Northern France, 1918. World War One is reaching its bloody climax and the end can’t come soon enough for Canadian tunneller Berton (Rossif Sutherland). His superiors, however, need his expertise to get a team of British and American allies inside a secret underground German base. Trench 11 takes you along with Berton deep into the bowels of this underground base unbeknownst of the horrors that await. READ MORE
I came to know Graham Isador as a storyteller through a previous SummerWorks show Situational Anarchy. When I interviewed him for a follow up performance of that show, he discussed why he’s drawn to storytelling. “It’s a balance between a selfish need to show off and a desperate need to be understood… When I make someone feel something, and I know that I’ve done it, it is the best feeling in the world. Partly that is… also because maybe their reaction means my stupid head that I live inside isn’t so alien after all.”
Kris Hagen switches his time on-screen as part of CBC’s Kim’s Convenience, for a chance to showcase his music, writing and directing skills on-stage in Lighters in the Air. A play about artistic integrity, unfulfilled expectations, and an uncertain future. READ MORE
Premiering at Toronto’s Fringe Festival, Robin Black‘s (UFC, MUCHMUSIC, TSN) Enjoy the Hostilities walks us through his transition from glam rock singer, to mixed martial artist, to television personality. Co-written by Graham Isador (VICE, Soulpepper Playwright’s unit) the show uses storytelling, comedy, and punch drunk philosophy to offer audiences advice on how to make the most out of almost making it.
As a preview to its premiere, Black answered my 5 Questions. READ MORE
Jessica Jessica – same name, same problems. The story of two friends in their late 30’s who aren’t married, aren’t mothers, aren’t failures, and are both named Jessica. READ MORE
The 7th annual Breakthroughs Film Festival (BFF) has been working tirelessly towards its vision of an industry that recognizes and effectively represents women filmmakers. For the second year in a row, the festival will screen the work of both New Generation (aged 18 – 30) women directors, as well as Emerging Women Directors (any age).
BFF will feature 19 outstanding short films from 9 different countries spanning across 5 continents. Among them are 4 Toronto-based filmmakers, plus award-winning shorts from locations as diverse as Iceland and Japan. READ MORE
Toronto’s Open Roof Festival (ORF) has moved to the city’s newest cultural hotspot – Lower Junction in Toronto’s Junction Triangle neighborhood. The festival will once again offer filmgoers an eclectic mix of Hollywood and indie flicks paired with emerging musicians or bands in a variety of genres. As with previous years, I have curated my Top 5 Picks for this year’s ORF. READ MORE
The Toronto True Crime Film Festival (TTCFF) will have its first annual edition this week, June 8 – 9, 2018 at The Royal Cinema and Monarch Tavern in Toronto. The inaugural lineup includes five film screenings and three symposium events, with 15% of all pass and ticket sales being donated to charity.
As a true crime fan, I am quite interested in attending a few screenings and events at TTCFF. Below are a few of my personal picks!
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