NDP MP Olivia Chow was in Winnipeg Sunday offering insider tips to actors who are making a film about her late husband Jack Layton.

Smilin' Jack: The Jack Layton Story stars Rick Roberts as the late NDP leader and Sook-Yin Lee appears as Chow.

"I know his mannerisms quite well so I as able to give a few pointers, so to speak," said Chow. "And because I'm familiar with the [news] scrums, that scene was a scrum and the journalist was way too polite."

Layton died of cancer last summer, just months after leading the NDP to its most successful federal election result in its history.

The film's producers say the movie will depict Layton's political career, from Toronto city council to Parliament Hill, and the love story between him and Chow. The film is being produced by Pier 21 Films and Eagle Vision Inc., in association with CBC for release next year.

In the meantime, an event is scheduled in Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square to mark the one-year anniversary of Layton's death on Aug. 22.