Celebrating its 15th anniversary, imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival begins next week, running October 22-26, showcasing some of the most compelling and distinctive Indigenous works from around the globe.
This year’s festival includes: 130 films and videos; nine Radio Works; seven multi-platform New Media works; four art exhibitions featuring 19 media artists; 11 industry panels and public workshops; and 17 commissions. Continuing to expand its line-up, imagineNATIVE will feature 175 artists representing more than 70 distinct Indigenous nations from 12 countries, including a special International Spotlight on the diverse and remarkable work of Indigenous artists from across Australia.
Opening Night
Wednesday, Oct 22nd, 7pm
What We Do In The Shadows
Bloor Cinema
I cannot tell you how much this choice of opening film makes me smile from ear to ear. This vampire ‘documentary’ screened at TIFF’s Midnight Madness in September, which is where I saw it. It also won TIFF’s MM Audience Choice Award. It has been doing the festival circuit since and has garnered some excellent response. No need to tell you what it is about because I sincerely hope you make it out to this one. I laugh every time I think of scenes from the film. As well, co-director Taika Waititi will be in attendance.
Thursday, Oct 23rd, 8pm
Drunktown’s Finest
TIFF Bell Lightbox, Cinema 4
Set among the landscape of the Navajo Reservation, the film will takes us on a journey of exploration into the lives of three young Navajo people. The film focuses on three protagonists – who represent three genders – which to me, make for a progressive move in terms of filmmaking, in general. Definitely curious about this one.
Friday, Oct 24th, 11am
Coded Territories Book Launch
Ryerson Image Centre
Aside from films, imagineNATIVE has now published its first anthology of essays written by leading Canadian Indigenous new media artists, edited by Steven Loft and Kerry Swanson. Attend to hear about the book and enjoy some light refreshments.
Friday, Oct 24th, 5:30pm
SOL
TIFF Bell Lightbox, Cinema 4
A documentary about Solomon Uyarasuk, a young Inuk man filled with talent and promise, who was found dead while in RCMP custody in 2012. The police claim suicide but the community suspects murder. I’ll have more about to say about this film and Solomon’s story in the next few days.
Friday, Oct 24th, 11:15pm
FREE Admission
The Witching Hour: Late Night Shorts Programme
TIFF Bell Lightbox, Cinema 3
This is for those of you who like late-night films and are looking for a little sci-fi, horror, and more. The line-up looks diverse and interesting.
Saturday, Oct 25th, 2:30pm
Available Light: Shorts Programme
TIFF Bell Lightbox, Cinema 3
Short films that sound like a complete sensory experience. There is something to be said about experimental films, and thus, I suggest you check out the line up for this shorts programme.
Saturday, Oct 25th, 4:15pm
FREE and Open to the Public
The Future of Indigenous Social Justice Docs
Panel with Filmmakers incl. Alanis Obomsawin
TIFF Bell Lightbox
Documentary filmmakers, producers and advocates will engage in a discussion about the vital importance of documentary films. They will also talk about how the industry might and should respond to the need for creating opportunities in order to bring these stories to wide audiences.
Saturday, Oct 25th, 4:15pm
The Pa Boys
TIFF Bell Lightbox, Cinema 3
Three Maori flatmates decide to form a band and embark on a pub tour “Down North” to Cape Reinga in Aotearoa. Boasting a “hot reggae soundtrack”, I am keen to see where this tour takes us.
Saturday, Oct 25th, 9pm
imagineNATIVE 15th Anniversary Party
Hart House
Celebrating 15 years is no small feat, and why not join in the party? Be part of it and groove to the sounds of Bear Witness of DJ collective A Tribe Called Red. The party will also feature Cris Derksen and Red Pepper Spectacle Arts.
Sunday, Oct 26th, 11am
Sumé -Mumisitsinerup Nipaa (The Sound of a Revolution)
TIFF Bell Lightbox, Cinema 4
A rock band from Greenland? Indeed! This Indigenous band, Sumé, recorded three albums in the early 1970s. This documentary should be a great introduction to the band, their politics, and music.
Closing Night
Sunday, Oct 26th, 6:30pm
The Embargo Collective II
TIFF Bell Lightbox, Cinema 1
To celebrate its 15th anniversary, imagineNATIVE commissioned five short films created by five female Indigenous Canadian filmmakers. The screening will be followed by an in-depth, in-cinema panel featuring the artists and executive producer and project manager Danis Goulet. The line-up looks very strong.
On-Goin until Fri, Oct 31st
Ice Fishing
Art Exhibit At 401 Richmond
imagineNATIVE is the world’s largest Indigenous festival showcasing innovation in film, video, radio and new media. For full film and festival listings, as well as ticketing and box office information, visit imaginenative.org.
