
-
'You're either with Beijing or you're with Washington': Ford says to Mexico in CNN interview
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has a message for Mexico as the threat of tariffs by incoming president Donald Trump hangs over both sides of the U.S. border.
-
Restaurants that charge tax during holiday break could get investigated by CRA: industry expert
Restaurants that fail to honour the holiday tax break could be investigated by the Canada Revenue Tax Agency, according to the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association.
-
Toronto recreational soccer team calls on league to change gender inclusion policy
A recreational soccer team in Toronto says controversy surrounding its league's gender policy, which temporarily excluded non-binary players from women's teams, has sparked a bigger conversation about accessibility and support for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Montreal
-
Quebec doctors Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Joe Schwarcz appointed to Order of Canada
Numerous Quebecers, including former professional footballer Dr. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and McGill University and CJAD 800's Dr. Joe Schwarcz, were among those appointed to the Order of Canada.
-
Quebec man pleads guilty to spreading hate speech about Jews, trying to make 3D-printed guns
A Quebec man has pleaded guilty to attempting to manufacture multiple firearms with a 3D printer, including an AR-15, and spreading hate speech about the Jewish community.
-
Synagogue on Montreal's West Island targeted by alleged arson
A synagogue on Montreal's West Island was the target of an alleged arson attack.
Atlantic
-
Three people face charges in murder of Saint John man
Three people are facing charges in connection with the murder of 52-year-old Allan Lee, whose remains were found in Saint John, N.B., in the summer.
-
Snow forecast to fall in parts of the Maritimes this week
As rainy and gusty weather clears the Maritimes Tuesday, a round of snow and rain is lined up for late week.
-
Sex-ed group deemed 'inappropriate' by Tory government returns to N.B. schools
A sexual-education group whose presentations were deemed "clearly inappropriate" by the previous New Brunswick Progressive Conservative government has been cleared to return to the province's schools.
Winnipeg
-
'Drastic measures' needed as Manitoba faces $1.3B deficit, experts say
With both Manitoba and Canada facing deficits far exceeding what they had hoped, experts warn drastic measures will be needed but fear Manitobans will be the ones paying.
-
Frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall heading to parts of Manitoba
A blast of wintry weather is heading to Manitoba on Wednesday, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall coming to parts of the province.
-
Fire at Brandon mall forces store closures, Santa picture cancellation
A fire at Brandon’s Shoppers Mall on Monday has forced the closure of several stores and the cancellation of Santa pictures for the season.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa Public Health asking customers of south Ottawa Tim Hortons to monitor for hep A symptoms
Ottawa Public Health is warning residents about a possible risk of exposure to hepatitis A at a local Tim Hortons in the city's south end.
-
Ottawa police looking for missing teenager who could be in the Toronto area
The Ottawa Police Service is asking the public for help locating a 15-year-old who was last seen last month, and who’s believed to be in the Toronto area.
-
'We have nowhere to go:' Brockville, Ont. woman seeking OHIP coverage for rare nerve disease
Sadie van Ravenhorst, diagnosed with Tarlov Cyst Disease, a rare neve disease, is hoping OHIP will cover her surgery.
Northern Ontario
-
BREAKINGBREAKING One child taken to hospital after Sudbury school bus rear ended
One child has been taken to hospital after a school bus was rear-ended on Municipal Road 35 east of Azilda in Greater Sudbury on Wednesday morning.
-
'There's just no rhyme or reason': Sault gun shop owners frustrated by additions to gun ban
The federal government’s recent expansion of its gun buy-back program has frustrated firearm owners and sellers in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
-
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have been harassed by local councillor
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have had enough of what they call unfair public scrutiny from a local municipal councillor.
Barrie
-
Give local families a Merry Christmas
Barrie & District Christmas Cheer asks communities to dig just a little deeper.
-
Highway 93 crash closes roads
An early-morning collision has closed Highway 93 at Highway 400.
-
Midland R.I.D.E. program pulls drugs off streets
A routine R.I.D.E. check netted police a stash of drugs.
Kitchener
-
Victim of Cambridge, Ont. dog attack claims same animal is up for adoption without disclosure
A Cambridge, Ont. woman who was involved in a vicious dog attack this summer claims one of the dogs involved is now up for adoption.
-
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
-
"Stubborn" structure fire in Goderich leads to highway closure
According to OPP Highway 21 is closed between Newgate Street and Nelson Street.
London
-
Power restored, gas leak isolated after vehicle strikes building in London
Ridout Street north was shut down between Dufferin and Queens and east of Fullerton
-
"Stubborn" structure fire in Goderich leads to highway closure
According to OPP Highway 21 is closed between Newgate Street and Nelson Street.
-
London man sentenced for his role in shooting death
A London man has been sentenced for his role in the shooting death of Josue Silva.
Windsor
-
Gun ditched trying to get into U.S.: CBP
According to CBP, two travellers were denied entry into Canada on Dec. 9, and on their way back attempted to ditch the gun by throwing it from their vehicle.
-
Essex mayor calls for report on flood mitigation projects
Sherry Bondy presented a notice of motion during Monday's council meeting, which will be brought forward for council's consideration at the next meeting.
-
New border security plan a 'great start', expert says
On Tuesday, Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc provided more details on a five-pillared approach with a price tag of $1.3 billion.
