Based on the travels and published memoir Ants in My Pants by Joyce E. Perrin, Northbound at 90 is a feature documentary that reflects on over 23 years of adventure across 187 countries.
After years of traveling the world, Joyce returns her focus to the one expedition left unfinished: the Northwest Passage. Drawing on decades of travel, she retraces the path that led her there and commits to completing the journey.
More than a documentary
The Past
An inspiring life.
Joyce E. Perrin began traveling the world at 57 and never stopped. Her memoir Ants in My Pants documents the 23 years that followed, filled with more adventure than many accumulate in a lifetime.
Years ago, Joyce planned an expedition but health concerns forced her to set it aside. Now, approaching 90, she is preparing to go. The film follows her as she readies herself, reflects on the journey that brought her here, and takes on one more.
The Present
An expedition left unfinished.
Northbound at 90 is currently in development. We are actively seeking partners, broadcasters, and supporters who believe this story deserves to be seen. If that's you, we'd love to hear from you.
The Future
The adventure awaits.
Not just a film about extraordinary travel.
The Film
At 57, Joyce E. Perrin opened the door to a life of global adventure, tracking gorillas in Uganda, climbing Kilimanjaro, scuba diving coral reefs, and connecting with people and cultures across all seven continents, all while continuing her work with organizations including the World Health Organization and the United Nations Development Programme. A former hospital CEO and one of the first women in Canada to hold that role, she built a life that refused to follow a single track. Now, approaching 90, she is preparing to complete one adventure that, until now, had to be pushed aside.
A film about what happens when you refuse to stop.
7
continents
90
and still going
57
when she started
187
countries visited
Meet the Team
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Joyce E. Perrin
SUBJECT & ADVENTURER
Author, adventurer and speaker who set out to see the world at 57, and didn't stop. Thirty years later: 187 countries, 7 continents, Kilimanjaro, the WHO, sharks, sand dunes, and a lifetime of strangers turned friends. One expedition got away. Now she is ready to go back for it. -
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Pedro Vargas
DIRECTOR
Brazilian director and the project's creator, Pedro brings a background in film and social media to his work, including a YouTube channel with over 3 million subscribers and a published book in Brazil. -
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Deniz Haciyusufoglu
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
A Turkish, Toronto-based producer working across development and production with a focus on women-led, globally resonant stories. Deniz leads the project's financing strategy, grant applications, and production logistics. -
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Mark Li
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Cinematic and precise, Mark brings a background spanning narrative, commercial, and festival work to every frame. A collaborator trusted by international brands and independent directors alike, he's the eye behind the lens.
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Maria Lypyavka
WRITER
A filmmaker and screenwriter specializing in character-driven documentary and fiction, she works closely with directors and editors to shape structure, surface emotion, and turn real life into cinema.
Join us on this adventure
This project is in development and looking for the right partners to help bring it to audiences. Whether you're a broadcaster, a production partner, or someone who simply believes this story deserves to be told, we would love to hear from you.