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August 27, 2009

TADFF 2009 Recap

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I managed to make my way to more screenings at Toronto After Dark. With the heat wave we had, being in a cool theatre watching action, horror and vampire flicks was the place to be.

Here’s my quick recap of what I saw starting Sunday, August 16th…
The Warlords – Directed by Peter Ho-Su Chan
Starring: Andy Lau, Takeshi Kaneshiro and Jet Li
If you’ve seen Jet Li in other films, then you know he’s a talented action star. If you’ve seen House of Flying Daggers, then you know Takeshi Kaneshiro and Andy Lau, as they starred in that film together. All three leads are well-known actors in Asia and have a great fan following. Why am I telling you about this? Well, this film is interesting and entertaining for the reason that all three actors complement each other on-screen quite well. The film is about a tale of war and “brotherhood” in time of Imperial China. The brothers struggle as they war takes years and forces them to make sacrifices that will put their bond to the test.
The battle scenes in this film are of epic proportion; well executed and visually really stunning. There are scenes that in some ways reminded me of Sergei M. Einsenstein‘s work (Ivan the Terrible, for example). Parts of the film I found dragged a bit and honestly, some of us would’ve like one more battle scene before the end. Nonetheless, there is plenty to see. The action is not like those of other films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon but is more up-close and personal — which makes it more realistic and believable. The choreography in the fight scenes is impressive on the big screen.
Strigoi – Directed by Faye Jackson
Starring: Constantin Barbulescu, Catalin Paraschiv and Co.
A zombie comedy… what a hoot! A small group of people in a very small town in Romania think killing the main “bad guy” Constantin Tirescu (Barbulescu) was a way getting justice served. Vlad (Paraschiv) returns home from Italy and believes a murder has been committed. Somehow, Constantin Tirescu refuses to stay in his grave and is willing to help Vlad solve the murder mystery.
I really enjoyed this film for its great sense of humour. I think some people either really liked or really didn’t… The pace of the film worked well as we get to know all the characters and their oddities. The story just really works in that is based on Romanian folklore and is a nice addition to the Dracula set of films. I hope you get to see this film and will save the details… except one of my favourite lines: “You’re a good boy, Vlad… cut out his heart!”
The Children – Directed by Tom Shankland
Starring: Eva Birthistle, Jeremy Sheffield and Co.
A Christmas vacation turns deadly as something makes all the little ones turn against their parents and all adults in sight… Yes, the kids are violent and have no mercy in this great genre film from the UK. I wasn’t sure how this one was going to unfold but it gave me a few surprises. My friends and I enjoyed watching the kids turn pure evil and seeing a few impaling as the adults try to fight for their lives. Were we terrified? Not entirely but it will make you cringe…
Rought Cut – Directed by Jang Hoon
Starring: So Ji-Seob & Kang Ji-Hwan
An action film from South Korea… An out of control actor (So Ji-sub) gets heat from the press for his unruly behaviour… much like the gangster he plays in his film. Then, we have the “real” gangster (Kang Ji-hwan) who wants to act. In a turn of events, these two end up working together in a film in which they fight till the bitter end. What’s the catch? All fight scenes have to be “real”. Yet there’s more to the story; comedy, drama, romance and fights.
I’m really liking Korean films these days. I enjoyed watching Rough Cut because it has an actual storyline, good fight scenes and believable characters. The cast worked really well but I must admit I was smitten by So Ji-Seob. His gangster role really worked well and yes, he’s easy on the eyes too… We get a good balance of all things funny, sad, corny and of course, painful. The story just works and it invites you to just go for the ride. The final fight scene is just crazy… mud beach, punch after punch, after punch… excellent!
August 17, 2009

SummerWorks Theatre Festival’s Most Successful Year Yet

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Toronto’s 19th annual SummerWorks Theatre Festival wrapped up the most successful year to date last night with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding artistic achievements at the Factory Theatre Courtyard. With several new initiatives, artists from all disciplines and across Canada, SummerWorks is firmly planting its roots as the most influential and loved arts festival in the country. Festival turnout increased by 34% and the Music Series nearly doubled in attendance from last year.


All awards are adjudicated by a jury of three theatre professionals except the NOW Audience Choice Award, which is determined by ballot. The award winners are as follows:

SummerWorks Prize for Outstanding Production
The prize is a free trip back to the festival next year. All companies presenting new work were eligible.

Greenland by Nicolas Billon, directed by Ravi Jain

Contra Guys Award for Outstanding New Play
Generously supported by two SummerWorks founders, Benj Gallander and Ben Stadelmann, the cash award is presented to the playwright with the best new script in the festival.

Say Nothing Saw Wood by Joel Thomas Hynes

Award for Direction (Sponsored by Crow’s Theatre)
Cash prize awarded for outstanding direction at the festival.

Alan Dilworth for The Middle Place
Honourable Mention: Rosa Laborde for Melancholy Play

The Spotlight Award
Awarded to a featured performer in a SummerWorks show. The winner receives a VIP pass to the festival next year.

Jordan Tannahill, Amelia Sargisson, Marika Schwandt, Tawiah M’carthy and Rebecca Powell for The Art of Catching Pigeons by Torchlight
Andrea Donaldson for Montparnasse

The Steamwhistle Emerging Artist Award
Awarded to an artist early in their career who made an artistic impression during the festival.

Akosua Amo-Adem for The Middle Place

RBC Arts Professional Award
A new award at the festival this year, which recognizes the work, craft and dedication of an emerging arts professional. This award is made possible with the support of RBC.

Matt Baram, Ronald Pederson, and Naomi Snieckus for Impromptu Splendor

The NOW Magazine Audience Choice Award
Audience members voted by placing their ticket stub in the NOW Audience Choice box before leaving the theatre. The Winner receives $1500 in free advertising with NOW magazine. All shows were eligible for this prize.

Greenland by Nicolas Billon, directed by Ravi Jain


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Hye! Note: I must say that you must check this festival out next Summer if you did not get a chance to this year. There is great variety and talent in the works… A BIG SHOUT OUT to the cast of Impromptu Splendor: Matt Baram, Ronald Pederson, and Naomi Snieckus… You have no idea how much I laughed with them. A great piece of improvised theatre. I had a great time! Thanks to the staff at ClutchPR for keeping us up-to-date.
August 17, 2009

Saturday Night… After Dark

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My first day at Toronto After Dark Film Festival (TADFF) was mixed with sci-fi and pure action. I had a great time!
I met some friends to catch Franklyn; a sci-fi that incorporates present day London with a futuristic place known as Meanwhile City. The cast includes Ryan Phillippe, Eva Green, Sam Riley and Bernard Hill… all very familiar faces from films such as Cruel Intentions and Casino Royale.
I enjoyed the concept of the film. The look of Meanwhile City is really dark, grimy. One can vividly feel the notion that it’s a place you don’t want to live in… The story itself can feel convoluted at times but with great reason. It needs to feel a bit confusing as it adds to the meaning of Meanwhile City. The film seemed to drag a bit in parts, however… I didn’t need to see Eva Green’s character that much on-screen as I didn’t think she was the most pivotal character. Others may disagree. Overall, I think this film will find a definite fan base and will do well once it gets a North American release.
Right after, some friends and I stayed to see Black. This French film features lots of action, lots of gun fights and even supernatural beings; not to mention a soundtrack up to par… Yes, that is why I look so pleased in this photo. The movie, a first effort by Pierre Laffargue, is another homage to the Blaxploitation films from the 70’s. The story of Black, a small-time robber begins in Paris. After a robbery goes awry, Black is left on his own and is lured to Dakkar in search of diamonds. Most of the film was shot in Senegal; giving us a great backdrop for the chases, fights and transmutations that would ensue. I was impressed by both leads MC Jean Gab’1 as Black and Carole Karemera as Pamela (an Interpol agent). They were both physically strong and their comedic delivery was en pointe. An honourable mention goes to Anton Yakovlev as Victor Ouliakov; a villain hasn’t made laugh so hard in a very long time…
In the Q&A post-film, Laffargue and producer Lauranne Bourrachat talked about how this film was independently made as it did not qualify for the “diversity” funds the French government awards for various film projects. Unfortunately, there isn’t much support for “Black films” in France. Nonetheless, I am glad TADFF brought this film to us. If you missed it at the festival, don’t despair. Black will be released in Toronto on Friday, Aug 21st at Yonge & Dundas AMC. For more on this film and its star, MC Jean Gab’1, I recommend this article from The Montreal Mirror.
Photo by Mbabazi K.
August 15, 2009

Update – SummerWorks 09

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Benu – Play by d’bi.young


Directed by Natasha Mytnowych

Presented by anitAFRIKA! Dub TheatreFeaturing d’bi.young

Synopsis: “Having recently given birth and now negotiating her own mortality, Benu, a 30 year old womban contemplates life and death. her blood pressure mysteriously rises, like a phoenix, in a toronto hospital, triggering a series of strange physical and mental ailments that lead her down a path of fear, discovery, and renewal.”


In my opinion, one of the best of the few I’ve seen so far at this year’s festival. D’bi is a great story-teller. She plays all characters in this play: Benu, her grandmother and even her “baby daddy” Paul. Her ability to embody each persona is fluid and believable. I like that d’bi is performing this as more of a workshop and asks the audience for feedback at the end of the performance. For those of you have not seen d’bi on-stage, this is your chance. Benu shows again Sunday, Aug 16th at 4:30pm at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace.
Every Time I See Your Picture I Cry – by Daniel Barrow
Composer: Amy Linton

Featuring Daniel Barrow

Synopsis: Barrow’s manual animation uses video, live narration and music to present the story of a garbage man that is determined to put together a phone book that will include everyone in the city he lives in.
I must admit I went to see this production with no expectations and not knowing too much about Daniel Barrow. It was a late show on a Saturday night and it was great. The story is not linear but does not need to be. The live narration adds to set the various moods in the story. Most of all, I like the manual animation aspect of this show. Barrow’s skillful drawings on the overhead projector look great as was the accompanying music. I was really impressed with the whole production. If you’re open minded and looking for a new experience in terms of art and storytelling, this is for you. The last show is Saturday, Aug 15th at 2:30pm at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace.


Impromptu Splendor – by The company
Presented by The National Theatre of the World
Directed by The companyFeaturing Matt Baram, Naomi Snieckus, Ron Pederson
Synopsis: An improvised play with a really great cast… You will not know what the story is about. The audience from the previous show picks the name of a playwright. Thus, the play you see is set in the style of that playwright and you help the Company put the story together… Lots of laughs guaranteed.
Another one of my faves from this year’s SummerWorks. I got to see “The Perverted Metronome” in the style of David Mamet. What a blast! I’m always a fan of improvised works and I liked Impromptu Splendor so much that I’m going again on Sunday. There is not much to say since you have to go and experience this one for yourself. I know it’s been getting great reviews… You have a chance to go twice this weekend Saturday, Aug 15th at 4:30pm or Sunday, Aug 16th at 6:30pm both shows at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace.
For more information on the whole SummerWorks line up as well as times and tickets go here.
Photos: Courtesy of SummerWorks

August 13, 2009

Toronto After Dark Film Fest Picks

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I have narrowed down my list of films for this year’s TADFF. I hope to sample a few films from comedy to action to vampires to more horror… Should be fun!

Black Dynamite – a film inspired by those of the Blaxploitation Era from the 1970’s

Black – starring MC Jean Gab’1 from District 13 fame

Vampire Girl vs Frankenstein Girl – need I say more?

Strigoi – a horror comedy set in Romania… why not?
Rough Cut – an action film from Korea. Korea has been delivering some great films in the last few years in case you haven’t noticed.

Trick ‘r Treat – set on Hallowe’en night with four stories that include a neighbourhood murderer, hungry monsters, a “tradition-loving demon” and vengeful dead.
I’ll have more to say about the films I get to screen as the festival goes underway. In the meantime, you can make your list by looking at the festival’s schedule. Share with the rest of us what you’re planning on seeing.
Poster photos: Toronto After Dark
August 11, 2009

Getting Ready for Toronto After Dark!

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Toronto After Dark Film Festival kicks off this Friday, Aug 14, with its 4th annual showcase of new horror, sci-fi, action and cult cinema from around the world.


Highlights of this year’s 8 night fest, which runs until Aug 21 and is expected to be attended by some 10,000 film fanatics, include the Toronto premiere of the hotly anticipated Halloween spookfest TRICK ‘R TREAT starring TRUE BLOOD’s Anna Paquin, the North American Premiere of the dark sci-fi thriller FRANKLYN starring Ryan Phillippe, plus local premieres of Nazi Zombie flick DEAD SNOW, the Sundance action comedy hit BLACK DYNAMITE, and the terrifying zombie baby movie GRACE!

A number of the filmmakers will also be flying in for Q&A’s with fans. Complete details including trailers to all 17 feature premieres and ticket info available at the official festival website:
http://torontoafterdark.com/

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Hye! Note: Many thanks to the Toronto After Dark team for always keeping us up-to-date.
August 10, 2009

TIFF 2009 UPDATE : “Get ready to fang-bang at the Toronto International Film Festival”

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a rock’n’roll vampire spoof

Directed by Rob Stefaniuk

Makes Its World Premiere at TIFF (CWC)

Friday September 11, 2009

Varsity – 9:00pm

Capri Vision Inc., a division of Capri Films, is pleased to announce that the much-anticipated, all-star rock ‘n’ roll vampire movie SUCK will make its World Premiere as part of TIFF’s prestigious Contemporary World Cinema programme, Friday September 11, 2009 at 9:00pm.

Written and directed by musician/actor Rob Stefaniuk – and featuring acting turns from the likes of Iggy Pop Alice Cooper, Henry Rollins and Moby – SUCK, follows a group of rock ‘n’ roll wannabes in search of immortality and a record deal. Seemingly doomed to roadtrip doldrums and dives, the band The Winners break their slump when their female bass player disappears one night with a studly, stylin’ vampire. She returns charged with sexual charisma that creates audience frenzy and eventually ensnares the rest of the band. Their “hook” launches them to fame. But fame turns out to be a different kind of Hell than AC/DC promised.

Following an “incident” on a national radio show with “Rockn’ Roger” The Winners hit mega-stardom beyond their wildest dreams. But Joey is haunted by an eerie bartender with a dark secret. And legendary vampire hunter, Eddie Van Helsing, is on their tail tracking them down despite his fear of the dark. But when a veteran music producer calls them on becoming a vampire freak show, their rock’n’roll bubble bursts.

Stefaniuk (Phil The Alien) stars as Joey, the lead singer of The Winners. Jessica Paré (The Trotsky, Wicker Park) plays bassist Jennifer, the first Winner to succumb to blood lust. Malcolm McDowell (Heroes, A Clockwork Orange) plays the nichtophobic Van Helsing, while Dave Foley (Kids In The Hall) is the band’s sleazy manager. Rounding out the cast is Dimitri Coates (from the band Burning Brides) as Jennifer’s vampiric “Maker.” Carole Pope (Rough Trade) plays a club manager, Henry Rollins strikes a chord as an edgy radio show host, and Moby plays the lead singer of the rock band Secretaries of Steak. Iggy Pop plays a music producer, and Alice Cooper is a sinister bartender alongside daughter Calico Cooper who plays his cheeky sidekick/waitress.

SUCK marks Stefaniuk’s second feature turn as director, writer and star after Phil The Alien. In addition he co-wrote seven of SUCK’s 11 soundtrack songs. The movie is produced by Robin Crumley, Vice President of Capri Vision (a branch of Capri Films), and by Jeff Rogers. Co-Producer is Victoria Hirst. Executive Producer is Gabriella Martinelli Other Executive Producers include Jeff Sackman, Brad Peyton, Terry Markus, . Director of Photography is D. Gregor Hagey, with editing by Michele Conroy.

John Kastner (Asexuals, The Doughboys) composed the soundtrack, while Jim Goodall handled Production Design. Costume designer was Mario Davignon, with key makeup by Jordan Samuel.


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Hye! Note: A BIG thank you to Ingrid at GAT for keeping me in the loop!

August 9, 2009

SummerWorks 2009

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“Toronto’s Indie Theatre and Arts Festival” a.k.a. SummerWorks is well underway. Since 1991, Toronto becomes the place to be for New Canadian plays. The works are varied in theme and style.

I have attended SummerWorks before but this year I am making time for more than one or two plays. The plays are one hour in length with no intermission, so really the work has to keep you engaged.
In no particular order, my list for this year includes:
Benu by anitAFRIKA dub theatre company
Impromptu Splendor by The National Theatre of the World
Je serais toujours la pour te tuer / I’ll always be there to kill you by Pure Cassis Productions
Keen by MGM Theatre Co.
sketch’in Toronto by sketch working arts
Everytime I see your picture I cry by playwright Daniel Barrow
The festival also showcases a music series. I’m looking forward to seeing The D’Urbevilles later this week. There is also a Performance Gallery and SummerWalks. If you’re interested the festival runs until August 16, more info can be found here. I’ll be posting more on the festival in the upcoming days…
July 18, 2009

Laugh it off!

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Thanks to my contacts at GAT, I was able to attend a couple of Toronto Just for Laughs shows this week. How could I say no to The Danny Bhoy Show and an Evening wih Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood? My friends and I had such a great time at both shows.

Danny Bhoy has become a well-know Scottish comic who has been to the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival twice and twice he’s won over his audiences. I liked Danny’s style. He’s really relaxed on-stage and for a one-man show, he really works hard to keep his audience engaged. I had seen some footage of other shows Danny’s done in other parts of the world and I must say that I like how he uses the same themes and makes them relevant to each place he visits. His show runs at Toronto Just for Laughs until Sunday, July 19th. Information on tickets can be found at the festival’s website. You still have time to check him out and have yourself a good laugh.
Friday night, I had the chance to go spend An Evening with Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood. Most of you will know them from the TV Show Who’s Line is it Anyway? both the UK and US versions. Wow, my friend and I laughed and laughed the whole time. Mochrie and Sherwood put on an improv show.
We liked the fact that Mochrie and Sherwood followed the format of the TV show and had a skeleton for their show but the audience added the rest of the material. The amount of effort and brain power to keep the sketches going really is amazing and definitely funny. The show is two hours long but you do not feel the time pass by… You’re too busy laughing. Mochrie & Sherwood have one more show at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts on Saturday, July 18th. If you’re around the area, go for it! You will be glad you got your laugh on!
Pictures courtesy of GAT.
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