The Reel Indie Film Festival (RiFF) provides moviegoers and music lovers with the best in music themed films. RiFF is an independent film festival launched in 2013 as part of the 10th anniversary of the international music festival, Indie Week. RiFF showcases films, panels, parties, and a keynote speaker.
For those of you who have yet to attend RiFF and are looking for some films to check out, I give you my picks.
OPENING NIGHT – Tuesday, Oct. 14th, 7pm
Johnny Winter: Down & Dirty
Directed by Greg Olliver (USA -Canadian Premiere)
Featuring interviews with Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), and Tommy Shannon (Stevie Ray Vaughan), amongst others, Johnny Winter: Down & Dirty charts the life and career of blues legend Johnny Winter, from his early beginnings in Texas to his later life on the road.
Wednesday, Oct 15th, 9:30pm
Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory
Directed by Michael Rossato-Bennett (USA)
As dementia continues to affect millions of elderly Americans, the touching film reveals a remarkable, music-based breakthrough that has already transformed lives.
This film will be preceded by the music video, Monobrow – performed by Dolman. As well as, by the short film Song from a Blackbird, directed by Enrique Pedraza.
Thursday, Oct 16th, 9:30pm
No Land’s Song
Directed by Ayat Najafi (Germany/France -Toronto Premiere)
Since the revolution of 1979 in Iran, women are not allowed to sing in public as soloists. Composer Sara Najafi gathers Iranian and Parisian singers to collaborate on a project, re-opening a musical bridge between France and Iran and defying censorship and taboos.
This film will be preceded by the music video, Up – performed by Arrested Development. As well as, by the short film ROR, directed by Natalie Cunningham.
Saturday, Oct 18th, 7pm
Born To Ruin
Directed by Brendan McCarney (Canada)
The film is a candid and sincere look at 5 best friends who comprise the Toronto indie band Wildlife. It follows their lives as they write and record an album. Nothing is censored. Nothing off-limits.
This film will be preceded by the music video, Hard Part – performed by Nathan Wiley. As well as, by the short film Petty Troubles, directed by Isaac Pingree.
RiFF will be screening many other films besides my picks here. Be sure to check out their website for full festival schedule and ticketing information, reelindiefilmfest.com. All film screenings will take place at The Royal Cinema.
If you are curious about the Indie 101 panels, seminars, mixers, and this year’s key note speaker, visit indie101.com for full listings. Series begins on Thursday, Oct 16th, at the Bond Place Hotel.
And do not forget to check out Indie Week, from Oct 15th to 19th, at various venues in Toronto. It will be a week full of local and international talent, as well, as films, parties, and more!
