February 2015 – Hye's Musings

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Music Notes: TSO’s New Creations Festival 2015

February 27, 2015

Time to look forward to Spring! This March, the TSO presents fresh new sounds and international stars as its 11th annual New Creations Festival. The Festival is one of the most successful celebration of musical creativity in Canada. Curator George Benjamin joins Festival conductor and host Peter Oundjian to present state-of-the-art repertoire.

New Creations begins on Saturday, February 28, with A Mind Of Winter, George Benjamin’s evocative setting for soprano of the poem The Snowman by Wallace Stevens; a new Violin Concerto by Vivian Fung that the TSO commissioned for Concertmaster Jonathan Crow; and a dynamic work by Japanese composer Dai Fujikura that was inspired by the celebrated music education programme, El Sistema.

The second concert is Let Me Tell You, which features the fascinating equal partnership of piano and orchestra in George Benjamin’s Duet, and Danish composer Hans Abrahamsen’s song cycle that treats the words of Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet in new ways. This concert takes place on Wednesday, March 4.

New Creations culminates on Saturday, March 7, with the Canadian première of George Benjamin’s critically acclaimed Written on Skin, starring Canadian soprano Barbara Hannigan. Superstar conductor and TSO favourite Gianandrea Noseda returns to Roy Thomson Hall to lead the Orchestra in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, sharing the stage with beloved Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka.

The month of March also marks TSO débuts for Argentine cellist Sol Gabetta and Polish conductor Krzysztof Urbański, who team up in a programme featuring Dvořák’s Cello Concerto and Stravinsky’s exhilarating piece, The Rite of Spring.

Beethoven Symphony 7
March 11, 12, and 14 at 8:00pm – Masterworks Series
Gianandrea Noseda, conductor
Adrianne Pieczonka, soprano
Casella: Italia
R. Strauss: Vier letzte Lieder (Four Last Songs)
Wagner: Liebestod (“Mild und leise”) from Tristan und Isolde
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7
Tickets: $33 – $145

Noseda focuses his trademark intensity on Beethoven’s gloriously energizing Symphony No. 7, and Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka lends her remarkable voice to works by Wagner and R. Strauss. You’ll also enjoy an attractive rarity in Casella’s lavish rhapsody on popular Italian themes.

Stravinsky The Rite of Spring
March 27 at 7:30pm – Masterworks Series
March 28 at 7:30pm – Casual Concert Series
Kilar: Orawa (Mar 27 only)
Dvořák: Cello Concerto
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring (1947)
Krzysztof Urbański, conductor
Sol Gabetta, cello
TIickets: March 27 $33 – $145
March 28 $33 – $105

Everything about this superlative programme is grand: the emotional depth and broad outline of the all-time great cello concerto, and the earth-shaking power of Stravinsky’s stunning evocation of a prehistoric society.

Attending one of the TSO’s concerts is always a treat. For those of you under between the ages of 15 to 35, I highly recommend joining TSOUNDCHECK. This great program allows you to buy tickets to TSO concerts at just $16 per ticket. Regular ticket pricing still includes some affordable tickets, as well. For details about the New Creations Festival, please visit: NewCreationsFestival.com. For full details on the TSO’s concert calendar, ticketing and box office information, go to tso.ca.

Film, Television

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Canadian Screen Awards 2015: TV Shows Nomination Hightlights

February 27, 2015

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television will also highlights the best in television at its Red Carpet Gala, next Sunday March 1, and I will be there to support and join in the celebration.

Here are five of the television shows which have garnered several Canadian Screen Awards nominations, as well as, a great fan-base in Canada and beyond.

Orphan Black (Bell Media)
This excellent science-fiction show has 13 nominations including, Award for Best Dramatic Series, Best Direction in a Dramatic Series, Best Picture Editing in a Dramatic Program or Series, and Best Writing in a Dramatic Series. As well, Tatiana Maslany has also been shortlisted for the Shaw Media Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role. There is no doubt Orphan Black has established itself as a favourite.

Mr. D (CBC)
Canada has great talent when it comes to comedy. There is no surprsise Mr. D has 10 Nominations, as it also did great at last year’s Canadian Screen Awards. This year, its nominations include Bell Media Award for Best Comedy Series, Best Direction in a Comedy Program or Series, and Best Writing in a Comedy Program or Series. Creator, writer, executive producer and star Gerry Dee is also up for the Bell Media Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role.

Motive (Bell Media)
This crime drama, now on its second season, has also built a committed fan-base. With 8 Nominations, Motive may give other shows a run for their money… The nominations include Shaw Media Award for Best Dramatic Series, Best Photography in a Dramatic Program or Series, Best Production Design or Art Direction in a Fiction Program or Series, and Best Sound in a Dramatic Program or Series.

The Ghosts in Our Machine (CBC)
Always a fan of documentary programs, I am glad to see this one receive 4 Nominations, which include the Donald Brittain Award for Best Social/Political Documentary Program, Best Direction in a Documentary Program, Best Photography in a Documentary Program or Factual Series, and Best Sound in a Documentary, Factual or Lifestyle Program or Series. I did an interview with director Liz Marshall a while back, which I encourage you to read here.

THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE – Official Trailer
from THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE on Vimeo.

Vikings (Shaw Media)
This historical-drama series, an Irish-Canadian co-production, has also been doing very well. Now in its third season, the fan-base continues to expand. The show has garnered 4 Nominations including,
Best International Drama, Best Direction in a Dramatic Series, Best Sound in a Dramatic Program or Series, and Best Visual Effects.

As some of the awards were handed out early this week, I can share with you that Orphan Black has won for Best Direction in a Dramatic Series, Best Original Music Score for a Series, Best Photography in a Dramatic Program or Series, and Best Writing in a Dramatic Series. Also Vikings has won for Best Sound in a Dramatic Program or Series. But there will be more awards handed out on Sunday night. Do come back to this page, or follow me via Facebook and Twitter for updates the night of.

Music, Music Festivals

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NXNE 2015: First Round of Music Programming

February 25, 2015

North By NorthEast (NXNE), one of Toronto’s biggest festivals, will be taking place between June 17-21, 2015. This year’s festival will feature hip hop’s rising stars, an arsenal of the strongest female performers around, and the best breaking bands in North America.

NXNE Music has confirmed performances by “Mr. Wonderful” himself, Action Bronson; indie rock supergroup The New Pornographers; rising hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd; sun-drenched Best Coast, described by Noisey as “Californian badasses, plain and simple”; Real Estate, whose recent album Atlas landed on Stereogum’s 50 Best Albums of 2014 list; Kanye collaborator Ty Dolla $ign; Angel Olsen, who has earned comparisons to Leonard Cohen by NME and Consequence of Sound; Vince Staples, who XXL says is “beyond his years”; Glass Animals, who were recently named Band of the Year by the BBC; Blonde Redhead, after releasing their much lauded ninth album Barragán last fall; rapper Tink, crowned “a no-bullshit teenage feminist” by FADER; Deafheaven, whose music was characterized by Pitchfork as “dire black metal to triumphant post-rock “; and Baths, called the “romantic black sheep” of electronic music by Drowned in Sound.

Also announced: Pentagram, the legendary doom metal band; fierce Vancouver punk quartet White Lung; OM, who The Quietus say “know their shit”; Liturgy, following the March release of their much-anticipated album The Art of Work; Ibeyi, praised by NPR for their “sonically stunning, wildly inventive work”; as well, Betty Who, whose album Take Me When You Go was named Best Pop Album in 2014 by SPIN.

And the list is not done! Also confirmed for the NXNE Music lineup: A Place To Bury Strangers, Odonis Odonis, San Fermin, No Joy, Lower Dens, The Gories, Lydia Ainsworth, Bishop Nehru, Aidan Knight, Son Lux, Cathedrals, Heems, Coliseum, Ryley Walker, Kate Tempest, Jacco Gardner, UNiiQU3, Dilly Dally, Amen Dunes, Obliterations, K.Flay, and plenty of more to be announced.

This year, NXNE has made it easier for fans to get in to see their favourite bands. NXNE will offer festivalgoers a chance to purchase advanced tickets for select shows. Tickets for Northby Advanced shows are $20-$35, and are on sale now at nxne.com.

Also, if you are one of the ones who purchases three Northby Advanced tickets, you can upgrade to a full-festival platinum badge for an additional $60. As usual, that platinum badge will grant access (19+ and subject to capacity) to every NXNE show. Four-day ($49) and single day ($30) wristbands will also return for NXNE 2015, providing festivalgoers access to premium Clubland shows at venues including: Adelaide Hall, The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern, Lee’s Palace, The Garrison, The Silver Dollar, and many more.

For additional information and to see more of the artists playing NXNE 2015, visit nxne.com. More programming announcements will be released in the coming weeks. Come back to this site or follow me via Facebook and Twitter for updates! For now, I leave you with this playlist.

Dance, Theatre

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Theatre Crawl: A Little Dance. A Little Comedy. A Little Drama… Life.

February 24, 2015

Time for another installment of my curated Theatre Crawl list. I have picked four different show currently on-stage in Toronto, which will appeal to a variety of theatre and dance fans. All shows deal with varying themes, from love to loss.

Two Room Apartment

Dancemakers Centre for Creation

Runs until March 1, 2015

Starring Oren Laor & Niv Sheinfeld

Music: Ori Vidislavski (original music), Elton John, Vains of Jenna
Artistic advisor: Keren Levi
Costumes: Niv Sheinfeld & Oren Laor
Lights: Netta Koren

Following their successful studio performance and talk back as part of the inaugural Spotlight on Israel Festival last year with Dancemakers, this year the artists will present a full staging of their 2013 “Best Performance” (Israeli Dance Critics Circle) duet that reflects on their relationship as partners in life and as creators for the past decade. This performance is a contemporary interpretation of the 1987 seminal performance created by Liat Dror and Nir Ben Gal, and with whose company Sheinfeld spent his early career.

Midsummer
(A play with songs)
Runs until March 1, 2015

Théâtre Français de Toronto
Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs

Written by David Greig & Gordon McIntyre
Presented in French. With English surtitles.

It’s Midsummer in Edinburgh. He’s a lawyer. He’s a petty crim. She’s totally out of his league; he’s not her type at all. They absolutely should not sleep together. Which is of course, why they do. This widely acclaimed 2009 Edinburgh Festival sensation has toured worldwide, and now finally hits Toronto for the first time.

The Sound of Cracking Bones
(Le bruit des os qui cracquent)

Runs until March 7, 2015

Pleiades Theatre

Theatre Passe Muraille
Written by Suzanne Lebeau

Directed by John Van Burek
Translated by Julia Duchesne & John Van Burek
Starring Patricia Cano, Caity Quinn & Harveen Sandhu

The play is about two child soldiers caught in the grip of ruthless warlords, their heart-pounding escape towards freedom and the nurse who rescued and cared for them, as she testifies before a commission charged with examining the issue of child soldiers.

The original French play won the 2009 Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama as well as several other awards. It has been translated into 7 languages and performed all over the world.

Photo: Pleiades Theatre

Abyss

Runs until March 15, 2015

Tarragon Theatre’s Extraspace
Written and translated by Maria Milisavljevic
Directed by Richard Rose
Starring Cara Pifko, Gord Rand, Sarah Sherman

MISSING. Karla Richter, 24: a loving and trusting young woman, last seen before she left for the grocery store in blue jeans, a green parka and her red rubber rain boots. The police and papers ignore the disappearance, leaving her three friends – whose roots lie in Serbia and Croatia – to discover the truth. A search for Karla becomes a search for the self in this lyrical thriller and modern day epic cloaked in the mystery of Europe’s underworld.

Sarah Sherman, Cara Pifko, Gord Rand
Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann

These are not big shows but they are relevant in their subject matter. If you have yet to visit any of the theatres listed here, these are some very good places to start. For details on each show, click on the title for its website. And if these are four shows are not enough, I suggest you click here for another great play suggestion.

Film, Television

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Canadian Screen Awards 2015: Top 5 Films Nominated

February 23, 2015

It’s that time of the year, where we get to celebrate Canadian Films and the many who make them. The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television highlights the best of the best in this year’s Canadian Screen Awards. The Red Carpet Gala is taking place next Sunday March 1, and I will be there to support and join in the celebration.

For those of you who might have missed the Academy’s announcement, I give the Top 5 Films nominated this year.

Mommy
Producers | Producteurs : Xavier Dolan, Nancy Grant
Director | Réalisateur : Xavier Dolan
Distributor | Distributeur : Les Films Séville

A feisty widowed single mom finds herself burdened with the full-time custody of her explosive 15-year-old ADHD son. As they try to make ends meet and struggle with their unpredictable ménage, the peculiar, new girl across the street, Kyla, benevolently offers her help. Together, they find a new sense of balance, and hope is regained.

Dolan’s latest, Mommy, has garnered a lot of attention throughout the film festival circuit, since its premiere. As a filmmaker, Dolan never disappoints. He is deservedly of the many accolades he receives. The overall film production is well done; from script to performances. The film leads with 13 Nominations which include Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Direction, Original Screenplay, and both Leading Actors — Anne Dorval and Antoine Olivier — up for an award as well.

Maps To The Stars
Producers | Producteurs : Martin Katz, Michel Merkt, Saïd Ben Saïd
Director | Réalisateur : David Cronenberg
Distributor | Distributeur : Entertainment One

In Maps To The Stars, Cronenberg pushes both a wicked social satire, and a very human ghost story from our celebrity-obsessed culture. The film concerns the plight of a child star and a washed up actress while commenting on the entertainment industry’s relationship with Western civilization as a whole.

The film has received mixed reviews since its premiere. Nonetheless, under Cronenberg’s direction brings a certain gravitas to the project. With 11 Nominations, Maps To The Stars will create some healthy competition to Mommy. It is also up for Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Direction, Evan Bird and Julianne Moore are both up for Best Performance by an Actor/Actress in a Leading Role, and let us not forget the Achievement in Music nod for Howard Shore‘s Original Score.

In Her Place

Producers | Producteurs : Igor Drljaca, Yoon Hyun Chan, Albert Shin
Director | Réalisateur : Albert Shin

Distributor | Distributeur : A71 Entertainment Inc.

An affluent city woman and her husband visit a weathered woman and her pregnant teenaged daughter at their dilapidated farmhouse in rural South Korea. The city woman stays to assist with the girl’s pregnancy due to an arrangement that promises hope for the future of all three women.

Director Albert Shin has said he wanted to make a film about “the characters, the individual people”, which he achieves with In Her Place. Irrespective of culture, the story and characters’ moral quandaries are relatable for various reasons. The films has received 7 Nominations including, Best Motion Picture, Achievemen in Direction and Editing, and Original Screenplay.

Henri Henri

Producer | Producteur : Christian Larouche
Director | Réalisateur : Martin Talbot

Distributor | Distributeur : Les films Christal

Forgotten orphan, Henri has earned a job commensurate with his abilities: he maintains the lamps of the convent where he has lived since his childhood. Forced one day to leave the institution, he devotes his efforts to bringing light into people’s lives and pulling them out of the shadows.

Québécois films have their own charm and style. Talbot’s Henri Henri, may not get wide distribution across Canada. However, it has been received positively and the Academy has taken note. The film has 6 Nominations, which include Achievement in Cinematography, Achievement in Editing, and Achievement in Music.

Tu dors Nicole / You’re Sleeping, Nicole

Producers | Producteurs : Luc Déry, Kim McCraw
Director | Réalisateur : Stéphane Lafleur
Distributor | Distributeur : Les films Christal

Making the most of the family home while her parents are away, Nicole is enjoying a peaceful summer with her best friend Véronique. When Nicole’s older brother shows up with his band to record an album, their vacation takes an unexpected turn, punctuated by a heatwave, Nicole’s growing insomnia, and the persistent courtship of a 10 year-old boy.

Another Québécois film, Tu dors Nicole has been called the “anti-Mommy”, for its lack of “dramatic fireworks”, which works well within the constructs of this film. For those who caught the film on the big screen, there will be no surprise it’s received 6 Nominations — Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Direction, and Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role nom for Julianne Côté.

Each and every one of these films is quite unique. Together they highlight the vast array of cinematic talent found in Canada, in front and behind the camera. I hope you take the time to search them out and continue supporting these artists.

Literature, Poetry

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Poetry Corner: Peter Gutiérrez – Morning Thunder

February 20, 2015

Morning Thunder

By Peter Gutiérrez

not yet having reached full light, dawn
surrenders, i’ll sit this one out,
don’t mind me, winded, clouded over
and over, until the first raindrops land,
shyly, but they’ve got feet in the door
now–

Arts & Culture

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In The City: A Treat For The Senses

February 19, 2015

This current installment of In The City brings you some interesting listings of upcoming Toronto events that will certainly captivate your senses.

Father Figure: Exploring Alternate Notions Of Black Fatherhood
Exhibition: Feb 19 – Apr 2, 2015
Opening Reception: Feb 19 2015, 6-9pm
BAND Gallery

Father Figure offers a personal perspective into often-overlooked aspects of black fatherhood. As the viewer, you will gain intimate access to the daily lives of African-descended men whom photographer, Zun Lee, has worked with since 2011, and who are parenting in a variety of circumstances. Lee brings into focus what pervasive father absence stereotypes have distorted – real fathers who are involved in their children’s lives and who are not media caricatures.

Salon 21: Hearing Music
Feb 20, 2015
Gardiner Museum
Free Admission with RSVP
Featuring Dr. Ross Harwell, Doctor of Audiology

Audiologist Dr. Harwell, and Soundstreams Artistic Associate Kyle Brenders, will guide you through some of the tricks our ears play on us while listening to music. Experience the extreme ranges of our hearing through demonstration and discussion.

*I’ve attended other Salon 21 events and always learn something new. I highly recommend it.

The Wrecking Crew
February 20, 2015
Toronto – World Theatrical Premiere
The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema

Denny Tedesco’s documentary promises to take boomers back to the solid gold era when Los Angeles was a Top Forty mecca, where one session could produce several Top Ten hits. A labour of love for the filmmaker, The Wrecking Crew uses Tedesco’s memories of his late father, Tommy Tedesco, the prolific studio guitarist, as a gateway to a world of musicians who could make hits happen in any genre.

Amid a mix of archival footage and interviews, the film builds around a surviving members’ roundtable as the then-ailing elder Tedesco reminisces with drummer Hal Blaine, Plas Johnson and Carol Kaye, a single mother who was one of the most sought-after bass players in the ‘60s.

*I have not seen this film, but I often find music documentaries – regardless of reviews – are amusing, interesting, and can be thought-provoking. The Wrecking Crew should prove to be all of these for those of you curious about certain aspects of music history.

The Artist Project: Contemporary Art Fair
Feb 19-22, 2015
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place
Tickets: Adults $15; Seniors/Students $10

The Artist Project brings artists from a variety of geographic and creative backgrounds to converge and connect with patrons looking to get a glimpse of tomorrow’s Art Stars. It is a unique opportunity to meet and buy art directly from artists at Toronto’s favourite art fair.

*I attended The Artist Project for the first time last year. Although I was unable to purchase major works of arts, I did meet some talented artists, who were gracious to answer my questions regardless of my knowledge of their work.

With these events, I hope to have enticed you to venture out this weekend. I will be trying to attend some of these, while also preparing for my friends’ annual Oscars Party. So many options, so little time!

Arts & Culture, Comedy

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LOL: Your Hood’s A Joke – Cabbagetown Vs Bloordale

February 18, 2015

Toronto Comedy All-Stars presents Your Hood’s A Joke, a series of knock-down drag-out comedy battles between Toronto’s most uproarious neighbourhoods. Local comedians duke it out with their hilarity at Comedy Bar, the ‘Thunderdome of Comedy’. Your Hood’s A Joke promises a clash of epic proportions with comedic titans teaming up and squaring off in honour of their respective hoods.

On Saturday, February 21, Your Hood’s A Joke presents a battle featuring crusading comedians hailing from two Toronto hoods, Bloordale vs. Cabbagetown. The Bloordale Needle Knights consisting of Lianne Mauladin (ABC’s The View), Amanda Day (SheDot Festival) and Megan Myke (Absolute Comedy) will go head-to-head against the Cabbagetown Cow Tippers; represented by Nails Maloney (Host on Q107), Jesse Owens (Funny business Inc.) and Ryan Dylan (BiteTV Award Winner) as they fight for comedic domination. Who will rule the Toronto comedy roost? The gentrified neighbourhood or the neighbourhood currently being gentrified?

The founder of Toronto Comedy All-Stars, Danish Anwar, will host this battle. An accomplished stand-up comedian, Anwar is trilingual, a finalist in JFL42’s Funniest Torontonian Award and will be appearing in this year’s Winnipeg Comedy Festival.

Call me biased, but I will root for the Bloordale Needle Knights, as it is very close to my own West-side Toronto ‘hood. So we’ll have to check out the show to see how the teams fare, and see who survives the battle!

Toronto Comedy All-Stars Presents

Your Hood’s A Joke

February 21, 2015 • 10PM

Bloordale vs. Cabbagetown

Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West)

Tickets: $10

For tickets and more info, visit comedybar.ca

Music

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Music Spotlight: Time For Three Alongside The Toronto Symphony Orchestra

February 17, 2015

The TSO Pops Series continues this week, when the Orchestra welcomes Time for Three and their eclectic mix of virtuosity, showmanship and spontaneity to Roy Thomson Hall. The series, titled From Bach to Bluegrass, runs tonight, February 17, and runs until tomorrow, February 18, for three action-packed concerts.

Time for Three (Tf3) is an ensemble made up by violinists Zachary De Pue and Nicolas Kendall, and double-bassist Ranaan Meyer. They perform classical music works from Bach to Brahms to Britten; to ingenious mash-ups of hits by pop music icons like The Beatles and Katy Perry; plus original music from their current release, Time for Three, which features guest artists such as acclaimed cellist Alisa Weilerstein, jazz giant Branford Marsalis, and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro.

From Bach to Bluegrass will mix classical music with jazz, bluegrass, pop and folk music for a joyous, genre-busting and uniquely entertaining show. On the podium for these performances is TSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke whose boundless enthusiasm have made him one of North America’s sought-after collaborators.

With anticipation for this series, I was able to ask Tf3’s Zachary De Pue (Zack) a few questions prior to tonight’s opening concert. He graciously shared some thought with me.

HM: You have been friends since university and have been an ensemble for over 10 years. Over time, how do each of you contribute to the repertoire of classical and pop music that you cover?

Zack (Tf3): We have always gauged our choices by what we would love to play. All three of us have to be into something for us to be willing to perform said work. It’s a lot easier to perform when you love the work you’re playing.

HM: I understand you produced an anti-bullying video, Stronger. How did it come about & what’s been in its impact?

Zack (Tf3): We wanted to make a music video, however we wanted it to have a message. We stumbled on the bullying prevention message really, but once we were brainstorming, it was hard to think of anything else. It has really become a wonderful message of empowerment, a message to follow your dreams to young people, even if those dreams make you seem different at times in your life. As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, kids should feel empowered to follow their heart.

HM: I read you’ve been commissioning new symphony works. Has working along with orchestras been something all of you wanted to do?

Zack (Tf3): Playing with symphonies has been a staple for Tf3 from the beginning. Being able to stand in front of the incredible tradition of symphony orchestras has been a rewarding experience for us as we feel like we have been taking our audience on a new kind of journey. Not a journey to replace what the orchestra does, no no. Just an additional angle. Orchestra traditions are there for a reason, and although some things evolve, or need “updating,” nothing in this world will ever replace a great overture, a great soloist, and a kick-ass symphony written by one of the greats.

HM: Lastly, what can treats we expect at your Toronto concert with the TSO this week?

Zack (Tf3): Listen for music that will make you wanna dance, laugh, cry, smile and just simply be. My dad likes to say that when he hears Tf3 he feels like he’s having a meal that he knows isn’t exactly healthy for him, “but man does it taste good.” Mangia!!!!

On that note – no pun intended – we have much to look forward to for this concert. Tf3 and the TSO will certainly have some gret musical treats for us at this series.

From Bach to Bluegrass

Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00pm

Wednesday, February 18 at 2:00pm

Wednesday, February 18 at 8:00pm

Steven Reineke, conductor

Time For Three, string trio

Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street

Tickets: $29 – $110

Purchase online at tso.ca, in-person, or phone 416.593.4828

Film, Film Festivals

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My Top 3 At TIFF Next Wave Film Festival 2015

February 14, 2015

The fourth edition of the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival takes over TIFF Bell Lightbox this weekend. Youth aged 14 to 18 can experience the world of cinema through film and by taking part in emerging talent competition and industry-led initiatives.

This year, the lineup includes films from Poland, France, Germany, Taiwan, Netherlands, Canada, USA, and several other countries. TIFF Next Wave Film Festival is led by the TIFF Next Wave Film committee, a voluntary advisory team of 12 young film fans, whose purpose is t bring quality programming and film-related events to young people across Toronto.

I am a fan of TIFF Next Wave because, although it is aimed at a younger audience, the films are still high calibre, which means any one of us film fans would enjoy watching them. I am also a fan of bringing the joy of cinema to people of all age groups, especially in the teen years, a time of much discovery.

Speaking of discovery, I have taken a look at the festival’s lineup and found My Top Three Films. One I had discovered at a previous festival, and the other two are new discoveries, which I think you will enjoy as well.

52 Tuesdays
Director: Sophie Hyde, Australia 2014, 14A
A 16 yr old high-school student deals with her mother’s female-to-male gender transition while struggling with her own identity.

I came across 52 Tuesdays at the Inside Out LGBT Film Festival last year. As sensitive as the topic at hand may be, the film depicts it with such a natural feel. We feel the tension between the young woman and her mother (soon to become her 2nd father) build up. The idea of her mother transition into a male body is something that the teen accepts and negates at the same time. It also how her mother chooses to deal with her transition that makes the teen confused about their relationship, and about her own identity.

This may not be an easy film to watch, for some, but it is so vital in our current times. The tension between parents and teens is real, compounded with other themes at hand, 52 Tuesdays is a moving story of a teenage girl who is trying to find herself, while at the same time, trying to be supportive for her mother during a difficult time in her life. The use of non-actors, filmed over the course of 52 weeks, and the script being revealed each week, gives the film a real-life feel. This also helps in making the film more outstanding. It is one that stays with you for many reasons; reasons worth discussing post screening.

Boy 7
Director: Lourens Blok, Netherlands 2014
Dutch with English subtitles, 14A
After awaking on a subway train with no memory of who he is, a young man in dystopian police state uses the contents of his backpack to piece together his past as a rogue government agent and computer hacker.

The synopsis and its similarity to the Bourne films of the past few years, made Boy 7 stand out from the list. A young man gets caught hacking into a government site while trying to impress a cute girl… no big surprise. To his surprise, however, he is sent to a training institute where young, intelligent men and women are trained to become government agents. Once there, Boy 7 (as he is called) realizes not everything is as it seems. This is not an institute where you will earn your freedom, and thus, he begins to plan a way to escape.

Some of the elements in the film may be predictable at times, especially if you have seen the Bourne films aforementioned. Nonetheless, the story is well executed with some interesting twists and turns. I like how the younger actors portray their individual characters. The use of science and technology as a positive and negative makes for an entertaining story as well. And honestly, who doesn’t like the ‘smart’ guys and gals getting their time on-screen? In Boy 7, you get this and an entertaining plot too. Definitely a film that engaged my attention from beginning to end.

No Cameras Allowed
Director: James Marcus Haney, USA 2014, PGThe debut documentary from twenty-something James Marcus Hainey, and traces the director’s own rise from college dropout to ambitious concert photographer he walks his way into photo pits at major music festivals.

A documentary in the list is bound to get my attention. A documentary that comes to Toronto from other festivals with some ‘hype’ will also raise my curiosity. This film also comes to us with a bit of a controversy around it, which I will not get into here. The film shows us Hainey being able to ‘sneak into’ some major music festivals, including Coachella, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo, and many others. He then gets invited to go on-tour with Mumford & Sons.

We see how Hainey is able to use his camera to gain access to the festivals, and get some very candid photos while there. That he has talent, there is no doubt. What is evident is Hainey’s passion for music and photography. He risks college, a girlfriend, and the unknown of living on the road, in order to tour with one of his favourite bands. It is certainly a cool look into these various music festivals. It is also a close look at these from the keen eye of 25 yr old Hainey, someone who made it into the ‘pit’ and made a career out of it.

These 3 films screen at TIFF Next Wave tomorrow, Sunday, February 15th at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. For screening times, box office information, and details about the festival itself, please go to tiff.net/festivals/nextwave15.