The Blood in the Snow Canadian Film Festival (BITS) is back! This year marks the festival’s fifth edition of the festival, which will take place November 24th- 27th in the heart of downtown Toronto at the Cineplex Odeon Yonge Dundas Cinemas.
As we are only days way from BITS opening night, I have prepared my curated list of film I think you should see at the fest.
Friday, November 25th, 7:00pm
OPENING FILM: 24×36: A Movie About Movie Posters
Dir. Kevin Burke
This new documentary looks to explore how the beautiful movie posters from decades past gave way to the generic designs of today, and how fans and inspired artists have resurrected the art form. Through interviews with a number of key art personalities from the past 40 years, including Roger Kastel — who was responsible for the classic poster for Jaws — and Gremlins director Joe Dante, among others, the film aims to answer the question – What happened to the illustrated movie poster? Where did it disappear to, and why?
My thoughts: The documentary premiered at Fantastic Fest this September with positive reviews. Being a documentary about iconic movie posters and the artists behind the work, how could I not want to support this film. Definitely looking forward to seeing it on the big screen.
24×36 – A Movie About Movie Posters – Teaser Trailer from Post No Joes Productions on Vimeo.
Saturday, November 26th, 4:30pm
3 Dead Trick Or Treaters
Dir. Torin Langen
Four years in the making, this film combines the highly acclaimed segments Fondue and Malleus Maleficarum along with 3 other new segments into the first silent horror film anthology.
My thoughts: You had me at silent horror film anthology. Langen’s short films have been garnering great attention in the festival circuit. Let’s not forget, Langen is local talent, who deserves our support. As well, a very reliable source has also told me, I should see this film… and so should you.
7:00 pm – BITS Short Film Showcase
The showcase this year includes swork by Steve Villeneuve (Under the Scares), Renaud Gauthier (Discopath), Gigi Saul Guerrero (El Gigante), and many others.
My thoughts: The list of films is varied. Although all feature films are preceded by a short film, the Showcase is an event where we can sample some of the work by established and up-and-coming filmmakers.
Sunday, November 27th, 2:00pm
Kidnap Capital
Dir.Felipe Rodriguez
Illegal immigrants to the United States are kidnapped, tortured, and forced to call home for ransom money. This is one of the most serious ongoing human tragedies our time. The film is based on real stories about illegal Central American migrants held hostage by Human Smuggling Rings in Phoenix, Arizona.
My thoughts: The film is a thriller set against the backdrop of illegal immigration; not your typical genre film. The subject matter deals with real events happening to Latin Americans. Albeit being fictional, if this film can add to the discussion of these atrocities, then I think we should all see it. And also because it’s also garnering many positive reviews while making the rounds in the festival circuit.
4:30 pm – Inspiration
Dir. Jason Armstrong
When a young author moves to an isolated town to return to her horror roots, bad things begin to happen. An accident leaves her questioning her grip on reality, but perhaps something more sinister at work?
My thoughts: I know that Armstrong is from Norwich, Ontario, and that this film took 11 days to complete. Curious about the story and the filmmaker from what I’ve been reading as well.
Of course these are my personal picks, do not let this list stop you from seeing other films at the fest, or attending any of the awesome seminars, and parties they have lined up. For full listings, schedule, and box office details, visit bloodinthesnow.ca.
