The Toronto International Film Festival kicks off Thursday, September 4 with a number of BC produced films on the bill. I had the opportunity to take a sneak peak at five short films that will be premiering as part of the Short Cuts Canada Programme. Festival goers are in for some fantastic storytelling care of these BC-based filmmakers.
photo: tiff.net
Luk’Luk’l: Mother
Written and directed by Wayne Wapeemukwa
A First Nations single mother enters the sex trade to earn more money to support her daughter. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, she goes missing in Vancouver’s seedy downtown eastside. As the city celebrates and welcomes the world, Luk’Luk’l: Mother sheds light on Vancouver’s darkest social issues. The films political undertones and sensational imagery (jump cuts to a pig farm) are unnecessary but help raise awareness around the issue of violence against women. TRAILER
Short Cuts Canada Programme 3
Sunday, September 7, 9:45pm at Scotiabank Theatre 14
Monday, September 8, 4:15pm at Scotiabank Theatre 9
Visit tiff.net for details.
photo: tiff.net
Light
Written and directed by Yassmina Karajah
In the hours that follow the tragic death of a Lebanese mans baby boy, born four months prematurely, he is encouraged by his distraught mother to perform Islamic pre-burial rituals. While his wife recovers, time is running out, as he struggles to find someone to assist him.
Ahmed Muslimani’s nearly solitary performance is heart breaking, giving us a glimpse into the cultural challenges new Canadians face while trying to remain devoted to their faith.
Short Cuts Canada Programme 3
Sunday, September 7, 9:45pm at Scotiabank Theatre 14
Monday, September 8, 4:15pm at Scotiabank Theatre 9
Visit tiff.net for details.
photo: tiff.net
Sahar
Written and directed by Alexander Farah
A studious, good-natured Nadim is frustrated by his sister’s rebellious behavoir and how it’s affecting his parents and their otherwise peaceful household. When he ignores his sister’s call to let her in the house well past curfew, she and her father break into a heated argument. This sparks a series of events that land Nadim in custody being questioned by the police.
Sahar highlights the challenges that families of conservative cultures face when integrating their children into a contemporary society.
Short Cuts Canada Programme 4
Monday, September 8, 6:15pm at Scotiabank Theatre 14
Tuesday, September 9, 9:15am at TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema 4
Visit tiff.net for details.
photo: tiff.net
The Encounter
Written and directed by Frieda Luk
A woman escapes a brutal assault on the dark streets of Paris. We follow her attacker as his obsession for her grows until the film takes an unexpected turn.
Without giving too much away, I never would have guessed which direction The Encounter would take until the final seconds. Luk delivers this suspenseful story brilliantly.
Short Cuts Canada Programme 5
Wednesday, September 10, 9:30pm at TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema 2
Thursday, September 11, 9:15am at TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema 4
Visit tiff.net for details.
photo: tiff.net
Godhead
Written and directed by Connor Gaston
A quiet underdog suffering from autism struggles to fit in under the relentless pressure of his father, who pushes him over the edge until one day he erupts and shares his mysterious ability.
A unique and quirky story, Godhead reminds us – in a whimsical way – to look past the obvious and be open to our differences. TRAILER
Short Cuts Canada Programme 6
Thursday, September 11, 6:15pm at Scotiabank Theatre 3
Friday, September 2, 2:45pm at Scotiabank Theatre 10
Visit tiff.net for details.
photo: tiff.net
Preggoland
Canadian director Jacob Tierney’s feature film Preggoland will also have its world premiere during TIFF, following weeks of buzz from film bloggers and international media. Watch for my review next week.
Written by Sonja Bennet, the film follows 35-year-old Ruth whose behavior during a friend’s baby shower drives a wedge between she and her friends, most of whom are new mothers. When Ruth mistakenly thinks she’s pregnant, the dynamic shifts as she’s welcomed back into her social circle. After attempting to come clean, she’s seduced into carrying on the charade.
Screening times
Friday, September 5, 9:15pm at Isabel Bader Theatre
Monday, September 8 at Scotiabank Theatre 3
Visit tiff.net for details.
Written by Heather Magee | Twitter | Instagram | curiouscontentment.com
