As a special addition to NXNE 2011, film lovers will be treated to the world premiere of Canadian director Mina Shum’s latest short film Hip Hop Mom. A short story told in Shum’s trademark wry humour, Hip Hop Mom is a very funny look at SUV’s, sippy cups, elastic waistband pants and new moms who refuse to let old habits die. The world premiere of Hip Hop Mom will be followed by the full-length feature film Player Hating: A Love Story. These films screen on Saturday June 18th, 8:45pm, at Toronto Underground Cinema.
In celebration of ten years of dynamic music films, NXNE Film is presenting Hall of Fame free screenings on Wednesday June 15th and Thursday June 16th at The Hyatt Regency Hotel, 370 King Street West.
Here are the listing for Free Screen on Wednesday June 15th starting at 12:00pm: • Los Zafiros: Music From The Edge of Time • Unfinished Symphony • Superstonic Sound the Rebel Dread • But We Have the Music • Rolling Like A Stone
Free Screen on Thursday June 16th starting at 12:00pm: • You Weren’t There: A History of Chicago Punk, 1977-1984 • Unauthorized and Proud of It: Todd Loren’s Rock ‘n Roll Comics • Rwanda Rises Up – Song For Africa.
There many other films screenings at this year’s festival. You can find full listings and descriptions for all films at this year’s NXNE Film Festival here. Special Film Festival-only wristbands are available and all NXNE Festival passes and wristbands are now on sale at various music retailers and www.nxne.com.
Arts & CultureComments Off on Luminato 2011: Theatre and Dance Program
Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity is set to start tonight, June 10. New partnerships and continuing collaborations infuse the theatre and dance program for the festival’s fifth anniversary edition. “For Luminato’s fifth anniversary, we are tremendously pleased to present several new, Luminato-commissioned works, world premieres, and North American premieres by accomplished local and international talent,” said Janice Price, CEO of Luminato. “The 2011 Festival celebrates the art of storytelling,” said Chris Lorway, Artistic Director of Luminato.
Here are my recommendations of some plays that will be part of this year’s Theatre program at Luminato.
Andromache In Necessary Angel’s new and radical adaptation of Racine’s Andromache, the war has ended in a hail of brutal crimes against women and children. The new leader, Pyhrrus, has become infatuated with a hostage, the recently widowed Andromache. She now faces a sickening dilemma – should she allow her surviving child to be publicly executed by her enemies, or should she sell herself to Pyrrhus? Canadian poet Evie Christie collaborates with director Graham McLaren on a modern adaptation of Andromache that examines how obsessive love and lust leads people to commit unspeakable acts. The world premiere of Luminato-commissioned Andromache will be presented June 10-12 and June 14-19 at The Theatre Centre.
Tout Comme Elle (Just Like Her) The English language premiere of Necessary Angel’s Tout Comme Elle (Just Like Her), commissioned by Luminato, combines song with a rich and poetic text to explore the painful, but necessary separation of mother and daughter. Conceived by acclaimed Québec director Brigitte Haentjens, and featuring a cast of 50 women, Tout Comme Elle (Just Like Her) is a poignant and daring piece of theatre about the inevitability of loss and the eternal nature of love. Tout Comme Elle (Just Like Her) is written by Louise Dupré and translated by Erín Moure. Tout Comme Elle (Just Like Her) will be presented June 14-18 at the Bluma Appel Theatre.
One Thousand and One Nights One Thousand and One Nights brings to the stage one of the world’s greatest folk story cycles. The tales are told by Shahrazad to prevent King Shahrayer from taking terrible daily revenge for his wife’s infidelity. Each night he marries a virgin only to kill her the next morning. Shahrazad prolongs her life by keeping the King engrossed in a labyrinth of stories that never ends – a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of life, love and destiny. One Thousand and One Nights is presented as a two-part theatre piece performed over successive evenings, as well as two-part weekend performances from June 11-19 at The Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre.
I also recommend checking out some of the Dance events as well. Here are some suggestions:
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland British choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s unique synthesis of neo-classical and modern dance vocabularies has established him as one of the most important – and sought-after – choreographic artists at work today.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a co-production between The National Ballet of Canada and The Royal Ballet (UK) and is based on the famous Lewis Carroll book of the same name. The Alice stories have long fascinated and attracted other artists, including choreographers, both for their fantastic effects and the rich psychological and emotional terrain they present. Wheeldon’s ballet seeks to restore the book’s fundamental appeal: Its brilliantly anarchic and unfettered evocation of the imaginative world of childhood. The North American premiere of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland opens at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts will be presented at Luminato from June 10-12.
Confluence Akram Khan and Nitin Sawhney celebrate the union of kindred spirits, and explore the nature of the creative process, in this thrilling fusion of dance, live music, and projection. Akram Khan, noted for his distinctive blend of classical Indian kathak with contemporary dance technique, as well as his collaborations with artists from varying disciplines, is one of the most acclaimed choreographers of his generation in Britain today. Nitin Sawhney—composer, producer, songwriter, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist—is a latter-day Renaissance man who has collaborated with Khan over much of the past decade on such works as kaash, zero degrees, bahok, and, most recently, Vertical Road.
Confluence takes the form of a conversation in motion and music between these two friends and artistic co-creators. Khan and members of his company join Sawhney and his fellow musicians—including the astounding young vocalist Nicki Wells—live on stage to revisit highlights of their past work together, to present a new piece created for the occasion, and to explore the psychological, emotional, and spiritual terrain of the creative journey itself. The North American premiere of Confluence will be presented June 16-18 at the MacMillan Theatre.
The fifth anniversary edition of Luminato takes place from June 10-19, 2011. Tickets for all Luminato 2011 programs please visit www.luminato.com.
Arts & CultureComments Off on WORLDWIDE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2011: AWARD WINNERS
CFCWorldwide Short Film Festival (WSFF) announced the winners of the Festival’s 2011 awards. Nine awards and over $90,000 in cash and prizes were presented to Canadian and international filmmakers.
One of only four Canadian festivals accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences®, WSFF Canadian award winners are eligible for Genie Awards, while winners of the awards for Best Live-Action Short and Best Animated Short become eligible for the Academy Awards®. “The jury was stunned by the talent and originality found in this year’s competitive programming,” said Eileen Arandiga, Festival Director. “With 95 films in competition, this year’s race for these prestigious awards was more rigorous than ever before.”
The Bravo!FACT Award for Best Canadian Short and a cash prize of $5,000 was captured by director Martin Thibaudeau for COLD BLOOD (SANG FROID) (Canada). The jury remarked: “This deftly-scripted emotional family drama doesn’t waste a single frame and caused the jury’s hearts to beat faster, and eyes to water.”
The Deluxe Award for Best Live Action Short was awarded to Rudi Rosenberg’s AGLAÉE (France) garnering him $2,500 in cash and eligibility for next year’s Academy Awards®. The jury remarked: “This stand-out teenage drama captivated the jury with its outstanding young performances and its truthful portrayal of adolescence, in all its beauty and ugliness. A film directed with brio that is unsettling and above all else, refreshing.”
The Kodak Award for Best Cinematography in a Canadian Short was presented to Cinematographer Ian Lagarde for Annick Blanc’s film NOWHERE ELSEWHERE (AU MILIEU DE NULLE PART AILLEURS) (Canada) long with $2,000 in 35mm stock. The jury remarked: “The film transported us to a world where anxiety meets the naïveté of childhood thanks to a remarkable cinematography which gives a very specific tone to this cinematographic gem.”
The Panasonic Award For Best Documentary Short went to Susan Koenen’s I AM A GIRL!, (Netherlands). The jury remarked: “The winner of Best Documentary Short is a film that tackles a teenager’s challenging transformation, using an effervescent approach to its music, cinematography and symbolism to portray a femininity and innocence that is unexpectedly accurate.” The prize package includes a Camcorder, LCD television, Blu-ray player and a digital stills camera (total package $5,000).
The Best Animated Short honour and a Panasonic digital video camcorder (and Academy Award eligibility) went to Iain Gardner for THE TANNERY (UK). The jury remarked: “This lovely parable about the mysteries of the cycle of life is as beautiful as it is touching. A film that will stay with you long after viewing.”
The Best Experimental Short honour along with a Panasonic digital video camcorder went to Kiitos, Hannes Vartiainen and Pekka Veikkolainen for THE DEATH OF AN INSECT (ERÄÄN HYÖNTEISEN TUHO) (Finland). The jury remarked: “This particular short engaged the jury by its use of various innovative audio and visual techniques which evoked curiosity, wonder, disgust and fascination.”
The Screenplay Giveaway Prize, a package of goods and services worth over $70,000 was awarded to David Widdicombe for his script WAKE.
The TELUS Audience Choice Award honour and a $5,000 cash prize went to Jacob Schuh and Max Lang for THE GRUFFALO (UK, Germany). Chosen out of 275 films in the festival, The Gruffalo captured people’s attention.
This year’s WSFF brought some of the best and most creative short films I’ve seen in a long time. Hope some of you got to see these award winners along with other great films.
Arts & CultureComments Off on Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival 2011
This is the 21st installment of Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival. Being one of the largest LGBT festivals in the world, Inside Out will present more than 85 screenings, panels, and social events.
Opening the festival tonight, Thursday May 19th, is the Toronto premiere of Loose Cannons. Inside Out favourite Ferzan Ozpetek (Ignorant Fairies; Saturn in Opposition) returns to the Festival with a lighthearted tale of family obligation and repressed desire that is as playful and sunny as a weekend on the Italian Riviera. The comedy follows Tommaso as he balances running the family pasta business, consoling his outraged family and keeping his homosexuality a secret in case the news altogether kills his stricken father. A surprise visit of some of Tommaso’s friends, including boyfriend Marco, uncovers some wellhidden family secrets and helps to change some long-held beliefs among the family.
Centerpiece Gala on Tuesday May 24th is the Canadian Premiere of Weekend, a film by Andrew Haigh. Winner of the Emerging Visions audience award at the SXSW Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize from the Nashville Film Festival, Weekend is a refreshingly simple yet compelling love story of two ordinary guys and one weekend that you will hope won’t ever end. Mr. Haigh will be in attendance.
Inside Out closes the Festival Sunday May 29th with the latest adaptation of a Sarah Waters’ novel, The Night Watch. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1940’s London, this film tells the story of four young people – Kay, Helen, Viv and Duncan – who are inextricably linked by their wartime experiences. As air raid sirens wail, the friends find an invisible arena in which to explore their sexuality, discovering new freedom as they engage in secret liaisons and passionate tryst.
These are but highlights of what is in store at this year’s festival. There are films for the family on the weekend and also some fun parties for you to attend. For full details on Inside Out films, screening times and other events visit www.insiteout.ca.
Arts & CultureComments Off on Toronto Jewish Film Festival 2011
Okay, so I barely had time to recover from Hot Docs because now the Toronto Jewish Film Festival (TJFF) started this past Saturday. TJFF runs until May 15th, so you have plenty of time to catch some interesting films.
Here is my top 5 choices for this year’s festival. But of course, there are many more for you to see.
Synopsis: Set at the beginning of the ruthless military dictatorship in Argentina (1976–1983), Fabian Hofman’s semi-autobiographical I Miss You is an intelligent and moving look at the impact of “the Dirty War” on one Jewish family, as seen through the eyes of its youngest member: fifteen-year-old Javier. I Miss You is both an evocative coming-of-age film and an affecting reminder of the thousands of students and youth activists who “disappeared” during “the Dirty War”, a disproportionate number of whom were Jewish.
Five Brothers Synopsis: It tells the story of a proud Jewish-Algerian family living in Paris. Although they lead very different lives, the brothers feel a strong familial bond. When David, the estranged black sheep of the family, breaks out of prison and is pursued by a gang of drug traffickers, he tests his brothers’ loyalty when he drags them, along with their widowed mother, into a criminal underworld and a web of long-buried family secrets.
Sous un Autre Jour Synopsis: Irene (Marthe Keller) has two grown children, a happy marriage and a successful legal career, when all her certainties are suddenly shattered: Not only does her husband leave her for a younger woman, but her hospitalized mother reveals that Irene’s real father is not the man who raised her. Her biological father was a young Jewish musician whom her mother fell in love with while in Denmark during the Second World War. Irene travels through France, Israel and Austria, committing herself to finding him.
Synopsis: The first animated feature from China to deal with the Holocaust. Based on the popular graphic novel of the same name, A Jewish Girl in Shanghai tells the story of Rina and her little brother, who have fled to Shanghai and now wait to hear of their parents’ fate in Europe. When Zhou A-Gen, a young Chinese boy, offers penniless Rina a free pancake, a strong friendship forms between these two children. Along with Rina’s brother, they set out on many adventures while trying to fend off Japanese bullies and the German presence in the city.
The Human Resources Manager Synopsis: When the body of a female foreign worker killed by a suicide bomber is eventually identified as an employee of a large Israeli bakery, the company’s human resources manager is publicly accused of inhumanity for having failed to notice her absence. To make amends, he must accompany the body to her hometown in a remote Eastern European village. Riklis deftly balances the tragic elements of the story with a healthy dose of dark humour, resulting in a quirky road movie in which the central character and his travelling companions rediscover their own humanity, as they honour a woman they never knew but learn to admire.
Since mid-April and starting last Thursday, I’ve been immersed in documentary film watching. This year’s Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival has a vast array of films and many more screenings were added for our viewing pleasure. Here is part one of my mini-reviews…
Morgan Spurlock – Image Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (Dir. Morgan Spurlock) The latest film from Morgan Spurlock brings us a closer look at the world of product placement, advertising and financing this film by using these very tactics. Spurlock films meetings, phone calls, interviews with the likes of Noam Chomsky and Ralph Nader.
Spurlock’s humour makes the film quite entertaining without being too over the top. This is no journalistic-style documentary and I’m glad it’s not. The film makes one think without over-explaining the dealings companies make in order to sell their products by using the film industry. Even some filmmakers agree that it’s easier to obtain funding by agreeing to have companies’ products in their films. Given the topic and how this film was made, I believe this film do well at the box office. The film opens May 6th.
Dustin Poirer – Image Courtesy of Fightville.
Fightville (Dirs. Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein)
This new collaboration takes us to Louisiana, where we come to meet tow up-and-coming Mixed Martial Arts fighters (Dustin Poirier and Albert Stainback), their trainer (Tim Credeur) and one local promoter (Gil Guillery). This documentary is not about the sport itself; it’s about individual dreams and what it takes to actualize such dreams.
Tucker and Epperlein do a great job with Fightville. The cinematography is outstanding; some of the close up in the gym and in the cage are simply memorable. Their way of handling each individual story is also very personal. This is what makes this documentary appealing not just to those who like MMA/UFC but also for those new to it. In case you missed this film at Hot Docs, no worries. I learned today that it’s been picked up by Showtime Networks; check out the film’s website for more details.
El Mosca – Image Courtesy of Hot Docs
Fly/Mosca (Dir. Bulmaro Osornio) This is a film about a widower father nicknamed El Mosca (Fly) who longs for his lost love, Teresa, while trying to survive and care for his two young daughters, Mitzi and Teresita. Osornio combines footage from El Mosca’s younger years with that of his current life. We see him at work, with his friends, with his daughters, all of which appear like a dream to him. He prefers to live in the past; in a time when his wife was still alive.
This film may seem tedious to follow for some as it starts slow. The translation from Spanish to English is not always great. I’m glad I understand Spanish because it certainly makes the message in this film easier to grasp. As much as El Mosca is stuck in the past, he still very aware that his daughter need him and his love of family keeps him going. As I watched the film, I realized Osornio has been friend with El Mosca for many years. Perhaps this is why the film is more of an introspective look and somewhat of a pat on the back for his long-time friend. There are times when we need to see documentaries that are good for the heart; this is one of those for me.
The Pirate Tapes – Image Courtesy of Hot Docs
The Pirate Tapes (Dirs. Matvei Zhivov, Roger Singh, Andrew Moniz, Rock Baijnauth) Featuring young Mohammed Ashareh, we go deep into the world of pirate cells operating in Somalia. By buying his into the cells, Ashareh takes us along for the very perilous journey. We don’t fully come to know all the players involved and frankly, that’s okay.
The Pirate Tapes and mainly, Ashareh’s efforts to uncover the nitty gritty truth about who is funding these pirates and why they go to such lengths to survive in Somalia makes this documentary worth watching. I’ve seen mixed reviews about the film; it may not be for everyone. However, it is an intriguing topic and Ashareh is one brave soul. At this point, I know HBO has obtained the television broadcasting rights for the U.S. There are no news yet, if it will have a theatrical release or a television release in Canada yet.
Hot Docs screenings continue in Toronto until May 8. Advance tickets are available at the documentary Box Office, 131 Bloor Street West, by phone at 416-637-5150, or online.
Arts & CultureComments Off on Canadian Stage Presents: The Cosmonaut’s Last Message…
Canadian Stage is excited to welcome Jennifer Tarver as she directs the Canadian premiere of innovative Scottish playwright David Greig’s compelling piece The cosmonaut’s last message to the woman he once loved in the former Soviet Union. Featuring a talented cast of stage veterans (Tom Barnett, Raoul Bhaneja, Fiona Byrne, David Jansen, Tony Nappo and Sarah Wilson).
“We are thrilled to share this remarkably poignant production,” says Matthew Jocelyn, Artistic & General Director of Canadian Stage. “This is the first of David Greig’s plays to be presented on a major stage in this country, just as it is director Jennifer Tarver’s Canadian Stage debut. Greig’s characters will truly resonate with audiences in this digital age, as their stories explore our desperate need for human connection and the challenges and loneliness we face in attempting communication – all things we inevitably deal with in our lives.”
In 1991, a Russian cosmonaut was stranded in the Mir Space Station for almost 300 days, a victim of the collapsing Soviet State. David Greig uses this piece of little-known history as a springboard to tell the stories of a group of strangers, lovers and families. The cosmonaut’s last message… follows the intertwined lives of two forgotten cosmonauts who are orbiting the planet, a Scottish couple confronting their failed marriage, a young pole dancer searching for love, a French scientist obsessed with UFOs, a pregnant policewoman and a Norwegian businessman as they try, in their own way, to communicate.
“I am so excited to be working on such an intriguing script with such a vivacious cast,” says director Jennifer Tarver. “This play is full of duality – from the staging of the interwoven stories, to the actors who play multiple characters, to the messages being sent across the cosmos – not necessarily received by the people they were intended for!”
Technology, physical proximity and language all illuminate this examination of the frailties of love, the nature of loneliness and our universal desire for connection. At once clever, funny and unexpectedly moving, the play showcases forty distinct scenes spread over fifteen different locations.
The cast have been working closely with designer Julie Fox and dialect designer Eric Armstrong to create distinct locations and authentic voices. In addition to training with aerial flying effects, cast members have rehearsed speaking in a series of accents and dialects (including Scottish, Russian and Norwegian) to represent each character. Rehearsals have been augmented by a website featuring audio files, one-on-one coaching sessions and a variety of physical exercises.
The production runs from April 16 to May 14, 2011 at the Bluma Appel Theatre (27 Front Street East, Toronto). Tickets from $22 to $99 are available in person, by phone 416.368.3110, or online at canadianstage.com.
Arts & CultureComments Off on Cinéfranco 2011 Spotlight: Dany Chiasson’s My Joan of Arc
Driven by the memory of her grandmother, French-Canadian Director Dany Chiasson travels on horseback across France, retracing Joan of Arc’s first 11-day ride over enemy land to meet the uncrowned King. Along the way, Chiasson meets the colourful characters of the French countryside who animate the surrounding history and attempt to help fulfill her dream: to hear the call of the skylark.
The film Ma Joanne d’Arc (My Joan of Arc) will make its premiere at this year’s Cinéfranco festival. We had a chance to speak with director Dany Chiasson to find out more about this very personal journey.
Heidy (HM): When did you decide to make this film?
Dany Chiasson (DC): I had the idea that I wanted to make a film about Joan of Arc since I was in film school, in university. But I was also aware that several films have been made about this icon. At first, I thought of making a documentary about the people who are passionate about Joan of Arc. I travelled to France and while there, I heard of this man who has travelled on horseback to places that Joan of Arc had been to. That is when I had the idea to make this film. I wanted to live Joan of Arc’s journey on horseback and make a film. HM: How did you prepare to make the film?
DC: I did a lot of research. I read a LOT of books on Joan of Arc. It seems like the more you read, the more she becomes a mystery. What fascinated me about Joan of Arc is what she represents. Joan of Arc stands for going beyond yourself, past your limit, as well as courage and Faith. In some way, I believe Joan of Arc was a mystic; she had a calling. I wanted the film to be about my version of Joan of Arc.
HM: Could you tell us about the filming process; did you have a plan?
DC: We spent two days in Joan of Arc’s home village. Then the journey on horseback was eleven days. I didn’t have any plans whatsoever. We basically had a window of about three hours at every village and we tried to make a short film at each one of them. If there was nothing to film, then we filmed just that. Little moments added up to give the essence of the journey. The only shot that was planned is that of the little girl in the beginning of the film. She is running through the field then we come to meet this little girl who has likes and dislikes like any other little girl. It was a way of demystifying Joan of Arc from the beginning.
HM: Was the film done independently or where funding producers involved?
DC: The film was done independently; I raised money through various councils. This way I was free to do whatever I wanted. I wanted this freedom to be reflected in the film.
HM: In our interview with Cinéfranco’s Artistic Director, Marcelle Lean, she described your film as “poetic and moving. The film goes beyond the physical journey; it is like a declaration of love to [Dany’s] grandmother.” What do you think about this comment?
DC: Yes, I brought the memory of my grandmother with me on this journey. I am very happy about this. Maybe that is why there are several shots of younger girls and older pople in the film. It’s because of my own relationship with my grandmother since I was a little girl.
HM: What is next for this film; any other festivals?
DC: Well, I love Cinéfranco. What is great about it is its audience. It is a mature audience. For now, thought, I am hoping for a small theatrical release. But I have not submitted the film to any other festivals. I’m ready to move on.
Arts & CultureComments Off on International Women’s Day 2011
I came across this video on from various sites today. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th, weareequals.org commissioned this video. “Directed by acclaimed ‘Nowhere Boy‘ director/conceptual artist Sam Taylor-Wood, scripted by Jane Goldman (‘Kick Ass’) and featuring the voice of Dame Judi Dench reprising her role as ‘M’, the film will be screened in cinemas and streamed online in a bid to highlight the levels of inequality that persist between men and women in the UK and worldwide. It is the first film featuring Bond to be directed by a woman.”
I know I live a privileged life thanks to the women in my family, my friends and mentors. Yet there are many, many women who are still dealing with strife in all parts of the world. The idea behind IWD is to keep the dialogue going in terms of gender equality and how to improve women’s life around the globe. Let’s hope one day, the notion of gender equality is no longer an issue and we can focus on how to make the planet equal for ALL.
