Rendezvous with Madness (RWM) is the first and largest arts and mental health festival in the world. The 32nd edition of the festival presents 10 feature films and 3 short programs. As always, films screenings are complemented by thought-provoking post-screening Q&As and curated panel discussions, extending the uniquely meaningful conversations that define Rendezvous With Madness.
New this year is the visual art exhibit The Looms We Resemble, which will open at the conclusion of the festival on November 3rd and remain open through to December 9th. Curated by Fatma Hendawy, this group exhibition showcases textile works by six artists exploring topics of belonging, the body, healing and ancestry.
RWM has been a festival that I have been attending and been a fan of over the years. As the festival is fully underway, I here listing some of film screenings and special events taking place this week.
Hye’s Film Picks
Centrepiece Screening – Wednesday, October 30 @ 6:30PM
CAMH Auditorium
My Dad’s Tapes
Dir. by Kurtis Watson
On August 9, 2006, Leonard Watson dropped off his eight-year-old son Kurtis at summer camp. That’s the last time anyone saw Leonard. He was considered missing until 30 days later when he was found dead by apparent suicide. Fourteen years later, Kurtis Watson discovers a trove of home videos; My Dad’s Tapes documents the tremendously brave embrace of a reality in which some of our most burning questions may forever be unanswered.
Thursday, October 31 @ 8:00 PM
Tranzac Club
Bionico’s Bachata (La Bachata de Bionico)
Dir. by Yoel Morales
Bionico (Manuel Raposo) and his closest pal Calvita (El Napo) live their lives on the wild side, driven by their insatiable desire to get high, no matter the cost. However, Bionico soon decides to turn his life around. He is a romantic at heart, and he wants to clean up his act before the love of his life La Flaca (Ana Minier) completes rehab. But making life-changing plans is easier said than done, as Bionico struggles to detox while facing an endless parade of temptations.
Friday, November 1 @ 5:30 PM
Tranzac Club
If You Ask Me | Short Films
Featuring artists: Cai Bell-Jerome, Noor Gatih, Hanna Gulzar, Mio Muyoboke, KatrinaRodriguez, Kurtis Watson, Sydney Waters
For the eighth consecutive year, If You Ask Me (IYAM) has supported emerging filmmakers with lived mental health and/or addiction experiences to create new short films. This year’s program features shorts by filmmakers from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). These new films were developed from July – September 2024 under the guidance of Robin Riad, along with IYAM alumnus Esteban Powell serving as mentor.
Saturday, November 2 @ 2:00 PM
Tranzac Club
I don’t need to ask you to love me because i love myself: Recent short films by Workman Arts artist
members
Featuring artists: Jamila Balde,Christopher Beaulieu, Jeolyn Christi, Jet Coughlan, Brian Demoskoff, Gabe Gonçalves, Helen Posno, ZanRedcrow, Emily Schooley, Ardene Shapiro, Andrea Thompson and TK Workman
The short film program I don’t need to ask you to love me because I love myself explores many different modes of filmmaking as a means to express emotions related to how we not only exist but thrive in a world filled with challenges, contradictions and conundrums.
Closing Night Film – Sunday, November 3 @ 5:00 PM
CAMH Auditorium
Aziz
Dir. by Majid Tavakoli
Aziz, an 80-year-old matriarch lives with progressive dementia and requires constant caregiving by her children. Anoush, her youngest son, who is about to get married, loves and takes care of his mother more than his siblings. Aziz lost her husband years ago and is suddenly professing her love to someone while her family engages in a search for this mysterious man. This becomes a major challenge for Anoush’s fiancé who is heart-broken from her previous failed marriage and asks Anoush to make a difficult and big life decision.
Co-presented with Intercultural Iranian Canadian Resource Centre
Reception at 3:30 PM with art, snacks and refreshments
Special Events
Thursday, October 31 @ 10:00 PM
Tranzac Club
Public Speaking Thru Comedy – Malpensando
Come and witness 8 weeks of hard work and dedication boiled down to one amazing comedy night! These students will speak from the heart and (hope to) make you laugh till you drop! Presented by MalPensando, a comedy school founded in 2014 in Toronto and led by international award-winning comedians that aims to empower individuals from all backgrounds through comedy.
Saturday November 2 @ 8:00 PM
Tranzac Club
Rhythm of the Night – Music Showcase & Night Market
Mental health and addictions touch many people in many artistic industries, but it doesn’t always need to be a dark road to traverse. Join in to dance, headbang, and groove the night away with three diverse musical acts alongside a mini-night market featuring Workman Arts members. Music curated by Smoking Room Only, a Toronto-based grassroots company focused on building, fostering, and promoting community and artists within the GTA’s incredible music scene.
Tickets for Rendezvous With Madness events are available online and by walking up at all festival venues (open 1 hour before show times). All tickets are pay-what-you-wish and can be reserved in advance on the festival website.
