The Toronto Youth Shorts Film Festival is a volunteer-run not-for-profit initiative that works to bring a series of events for local young and emerging filmmakers in the Greater Toronto Area. If you’re a fan of independent cinema, the festival gives you a chance to enjoy work by up-and-coming talent. It also offers an educational forum for participants to strengthen their skills by thanks to feedback from experienced industry veterans.
In light of the upcoming festival screenings on Saturday, June 15th, here is a list of films I’ve previewed and my thoughts on these.
Programme: Eye of the Beholder – 3pm
Lucky Farms
Amanda Jass, Animation
“A trip to the grocery store forever changes the fate of a cereal mascot.”
The film tells the story of a mascot hoping to find a ‘real’ home. It’s light, fun, and also reminded me of some of the elements seen in Toy Story.
A Serenade of the Seeds
Sylvie You, Animation
“Love can be found everywhere, even within the seeds of nature.”
In this charming short, the germination of seeds becomes more than a love story… it’s a friendship; a dance. A really lovely look at nature and its beauty. The accompanying music by Karen Walls complements the story very nicely.
These are the People in your Neighbourhood
Nicole Bazuin, Documentary
“A group of elementary school students learn more about their community through interviewing local business owners.”
An excellent initiative with children from local Toronto schools makes for an interesting take on the ‘getting to know your neighbour’ idea. From the children’s perspectives, their drawings, their videos and their interactions with local business owners, they come to know their own neighbourhoods. The children also make some interesting realizations over the course of the project.
Programme: Stages of Life – 8:30pm
Tale of Baku
Lorena Salas Reyes, Animation
“A magical creature protects us from bad dreams.”
Baku is a Japanese creature that turns bad dreams into good fortune. This is a short tale of how Baku protects a child while asleep. This short incorporates some interesting animation.
The Change
Daniel Whidden, Animation
“The harrowing tale of Celia Dutkiewicz, forced from her home in Poland and sent to the gulags of Siberia during the Soviet deportations of World War II.”
With the use of illustrations, we come to know the bittersweet and moving story of Celia’s life. The loss of her parents, and her life in a new land. Very moving and personal.
Young Artist Series: Dani Brown
Christian Byrne, Documentary
“Young dancer, Dani, tells us about her passion and aspirations for performing.”
Shot in black and white, this film is an introdution to of a young, aspiring dancer. Dani knows what she wants, to do what makes her happy, and dancing is her medium.
The screenings take place this upcoming Saturday, June 15th, at Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto.
As well, this year, I’ve been asked to join the festival’s Critics Panel as a jury member for its Critics’ Choice Award… a very exciting opportunity! Join us for the Awards Gala on Sunday, June 23rd at The Royal Cinema. For full listings and ticketing information, visit torontoyouthshorts.ca.
