From stories about harrowing queer experiences (“The Miseducation of Cameron Post”) to films that are themselves harrowing queer experiences, Peacock has a decent LGBTQ but with more queer storylines than queer shows.
Peacock’s selection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer-inclusive movies and TV shows is not nearly as robust as the other catalogues on competing services, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video. And it’s an even further cry from the plethora of original gay content at HBO, which is still the only competitor in the streaming wars brandishing a critically acclaimed comedy about gay pirates.
But at least a handful of the LGBTQ stories currently available on Peacock are good enough to consider visiting the service for that purpose, even if you’re not usually there perusing its stockpile of middling NBC sitcoms. On the TV side, “We Are Lady Parts” stands out as a must-watch series about...
Peacock’s selection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer-inclusive movies and TV shows is not nearly as robust as the other catalogues on competing services, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video. And it’s an even further cry from the plethora of original gay content at HBO, which is still the only competitor in the streaming wars brandishing a critically acclaimed comedy about gay pirates.
But at least a handful of the LGBTQ stories currently available on Peacock are good enough to consider visiting the service for that purpose, even if you’re not usually there perusing its stockpile of middling NBC sitcoms. On the TV side, “We Are Lady Parts” stands out as a must-watch series about...
- 12/8/2023
- by Alison Foreman and Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
”We vow to trust each other, trust ourselves, and be courageous.”
Canada-based filmmaker Ingrid Veninger has thrown down the challenge to a team of 10 female filmmakers to make an anthology of 10-minute shorts shot from isolation amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Veninger, of Toronto-based pUNK Films, has recruited nine international collaborators to work on Exquisite Cadaver Project and established a set of rules that embraces available technology and speaks to the unprecedented contemporary times.
The 10 guiding principles, which recall the Dogme 95 manifesto by Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg that originated in Denmark, prescribe impulsive and current content in any genre...
Canada-based filmmaker Ingrid Veninger has thrown down the challenge to a team of 10 female filmmakers to make an anthology of 10-minute shorts shot from isolation amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Veninger, of Toronto-based pUNK Films, has recruited nine international collaborators to work on Exquisite Cadaver Project and established a set of rules that embraces available technology and speaks to the unprecedented contemporary times.
The 10 guiding principles, which recall the Dogme 95 manifesto by Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg that originated in Denmark, prescribe impulsive and current content in any genre...
- 3/31/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Stars: Stephen Dorff, Louis Tripp, Chrsita Denton, Kelly Rowan, Jennifer Irwin, Deborah Grover, Scot Denton, Ingrid Veninger, Sean Fagan | Written by Michael Nankin | Directed by Tibor Takacs
“We accidentally summoned demons who used to rule the universe to come and take over the world,” says Terry (Louis Tripp), the troubled best friend of pre-teen Glen (Stephen Dorff in his film debut). He’s not joking. A steaming hole has opened up in Glen’s back garden, and while his parents are away for the weekend he’ll have to defend his home from a demonic invasion.
Glen’s main guardian is his older sister, Al (Christa Denton). Together, the siblings and Terry will face ghosts, poltergeists, zombies, moths and hordes of ankle-biting mini trolls. The ancient evil needs two human sacrifices in order to unleash its full power on the world. Any two will do. Can the kids survive the night?...
“We accidentally summoned demons who used to rule the universe to come and take over the world,” says Terry (Louis Tripp), the troubled best friend of pre-teen Glen (Stephen Dorff in his film debut). He’s not joking. A steaming hole has opened up in Glen’s back garden, and while his parents are away for the weekend he’ll have to defend his home from a demonic invasion.
Glen’s main guardian is his older sister, Al (Christa Denton). Together, the siblings and Terry will face ghosts, poltergeists, zombies, moths and hordes of ankle-biting mini trolls. The ancient evil needs two human sacrifices in order to unleash its full power on the world. Any two will do. Can the kids survive the night?...
- 3/14/2018
- by Rupert Harvey
- Nerdly
Stars: Stephen Dorff, Louis Tripp, Chrsita Denton, Kelly Rowan, Jennifer Irwin, Deborah Grover, Scot Denton, Ingrid Veninger, Sean Fagan | Written by Michael Nankin | Directed by Tibor Takacs
My memories of The Gate come from first seeing the video cover at the rental store and immediately wanting to see it. To my young eyes, it was just a must see. Now as a grown up, getting the chance to re-watch it for review, I hoped the magic was still there. Thankfully it turned out that it was, made all the better on Blu-ray.
When Glen (Stephen Dorff) and Terry (Louis Tripp) release a horde of pint-sized demons from a hole in Glen’s backyard they find the task of stopping them all the harder his parents gone for the weekend. With the help of big sister Al (Christa Denton) they must do battle against their worst fears to stop the end of the world.
My memories of The Gate come from first seeing the video cover at the rental store and immediately wanting to see it. To my young eyes, it was just a must see. Now as a grown up, getting the chance to re-watch it for review, I hoped the magic was still there. Thankfully it turned out that it was, made all the better on Blu-ray.
When Glen (Stephen Dorff) and Terry (Louis Tripp) release a horde of pint-sized demons from a hole in Glen’s backyard they find the task of stopping them all the harder his parents gone for the weekend. With the help of big sister Al (Christa Denton) they must do battle against their worst fears to stop the end of the world.
- 3/1/2018
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
The Other Side Of Porcupine Lake: Doc About Ingrid Veninger's Coming of Age Movie Debuts in Whistler
Julian Papas' behind the scenes documentary, The Other Side of Porcupine Lake, follows Ingrid Veninger as she works on her sixth feature film, Porcupine Lake. We have been given a short clip to share with you which you will find below. Papas' first feature length documentary will have its World Premiere at the Whistler Film Festival on December 2nd in the Squamish Li’Wat Cultural Centre. Porcupine Lake will also be screening at Whistler Film Festival making its Western Canadian Premiere on two occasions: December 1 – 5:00pm – Village 8, Theatre 6 and on December 2 – 3:00pm – Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre The Other Side of Porcupine Lake is a documentary that follows Ingrid Veninger as she makes her sixth feature film,...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 11/28/2017
- Screen Anarchy
Breaking Glass Pictures has picked up the U.S. rights to Ingrid Veninger's coming-of-age indie drama Porcupine Lake, which is executive produced by Melissa Leo and had a world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "Porcupine Lake is a spectacular achievement of a film that is filled with phenomenal performances, which bring this touching story to life," Rich Wolff, CEO of Breaking Glass Pictures, said Friday in a statement.
The Canadian indie stars Charlotte Salisbury and Lucinda Armstrong Hall in a drama about a 13-year-old girl, Bea, who wants a best friend. But when...
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "Porcupine Lake is a spectacular achievement of a film that is filled with phenomenal performances, which bring this touching story to life," Rich Wolff, CEO of Breaking Glass Pictures, said Friday in a statement.
The Canadian indie stars Charlotte Salisbury and Lucinda Armstrong Hall in a drama about a 13-year-old girl, Bea, who wants a best friend. But when...
- 9/15/2017
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Teenage Bea (Charlotte Salisbury) is in desperate need of an escape from her mundane, isolated life. We can assume Toronto’s big city living isn’t yet something she’s embraced due to her tendency for fainting spells whenever anxiety grows. Mom (Delphine Roussel’s Ally) therefore keeps a tight leash, protecting her daughter as best she can while unfortunately assuring the isolation permeates her very soul. Dad (Christopher Bolton) hopes a change of scenery will do both some good, the Northern Ontario diner he inherited a few months back providing the opportunity. As a summer spot it can expose Bea to plenty of fun if able to initiate making friends. And as a means to reunite their family, it might also help mend the marital turmoil that’s obviously affecting them all.
This is the setting of Ingrid Veninger latest coming-of-age drama Porcupine Lake, its focus on this young...
This is the setting of Ingrid Veninger latest coming-of-age drama Porcupine Lake, its focus on this young...
- 9/13/2017
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Porcupine Lake is the sixth feature from pUNK Films founder Ingrid Veninger. It’s also the first from the pUNK Films Femmes Labs, which started as a Diy idea of gathering six Canadian female filmmakers to work on their six screenplays for six months to reality — courtesy of Oscar-winner Melissa Leo, who happened to hear Veninger’s pitch for funding at the Whistler Film Festival and immediately sign on as sponsor. The film itself feels like a throwback to the early heady (not to mention pre-tech, as there’s not a smartphone-glued character in sight!) days of low-key/low-budget independent film. It’s a […]...
- 9/12/2017
- by Lauren Wissot
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Lineup and Pre-Festival Announcements and News
Tiff Reveals First Slate of 2017 Titles, Including ‘The Shape of Water,’ ‘Downsizing,’ and ‘Call Me By Your Name’
Tiff Announces Midnight Madness and Documentaries Slate, Including ‘The Disaster Artist,’ ‘Super Size Me’ Sequel, and More
Tiff Announces Platform Lineup, Including ‘The Death of Stalin,’ ‘Euphoria,’ and ‘Brad’s Status’
Tiff Reveals Full Canadian Lineup, Including ‘Alias Grace’ Series Premiere and Restored Classics
Tiff 2017 Does TV: Primetime Line-Up to Premiere ‘The Deuce’ and ‘The Girlfriend Experience’
Tiff Adds More Titles, Including ‘The Florida Project,’ ‘Molly’s Game,’ New Films From Brie Larson and Louis C.K., and Many More
Tiff Adds Lady Gaga Documentary & Performance to Special Events Slate
Pre-Festival Analysis
10 Toronto Film Festival Documentaries That Could Shake Up the Oscars
Tiff’s Platform Selection: How the Festival’s Buzziest Slate is Pivoting After Launching ‘Moonlight’
Tiff 2017: 12 Lgbtq Films We Can’t Wait to See...
Tiff Reveals First Slate of 2017 Titles, Including ‘The Shape of Water,’ ‘Downsizing,’ and ‘Call Me By Your Name’
Tiff Announces Midnight Madness and Documentaries Slate, Including ‘The Disaster Artist,’ ‘Super Size Me’ Sequel, and More
Tiff Announces Platform Lineup, Including ‘The Death of Stalin,’ ‘Euphoria,’ and ‘Brad’s Status’
Tiff Reveals Full Canadian Lineup, Including ‘Alias Grace’ Series Premiere and Restored Classics
Tiff 2017 Does TV: Primetime Line-Up to Premiere ‘The Deuce’ and ‘The Girlfriend Experience’
Tiff Adds More Titles, Including ‘The Florida Project,’ ‘Molly’s Game,’ New Films From Brie Larson and Louis C.K., and Many More
Tiff Adds Lady Gaga Documentary & Performance to Special Events Slate
Pre-Festival Analysis
10 Toronto Film Festival Documentaries That Could Shake Up the Oscars
Tiff’s Platform Selection: How the Festival’s Buzziest Slate is Pivoting After Launching ‘Moonlight’
Tiff 2017: 12 Lgbtq Films We Can’t Wait to See...
- 9/6/2017
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire
If you’re searching for a breakout on this year’s fall festival circuit, look no further than “Nina” star Bibiana Nováková. The eponymous star of Juraj Lehotský’s latest feature anchors the tough divorce drama and comes out the other side as a bonafide star in the making. The film, which recently bowed at Karlovy Vary, is now bound for the Toronto International Film Festival as part of its recently announced World Cinema section.
Read More:‘Porcupine Lake’ Trailer: Ingrid Veninger’s Tiff Entry Sensitively Explores Feminine Coming-of-Age — Watch
The film follows tween Nina (Nováková), whose entire world is upended when her parents announce their divorce. For the sensitive 12-year-old, the discovery that her parents are “doing what’s best for her” rocks her to her very core — what about what she wants? what about their lives together? and who are these seeming strangers who have replaced her loving parents?...
Read More:‘Porcupine Lake’ Trailer: Ingrid Veninger’s Tiff Entry Sensitively Explores Feminine Coming-of-Age — Watch
The film follows tween Nina (Nováková), whose entire world is upended when her parents announce their divorce. For the sensitive 12-year-old, the discovery that her parents are “doing what’s best for her” rocks her to her very core — what about what she wants? what about their lives together? and who are these seeming strangers who have replaced her loving parents?...
- 8/16/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Mostly everyone went into Cannes talking about “The Beguiled,” “Wonderstruck,” and “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” among other titles, but the movie on everyone’s mind by the end of the festival was Sean Baker’s “The Florida Project.” The director’s follow-up to his breakout “Tangerine” took Cannes by storm, and now it’s a potential Oscar dark horse with A24 releasing it this fall.
Read More:‘The Florida Project’ Review: Sean Baker’s ‘Tangerine’ Followup Delivers
“The Florida Project” stars acclaimed newcomer Brooklynn Prince as Moonee, a six-year-old living at a budget motel under the supervision of her rebellious mother Halley (Bria Vinaite) and the property’s manager (Willem Dafoe, who will certainly be in the Best Supporting Actor race). The film’s free-flowing narrative follows Moonee’s mischievous adventures with her friends and Halley’s bleaker reality of struggling to provide for her daughter.
In his A- review of the movie,...
Read More:‘The Florida Project’ Review: Sean Baker’s ‘Tangerine’ Followup Delivers
“The Florida Project” stars acclaimed newcomer Brooklynn Prince as Moonee, a six-year-old living at a budget motel under the supervision of her rebellious mother Halley (Bria Vinaite) and the property’s manager (Willem Dafoe, who will certainly be in the Best Supporting Actor race). The film’s free-flowing narrative follows Moonee’s mischievous adventures with her friends and Halley’s bleaker reality of struggling to provide for her daughter.
In his A- review of the movie,...
- 8/14/2017
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Dave McCary and Kyle Mooney’s Sundance charmer “Brigsby Bear” chronicles the kind of nostalgia for a long-forgotten era of television that plenty of viewers can relate to, culminating in a final sequence that sees its stars translating their love into one big, beautiful creative act. It’s basically the perfect film for kids who grew up on Saturday morning TV and wish that they were able to turn that affection into something more tangible in their older years. It’s also heartbreakingly funny.
Read More:‘Brigsby Bear’: How Two Childhood Best Friends Sold Their Love Letter to Cinema to Sony Pictures Classics
When we first meet Mooney’s character James, he’s defined by his adoration for the long-running children’s show “Brigsby Bear,” a mash-up of kiddo TV classics that’s part detective show, part life lesson-delivery service, and just quirky enough to feel like something you...
Read More:‘Brigsby Bear’: How Two Childhood Best Friends Sold Their Love Letter to Cinema to Sony Pictures Classics
When we first meet Mooney’s character James, he’s defined by his adoration for the long-running children’s show “Brigsby Bear,” a mash-up of kiddo TV classics that’s part detective show, part life lesson-delivery service, and just quirky enough to feel like something you...
- 8/10/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Festival brass unveil Rising Stars, Telefilm Canada Pitch This! finallists, and more.
Mary Harron, Kim Nguyen (both pictured above), Ingrid Veninger, and Denis Côté are among the familiar names in the 26-strong Canadian Features slate that Toronto International Film Festival programmers unveiled on Wednesday.
The selection comprises the highest number of feature directorial debutants and films from Western Canada in recent years. More than 30% of the titles are by first-time feature directors.
Festival brass also announced Short Cuts, Tiff Cinematheque, Rising Stars, Telefilm Canada Pitch This! finallists, and the recipient of the 2017 Len Blum Residency.
The 42nd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 7-17.
Canadian Features
“It is exciting to see a new wave of Canadian first-time feature directors play with genres and take risks,” Tiff senior programmer Steve Gravestock said. “This year’s line-up has a truly international feel to it, too, with a number of features shot all over the globe — something that also...
Mary Harron, Kim Nguyen (both pictured above), Ingrid Veninger, and Denis Côté are among the familiar names in the 26-strong Canadian Features slate that Toronto International Film Festival programmers unveiled on Wednesday.
The selection comprises the highest number of feature directorial debutants and films from Western Canada in recent years. More than 30% of the titles are by first-time feature directors.
Festival brass also announced Short Cuts, Tiff Cinematheque, Rising Stars, Telefilm Canada Pitch This! finallists, and the recipient of the 2017 Len Blum Residency.
The 42nd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 7-17.
Canadian Features
“It is exciting to see a new wave of Canadian first-time feature directors play with genres and take risks,” Tiff senior programmer Steve Gravestock said. “This year’s line-up has a truly international feel to it, too, with a number of features shot all over the globe — something that also...
- 8/9/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The only thing 13-year-old Bea wants in this world is a best friend, and when her lazy summer is interrupted by the introduction of the outspoken Kate, it appears as if she is finally getting her wish. But in lauded Canadian filmmaker Ingrid Veninger’s newest Tiff premiere, “Porcupine Lake,” what initially seems like a fast-moving friendship takes on a new dimension as the pair grow even closer together over the course of one fateful summer.
Read More:tiff Reveals Full Canadian Lineup, Including ‘Alias Grace’ Series Premiere and Restored Classics
Born in Bratislava and raised in Canada, Veninger formed pUNK Films in 2003 with a “nothing is impossible” manifesto. In 2014, she initiated the pUNK Films Femmes Lab to foster feature films written and directed by Canadian women, sponsored by Academy Award winner Melissa Leo. “Porcupine Lake” is her sixth feature as writer/director/producer, following her 2015 feature “He Hated Pigeons” and...
Read More:tiff Reveals Full Canadian Lineup, Including ‘Alias Grace’ Series Premiere and Restored Classics
Born in Bratislava and raised in Canada, Veninger formed pUNK Films in 2003 with a “nothing is impossible” manifesto. In 2014, she initiated the pUNK Films Femmes Lab to foster feature films written and directed by Canadian women, sponsored by Academy Award winner Melissa Leo. “Porcupine Lake” is her sixth feature as writer/director/producer, following her 2015 feature “He Hated Pigeons” and...
- 8/9/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
For his second feature film, refugee-turned-filmmaker Tarique Qayumi is looking to shed a different sort of a light on a changing Afghanistan. “Black Kite” follows Arian, who adores kites, but whose talent is curtailed when the Taliban take power and ban kite flying. As his young daughter Seema’s childhood seems to be coming to an end, Arian risks it all to find and fly kites alongside her.
Read More:tiff Reveals Full Canadian Lineup, Including ‘Alias Grace’ Series Premiere and Restored Classics
The Tiff premiere is a historical drama that blends mediums — including animation, documentary, and live action — to weave a stirring narrative about a man’s love of kite flying (and his child) as he yearns for freedom that seems so very far away.
“Black Kite” stars two of Afghanistan’s biggest stars, Haji Gul and Leena Alam, along with non-actors Zahra Nasim and Hamid Noorzay.
Read More:tiff’s...
Read More:tiff Reveals Full Canadian Lineup, Including ‘Alias Grace’ Series Premiere and Restored Classics
The Tiff premiere is a historical drama that blends mediums — including animation, documentary, and live action — to weave a stirring narrative about a man’s love of kite flying (and his child) as he yearns for freedom that seems so very far away.
“Black Kite” stars two of Afghanistan’s biggest stars, Haji Gul and Leena Alam, along with non-actors Zahra Nasim and Hamid Noorzay.
Read More:tiff’s...
- 8/9/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
At this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, the annual event will pay tribute to its home country with a number of options that span the past, present, and future of Canadian creativity. Per usual, the fest has unveiled a slew of titles that will make up its Canadian feature slate — 26 in all — with an eye towards advancing not only established Canadian filmmakers, but rising stars as well.
This year’s Canadian lineup boasts one of the highest numbers of feature directorial debuts ever, as well as one of the highest numbers of films from Western Canada in recent years. Over 30% of the titles have a first-time feature director, while seven out of nine are Tiff alumni.
Read More:tiff’s Platform Selection: How the Festival’s Buzziest Slate is Pivoting After Launching ‘Moonlight’
“It is exciting to see a new wave of Canadian first-time feature directors play with genres and take risks,...
This year’s Canadian lineup boasts one of the highest numbers of feature directorial debuts ever, as well as one of the highest numbers of films from Western Canada in recent years. Over 30% of the titles have a first-time feature director, while seven out of nine are Tiff alumni.
Read More:tiff’s Platform Selection: How the Festival’s Buzziest Slate is Pivoting After Launching ‘Moonlight’
“It is exciting to see a new wave of Canadian first-time feature directors play with genres and take risks,...
- 8/9/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Screen horror gets a fun-ride boost with the adventures of a trio of home-alone kids squaring off against demons from, ‘right in their own back yard.’ Creative, expertly daring special effects heighten a perfect spook thriller for young kids, that’s has more and better ‘Boo’ moments than most of the hardcore genre classics of its decade.
The Gate
Blu-ray
Lionsgate / Vestron Video
1987 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 85 min. / Street Date February 28, 2017 / 39.97
Starring: Stephen Dorff, Christa Denton, Louis Tripp, Kelly Rowan, Jennifer Irwin, Deborah Grover, Scot Denton, Ingrid Veninger, Sean Fagan
Cinematography: Thomas Vámos
Film Editor :Rit Wallis
Speical Visual Effects Designer and Supervisor: Randall William Cook
Special Makeup: Craig Reardon
Original Music: Michael Hoenig, J. Peter Robinson
Written by: Michael Nankin
Produced by: John Kemeny
Directed by: Tibor Takács
Horror enthusiasts of a different generation than mine speak highly of the theatrical shockers of the 1980s that set their nerves on edge.
The Gate
Blu-ray
Lionsgate / Vestron Video
1987 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 85 min. / Street Date February 28, 2017 / 39.97
Starring: Stephen Dorff, Christa Denton, Louis Tripp, Kelly Rowan, Jennifer Irwin, Deborah Grover, Scot Denton, Ingrid Veninger, Sean Fagan
Cinematography: Thomas Vámos
Film Editor :Rit Wallis
Speical Visual Effects Designer and Supervisor: Randall William Cook
Special Makeup: Craig Reardon
Original Music: Michael Hoenig, J. Peter Robinson
Written by: Michael Nankin
Produced by: John Kemeny
Directed by: Tibor Takács
Horror enthusiasts of a different generation than mine speak highly of the theatrical shockers of the 1980s that set their nerves on edge.
- 2/18/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
On the heels of Telefilm Canada’s pledge on November 11 that half of its projects will be directed or written by women in a move to close the industry gender gap by 2020, the Whistler Film Festival (Nov 30 — Dec 4) was proud to present an unprecedented number of female focused films, talent, events and awards throughout its 2016 programs.
The festival featured a record 31 (36%) films all directed by women (including 15 feature films out of 50 and 16 short films out of 36). Wff also has 38 (58%) female filmmakers out of the 66 Canadian artists confirmed to date participating in 11 talent programs — including 22 directors, 6 producers, 3 screenwriters, 2 actors, and 5 musicians/bands in the Music Showcase. Add this to the talent confirmed to attend the festival in support of their films and projects, including award winning director and screenwriter Deepa Mehta (An Anatomy Of Violence), director Ingrid Veninger (Hockey Night), director Kirsten Carthew (The Sun At Midnight) and director Martine Blue...
The festival featured a record 31 (36%) films all directed by women (including 15 feature films out of 50 and 16 short films out of 36). Wff also has 38 (58%) female filmmakers out of the 66 Canadian artists confirmed to date participating in 11 talent programs — including 22 directors, 6 producers, 3 screenwriters, 2 actors, and 5 musicians/bands in the Music Showcase. Add this to the talent confirmed to attend the festival in support of their films and projects, including award winning director and screenwriter Deepa Mehta (An Anatomy Of Violence), director Ingrid Veninger (Hockey Night), director Kirsten Carthew (The Sun At Midnight) and director Martine Blue...
- 12/7/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Winners of the 2016 Whistler Film Festival were announced at the Awards Celebration this morning on the final day of the 16h annual Festival.Before The Streets (Avant Les Rues) Canadian director Chloé Leriche’s first feature, won the $15,000 cash prize sponsored by the Directors Guild of Canada, British Columbia and the $15,000 post-production prize sponsored by Encore Vancouver in the 13th edition of the coveted Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature Film. The moving story of Shawnouk, a young First Nations man who banishes himself into exile after committing a horrible crime during a routine break-in at one of the local summer homes. The first feature film ever shot in the Atikamekw language is an accomplished first film by filmmaker Chloé Leriche.
The Borsos Jury chose Before The Streets for the Best Canadian Feature because “this surprising, unexpected film grips you from its powerful, intense opening chant, to well beyond the final credits,...
The Borsos Jury chose Before The Streets for the Best Canadian Feature because “this surprising, unexpected film grips you from its powerful, intense opening chant, to well beyond the final credits,...
- 12/7/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Toronto-based Films We Like has picked up Canadian rights to Ingrid Veninger’s upcoming drama.
Veninger and her producers will begin casting on June 10 on what is described as “a story of bravery and the secret life of girls set in Northern Ontario during a hot and hazy summertime when adulthood has not yet arrived, but childhood is quickly vanishing.”
Production is set for August and Films We Like plans to release the film theatrically across Canada in the latter stages of 2017.
Melissa Leo supported Porcupine Lake in Veninger’s pUNK Films Femmes Lab launched at the Whistler Film Festival in 2014 and according to a press release issued on behalf of Films We Like said after reading the first draft: “This is a story that every women carries inside her.”
The second draft was developed at the inaugural Screenwriters Lab at Hedgebrook, where Veninger was mentored by Jenny Bicks (The Big C) and Emmy-winner Jane Anderson ([link...
Veninger and her producers will begin casting on June 10 on what is described as “a story of bravery and the secret life of girls set in Northern Ontario during a hot and hazy summertime when adulthood has not yet arrived, but childhood is quickly vanishing.”
Production is set for August and Films We Like plans to release the film theatrically across Canada in the latter stages of 2017.
Melissa Leo supported Porcupine Lake in Veninger’s pUNK Films Femmes Lab launched at the Whistler Film Festival in 2014 and according to a press release issued on behalf of Films We Like said after reading the first draft: “This is a story that every women carries inside her.”
The second draft was developed at the inaugural Screenwriters Lab at Hedgebrook, where Veninger was mentored by Jenny Bicks (The Big C) and Emmy-winner Jane Anderson ([link...
- 6/8/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The 15th anniversary celebration of the Whistler Film Festival wrapped Sunday night, living up to its title as ‘Canada’s coolest film fest’ by hosting more premieres, filmmakers, industry executives, and celebrities than ever before, including unique experiences from films, music and parties to high adrenaline races.
The Whistler Film Festival’s Pandora Audience Award went to British-American romantic drama "Carol," directed by Todd Haynes from the screenplay by Phyllis Nagy (Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch class of 2014) starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, which received its Canadian premiere at Whistler. The Wff Audience Award runner-ups were "The Legend of Barney Thomson," character-actor Robert Carlyle's first theatrical feature and directorial debut, which received its North American premiere at the festival, followed by Ricardo Trogi’s mid-life crisis dramedy, Quebec film "Le Mirage," the highest grossing and most popular Canadian film of the year so far. The Wff Audience Award is a non-cash prize presented to the highest-rated film as voted by the audience.
Paul Gratton, Director of Programming had this to say about this year’s event: "We were very fortunate to open this year's fest with the Canadian premiere of "Carol," a film we are convinced will be a major contender in this year's awards season race. The festival took off from there, with many sold out screenings, packed and newsworthy industry sessions, and over 450 guests who made a point of trekking out to beautiful Whistler to support their films and talk business with the high-level movers and shakers also in attendance. 2015 represented another step forward towards making Wff the coolest festival in the world. Can't wait 'til next year.”
Total attendance for this year’s fest was 13,233 attendees (a 18% increase over 11,273 in 2014) . This included 7,740 film-screening attendees and 3,533 special event attendees (Signature Series, Music Café, ShortWork Showcase, R-Rated Party, Awards Brunch, L’Oreal Men Expert Bobsleigh Race and Celebrity Challenge Ski Race), in addition to 2,530 Summit attendees. Several of the feature films were at or near capacity, including: "Born to be Blue," "Chasing Bansky," "Forsaken," "How to Plan and Orgy in a Small Town," "Legend,""Legend of Barney Thomson," "Numb," "The Lady in the Van," "the Steps," and "Trumbo."
Designed to facilitate international alliances and financial partnerships, Wff’s industry Summit program presented 30 interactive sessions that addressed a range of issues affecting the film, television, and digital media industry. Overall Summit attendance was at 86% capacity with 2,530 attendees (a 13% increase over 2,231 in 2014) including 855 delegates (on par with 2014). The Whistler Summit directly connects to Wff’s slate of project development programs designed to provide creative and business immersion experiences for 42 Canadian artists including its Feature Project Lab, Praxis Screenwriters Lab, Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship, and Music Café. Wff also collaborates with several industry organizations by hosting specific third party initiatives at the Whistler Summit including the Women in the Director’s Chair Industry Immersion, Women in Film & Television Film Market Preparation Mentorship, and the Mppia Short Film Award Pitch with the Motion Picture Production Industry Association and Creative BC. In addition to the
204 scheduled meetings (a 10% increase over 186 in 2014) that took place during the Summit, there was again a notable increase in unscheduled meetings that took place outside of scheduled blocks proving the festival remains an important place for the industry to meet and do business. Industry guests came from Canada, USA, UK, India, and China to participate, and included some of the top talent and executives in the business.
Film met music when Morning Show, one of the ten-featured BC artists from Wff’s Music Café, performed the live score for "He Hated Pigeons." Wff’s Music Café, which expanded to include two showcases over two days and featured five music supervisors, was well received with several deals in the works and over 526 guests in attendance.
Toronto’s first-time feature director Jamie M. Dagg’s "River" dominated Whistler prize-giving, winning for best Canadian feature, Best Director and Best Screenplay in the Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature presented by the Directors Guild of Canada – British Columbia. The jury also awarded French-Canadian actor Paul Savoie with Best Performance in a Borsos Film for his performance in "The Diary of an Old Man," as well as provided honorable mention for Rossif Sutherland’s work in "River" and Laura Abramsen’s roles in "Basic human Needs" and "The Sabbatical." Lastly, Best Cinematography in a Borsos Film, presented by I.A.T.S.E. Local 669, went to cinematographer Dylan Macleod for "He Hated Pigeons," directed by Ingrid Veninger. The Borsos Jury was comprised of three accomplished film industry artists that included the highly versatile director and screenwriter and WFF15 Alumni Carl Bessai ("Rehearsal), beloved actor and director Marc-André Grondin , and award-winning producer extraordinaire, Kim McCraw.
Other Whistler award winners included "Last Harvest" by first-time female director Hui (Jane) Wang that won the World Documentary Award presented by Tribute.ca with honorable mention for Brian D. Johnson’s "Al Purdy Was Here." The Best Mountain Culture Film presented by Whistler Blackcomb went to Anthony Bonello’s "Eclipse." The Canadian ShortWork Award went to "Withheld" directed by Johnathan Sousa, with an honorable mention to Amanda Strong and Bracken Hanuse Corlett’s Mia’. The International ShortWork Award was awarded to "Dissonance" by Germany filmmaker Till Nowak, with Langara College’s Canadian ShortWork Award for Best Screenplay given to Jem Garrard’s "The World Who Came to Dinner." Emily Carr University of Art and Design’s Lawrence Lam won the ShortWork Student Award presented by Capilano University Film Centre for "The Blue Jet," and Maja Aro won the Mppia Short Film Award for "Hoods" presented by Mppia and Creative BC, which consists of a $15,000 cash award plus up to $100,000 in services. The Alliance of Women Film Journalists (Awfj) Eda Awards gave Best Female-Directed Narrative Feature to Valerie Weiss’ "A Light Beneath Their Feet," Best Female-Directed Documentary to Hui (Jane) Wang’s "Last Harvest," with a special mention for Brian D. Johnson’s "Al Purdy Was Here." In addition, Céline Devaux’s "Sunday Lunch" took home the Best Female-Directed Short Award.
Receiving Wff’s Trailblazer Award and Tribute presented by Pandora, British-born Canadian actor, film producer, and film director Kiefer Sutherland discussed his extensive acting career spanning film, stage and television, with CTV Film Critic Jim Gordon , followed by the Western Canadian Premiere of his latest film, "Forsaken." Scottish-born Robert Carlyle , one of the most recognizable actors today, graced the Festival’s red carpet at this year’s Spotlight event as Wff’s Maverick Award honoree and sat down with Jim Gordon to discuss his bold choices that have led to the creation of some of the most dynamic, memorable, and beloved characters of our time before the North American Premiere of his directorial debut, "The Legend the Barny Thomson." One of Canada's hardest working and most accomplished character actors, Bruce Greenwood was the recipient of Wff’s Career Achievement Award, at the World Premiere of his latest film "Rehearsal," directed by admired Wff Alumni Carl Bessai.
The Whistler Film Festival proudly hosted the Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch for the fourth consecutive year hosted by Variety Vice President and Executive Editor, Steven Gaydos . This year’s slate of screenwriters in attendance included Bryan Sipe ("Demolition"), John Scott III ("Maggie"), Meg LeFauve ("Inside Out"), Mike Le ("Patient Zero"), and Emma Donoghue ("Room"), who also delivered a Master Class for the Wff Praxis Screenwriters Lab participants.
To top it all off, Lauren Lee Smith ("How to Plan an Orgy in a Small Town"), Jakob Davies ("The Birdwatcher"), Taylor Russell and Rustin Gresiuk ("Suspension") were recognized as Wff’s Rising Stars sponsored by Ubcp/Actra at this year’s Keynote Filmmaker Luncheon presented by Pacific Northwest Pictures, and all had films premiering at the fest.
Over 400 guests attended the fest with other notable talent in attendance with films premiering at the fest including: actor Rossif Sutherland ("River"), director Jon Cassar ("Forsaken"), actor Callum Keith Rennie ("Born to Be Blue"), director/writer Sandy Wilson ("My American Cousin), actors Aleks Paunovic, Stefanie von Pfetten, Marie Avgeropoulos and Colin Cunningham ("Numb"), actors Chelah Horsdal and Alex Zahara ("Patterson's Wager"), actor Sage Brocklebank ("Suspension"), actors Gabrielle Rose and Camille Sullivan ("The Birdwatcher"), actor Rebecca Dalton ("The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship"), actor Paul Savoie ("The Diary of an Old Man"), director and founder of the Toronto Film Critics Association Brian D. Johnson ("Al Purdy Was Here"), director and co-founder of World Elephant Day Patricia Sims and co-director Michael Clark ("When Elephants Were Young"), "The Steps" director Andrew Currie and actor Steven McCarthy , and award-winning directors Philippe Lesage ("The Demons") and Ricardo Trogi ("The Miracle"). Veteran director Bruce McDonald attended as a mentor of the Wff Praxis Screenwriters Lab, as well as Canadian actress, writer, filmmaker, comedian, and social activist Mary Walsh , who participated in the Women In The Director’s Chair program and got a standing ovation as Wff’s Keynote Speaker at the Filmmaker Luncheon.
The Whistler Film Festival’s Pandora Audience Award went to British-American romantic drama "Carol," directed by Todd Haynes from the screenplay by Phyllis Nagy (Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch class of 2014) starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, which received its Canadian premiere at Whistler. The Wff Audience Award runner-ups were "The Legend of Barney Thomson," character-actor Robert Carlyle's first theatrical feature and directorial debut, which received its North American premiere at the festival, followed by Ricardo Trogi’s mid-life crisis dramedy, Quebec film "Le Mirage," the highest grossing and most popular Canadian film of the year so far. The Wff Audience Award is a non-cash prize presented to the highest-rated film as voted by the audience.
Paul Gratton, Director of Programming had this to say about this year’s event: "We were very fortunate to open this year's fest with the Canadian premiere of "Carol," a film we are convinced will be a major contender in this year's awards season race. The festival took off from there, with many sold out screenings, packed and newsworthy industry sessions, and over 450 guests who made a point of trekking out to beautiful Whistler to support their films and talk business with the high-level movers and shakers also in attendance. 2015 represented another step forward towards making Wff the coolest festival in the world. Can't wait 'til next year.”
Total attendance for this year’s fest was 13,233 attendees (a 18% increase over 11,273 in 2014) . This included 7,740 film-screening attendees and 3,533 special event attendees (Signature Series, Music Café, ShortWork Showcase, R-Rated Party, Awards Brunch, L’Oreal Men Expert Bobsleigh Race and Celebrity Challenge Ski Race), in addition to 2,530 Summit attendees. Several of the feature films were at or near capacity, including: "Born to be Blue," "Chasing Bansky," "Forsaken," "How to Plan and Orgy in a Small Town," "Legend,""Legend of Barney Thomson," "Numb," "The Lady in the Van," "the Steps," and "Trumbo."
Designed to facilitate international alliances and financial partnerships, Wff’s industry Summit program presented 30 interactive sessions that addressed a range of issues affecting the film, television, and digital media industry. Overall Summit attendance was at 86% capacity with 2,530 attendees (a 13% increase over 2,231 in 2014) including 855 delegates (on par with 2014). The Whistler Summit directly connects to Wff’s slate of project development programs designed to provide creative and business immersion experiences for 42 Canadian artists including its Feature Project Lab, Praxis Screenwriters Lab, Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship, and Music Café. Wff also collaborates with several industry organizations by hosting specific third party initiatives at the Whistler Summit including the Women in the Director’s Chair Industry Immersion, Women in Film & Television Film Market Preparation Mentorship, and the Mppia Short Film Award Pitch with the Motion Picture Production Industry Association and Creative BC. In addition to the
204 scheduled meetings (a 10% increase over 186 in 2014) that took place during the Summit, there was again a notable increase in unscheduled meetings that took place outside of scheduled blocks proving the festival remains an important place for the industry to meet and do business. Industry guests came from Canada, USA, UK, India, and China to participate, and included some of the top talent and executives in the business.
Film met music when Morning Show, one of the ten-featured BC artists from Wff’s Music Café, performed the live score for "He Hated Pigeons." Wff’s Music Café, which expanded to include two showcases over two days and featured five music supervisors, was well received with several deals in the works and over 526 guests in attendance.
Toronto’s first-time feature director Jamie M. Dagg’s "River" dominated Whistler prize-giving, winning for best Canadian feature, Best Director and Best Screenplay in the Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature presented by the Directors Guild of Canada – British Columbia. The jury also awarded French-Canadian actor Paul Savoie with Best Performance in a Borsos Film for his performance in "The Diary of an Old Man," as well as provided honorable mention for Rossif Sutherland’s work in "River" and Laura Abramsen’s roles in "Basic human Needs" and "The Sabbatical." Lastly, Best Cinematography in a Borsos Film, presented by I.A.T.S.E. Local 669, went to cinematographer Dylan Macleod for "He Hated Pigeons," directed by Ingrid Veninger. The Borsos Jury was comprised of three accomplished film industry artists that included the highly versatile director and screenwriter and WFF15 Alumni Carl Bessai ("Rehearsal), beloved actor and director Marc-André Grondin , and award-winning producer extraordinaire, Kim McCraw.
Other Whistler award winners included "Last Harvest" by first-time female director Hui (Jane) Wang that won the World Documentary Award presented by Tribute.ca with honorable mention for Brian D. Johnson’s "Al Purdy Was Here." The Best Mountain Culture Film presented by Whistler Blackcomb went to Anthony Bonello’s "Eclipse." The Canadian ShortWork Award went to "Withheld" directed by Johnathan Sousa, with an honorable mention to Amanda Strong and Bracken Hanuse Corlett’s Mia’. The International ShortWork Award was awarded to "Dissonance" by Germany filmmaker Till Nowak, with Langara College’s Canadian ShortWork Award for Best Screenplay given to Jem Garrard’s "The World Who Came to Dinner." Emily Carr University of Art and Design’s Lawrence Lam won the ShortWork Student Award presented by Capilano University Film Centre for "The Blue Jet," and Maja Aro won the Mppia Short Film Award for "Hoods" presented by Mppia and Creative BC, which consists of a $15,000 cash award plus up to $100,000 in services. The Alliance of Women Film Journalists (Awfj) Eda Awards gave Best Female-Directed Narrative Feature to Valerie Weiss’ "A Light Beneath Their Feet," Best Female-Directed Documentary to Hui (Jane) Wang’s "Last Harvest," with a special mention for Brian D. Johnson’s "Al Purdy Was Here." In addition, Céline Devaux’s "Sunday Lunch" took home the Best Female-Directed Short Award.
Receiving Wff’s Trailblazer Award and Tribute presented by Pandora, British-born Canadian actor, film producer, and film director Kiefer Sutherland discussed his extensive acting career spanning film, stage and television, with CTV Film Critic Jim Gordon , followed by the Western Canadian Premiere of his latest film, "Forsaken." Scottish-born Robert Carlyle , one of the most recognizable actors today, graced the Festival’s red carpet at this year’s Spotlight event as Wff’s Maverick Award honoree and sat down with Jim Gordon to discuss his bold choices that have led to the creation of some of the most dynamic, memorable, and beloved characters of our time before the North American Premiere of his directorial debut, "The Legend the Barny Thomson." One of Canada's hardest working and most accomplished character actors, Bruce Greenwood was the recipient of Wff’s Career Achievement Award, at the World Premiere of his latest film "Rehearsal," directed by admired Wff Alumni Carl Bessai.
The Whistler Film Festival proudly hosted the Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch for the fourth consecutive year hosted by Variety Vice President and Executive Editor, Steven Gaydos . This year’s slate of screenwriters in attendance included Bryan Sipe ("Demolition"), John Scott III ("Maggie"), Meg LeFauve ("Inside Out"), Mike Le ("Patient Zero"), and Emma Donoghue ("Room"), who also delivered a Master Class for the Wff Praxis Screenwriters Lab participants.
To top it all off, Lauren Lee Smith ("How to Plan an Orgy in a Small Town"), Jakob Davies ("The Birdwatcher"), Taylor Russell and Rustin Gresiuk ("Suspension") were recognized as Wff’s Rising Stars sponsored by Ubcp/Actra at this year’s Keynote Filmmaker Luncheon presented by Pacific Northwest Pictures, and all had films premiering at the fest.
Over 400 guests attended the fest with other notable talent in attendance with films premiering at the fest including: actor Rossif Sutherland ("River"), director Jon Cassar ("Forsaken"), actor Callum Keith Rennie ("Born to Be Blue"), director/writer Sandy Wilson ("My American Cousin), actors Aleks Paunovic, Stefanie von Pfetten, Marie Avgeropoulos and Colin Cunningham ("Numb"), actors Chelah Horsdal and Alex Zahara ("Patterson's Wager"), actor Sage Brocklebank ("Suspension"), actors Gabrielle Rose and Camille Sullivan ("The Birdwatcher"), actor Rebecca Dalton ("The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship"), actor Paul Savoie ("The Diary of an Old Man"), director and founder of the Toronto Film Critics Association Brian D. Johnson ("Al Purdy Was Here"), director and co-founder of World Elephant Day Patricia Sims and co-director Michael Clark ("When Elephants Were Young"), "The Steps" director Andrew Currie and actor Steven McCarthy , and award-winning directors Philippe Lesage ("The Demons") and Ricardo Trogi ("The Miracle"). Veteran director Bruce McDonald attended as a mentor of the Wff Praxis Screenwriters Lab, as well as Canadian actress, writer, filmmaker, comedian, and social activist Mary Walsh , who participated in the Women In The Director’s Chair program and got a standing ovation as Wff’s Keynote Speaker at the Filmmaker Luncheon.
- 12/9/2015
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
The 15th anniversary of what's considered ‘Canada's coolest film festival' is rapidly approaching. The 2015 Whistler Film Festival (Wff) will take place December 2 to 6 with new films, special guests, industry connections, great events and time to enjoy on of North America’s premiere mountain resort destinations. Wff has announced its first 18 confirmed films, plus industry and event programming highlights.
The Whistler Film Festival combines an international film competition with a focused industry Summit dedicated to the art and business of filmmaking in the digital age. Featuring over 80 innovative and original films from around the world and opportunities to connect with the people who made them, this year’s fest will be filled with a solid lineup of premieres, honored guests, lively celebrations, and unique industry initiatives.
Wff’s Director of Programming and industry veteran Paul Gratton had this to say about the 2015 lineup confirmed to date: “The Whistler Film Festival continues to be a must-attend event for hip, young, film buffs and emerging filmmakers, and we are pleased to carve out our own unique niche by offering an impressive selection of Canadian premieres. This year's titles cast a wide net in terms of subject matter, and our Summit will complement our film programming by addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the industry this year. WFF15 has something for everyone. "While our final line-up of titles is far from complete, early programming trends suggest a very strong year for female directors and innovative new voices from young directors hoping to find new ways of telling stories and connecting with audiences.”
A great example of innovation will be the World Premiere screening of Daniel Robinson's "Nestor," the first narrative feature ever made by one person, who wrote, produced, directed, edited and stars in this compelling tale of outdoor survival.
Another example of seeking out new narrative approaches, and leading this year's women directors present at Whistler, is Diy queen Ingrid Veninger’s latest "He Hated Pigeons" about a young man pushed to the border of sanity as he steps into manhood. Shot in South America, the film is designed to support a spontaneous live score to be performed during the screening. In other words, each screening will evoke different responses depending on the approach taken by the live musicians accompanying the showing. Other female directed highlights coming to Whistler include the World Premiere of Vancouver filmmaker Melanie Jones' "Fsm," a contemporary study of a female DJ trying to find love in a world of technological innovation and all-night raves.
Continuing its love of quirky musicals, Wff will present the Western Canadian premiere of Jude Klassen’s debut feature film "Love in the Sixth," an unromantic musical comedy of “enviromantic” angst. Another Canadian Premiere is Valerie Weiss' "A Lights Beneath Their Feet," a superb study of the mutually dependent relationship between a young student hoping to leave home for college and her bipolar mother who can't cope with the thought of letting her go. Taryn Manning, Maddie Hasson and Madison Davenport lead the cast. Another moving look at mother/daughter relationships can be found in the World Premiere of Siobhan Devine’s "The Birdwatcher," a family drama about a mother and daughter reconnecting starring WFF14 Rising Star Camille Sullivan and Gabrielle Rose.
Jeremy Lalonde's "How to Plan an Orgy in a Small Town," featuring Lauren Holly and Katharine Isabelle; and Sergio Navarretta's "The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship," set during a mouth-watering winetasting tour of the Niagara region; focus on the challenge of maintaining interpersonal relationships. Darker still is the Canadian Premiere of Josh Hope's "The Life and Death of an Unhappily Married Man," in which a disillusioned young man decides to visit his past to see where it all went wrong. Brian Stockton's "The Sabbatical" is a comedic look at a photography professor's mid-life crisis and a young artist who rekindles the lost spirit of his youth, and Matthew Yim's "Basic Human Needs" follows a young couple whose plans to get out of Regina are thwarted by a missing prophylactic.
BC's own Fred Ewanuick stars as a man who can see two minutes into the future in Vancouver filmmaker O. Corbin Saleken's first feature "Patterson's Wager."
BC based genre specialist Jeffery Lando will be gracing the late night screens with the Western Canadian Premiere of his latest horror work "Suspension." John Ainslie will be unveiling the World premiere of his tense psychological thriller "The Sublet," about a new mother unraveling psychologically after and she and her fiance move into a sublet apartment, featuring Vancouver actress Tianna Nori in the lead.
On the documentary front, Wff will be presenting the North American premiere of Jan Foukal's "Amerika," a lyrical look at a unique Eastern European phenomenon known as 'tramping', as Vancouver-based Barbara Adler takes us on a mission into the mountains and the forests of the Czech Republic where she encounters social dropouts who choose to live what they consider to be a North American back-to-the-wilderness lifestyle. "Last Harvest," from director Jane Hui Wang, is a Canadian documentary feature that looks at an elderly Chinese couple forced to relocate by the government to make way for a mammoth water diversion project. Also, on the international front, Whistler is proud to present the Canadian Premiere of "Blood Cells" by Joseph Bull and Luke Seomore about a lost man wandering through the British countryside, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
As always, Whistler is pleased to feature the best of Quebec cinema, and this year the festival has two titles already lined up. Bernard Emond's "Diary of an Old Man" is a deeply moving adaptation of an Anton Chekov story about an old man fighting feelings of bitterness despite his privileged life as an academic, starring Paul Savoie in a Canada Screen Awards worthy performance. Finally, a haunting look at childhood innocence, at risk from the evils of an outside world is Philippe Lesage's "The Demons" starring Pascale Bussières and Laurent Lucas, about a tight-knit small-town community beset by a child serial killer.
Celebrating its 12th edition in 2015, Wff’s coveted Borsos Award for Best Canadian Feature honors independent vision, original directorial style and the diversity of talent found in Canadian independent film. New for 2015, all Canadian feature films in the festival with Western Canadian premiere status will be included in the Borsos Competition and there is no longer a six film restriction to the number that can compete. An international jury of three will decide on four awards including a $15,000 Cdn prize.
Wff’s slate of special events confirmed to date include the Opening and Closing Galas, Signature Series including the Pandora Tribute and Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch In Conversation, ShortWork Showdown, Awards Brunch and a grand15th Anniversary Celebration, with more to come.
New for 2015, Wff introduces the L’Oreal Mens Expert Bobsleigh Race on December 3 at the Whistler Sliding Centre, one of the fastest tracks in the world, where celebrities, filmmakers, VIP guests and corporate teams will experience the thrill of a lifetime reaching speeds up to 125 km per hour. And the adrenaline continues to flow with Wff’s annual Columbia Celebrity Challenge on December 5, with corporate teams and festival guests joining the stars of the screen and the stars of the slopes in a fun, guess your time, dual slalom race on Whistler Mountain. Proceeds from these fun-raising” events will support Wff’s annual programs for Canadian artists, including the industry initiatives, labs and festival.
Film meets music at Wff’s Music Café, which has expanded to two days to include an evening showcase on December 4, and daytime showcase and dedicated industry panel on December 5, with the possibility of additional performances during the festival. Up to 10 export-ready British Columbia songwriters and artists from across the musical spectrum will be selected to each play a live 20-minute set and meet with key international music and film executives and delegates attending the festival.
Wff's Industry Summit will feature three concentrated days of business programs and networking that address the business and future of Canadian film, locally and in the international marketplace, as well as the ever-changing landscape of filmmaking in the digital age. Featuring over 20 interactive sessions, Wff's Summit is designed to provide practical business and creative intel, and foster business collaborations for filmmakers and deal-makers. Offering in-depth conversations, lively debates and critical insight into a broad range of issues vital to the domestic and international film communities while addressing crossing borders and platforms, Whistler is the place to be, connect and deal this December. 1,000 delegates are expected to attend.
The Whistler Summit directly connects to Wff’s slate of project development programs designed to provide creative and business immersion experiences for Canadian artists including the Feature Project Lab, Praxis Screenwriters Lab, Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship and Music Café. Wff also collaborates with several industry organizations by hosting specific third party initiatives at the Whistler Summit including the Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch, Women in the Directors Chair Industry Immersion, Women in Film & Television Film Market Preparation Mentorship, and the Mppia Short Film Award Pitch with the Motion Picture Production Industry Association and Creative BC. Application details and information for all Wff industry and project development programs are available at whistlerfilmfestival.com.
The Whistler Film Festival combines an international film competition with a focused industry Summit dedicated to the art and business of filmmaking in the digital age. Featuring over 80 innovative and original films from around the world and opportunities to connect with the people who made them, this year’s fest will be filled with a solid lineup of premieres, honored guests, lively celebrations, and unique industry initiatives.
Wff’s Director of Programming and industry veteran Paul Gratton had this to say about the 2015 lineup confirmed to date: “The Whistler Film Festival continues to be a must-attend event for hip, young, film buffs and emerging filmmakers, and we are pleased to carve out our own unique niche by offering an impressive selection of Canadian premieres. This year's titles cast a wide net in terms of subject matter, and our Summit will complement our film programming by addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the industry this year. WFF15 has something for everyone. "While our final line-up of titles is far from complete, early programming trends suggest a very strong year for female directors and innovative new voices from young directors hoping to find new ways of telling stories and connecting with audiences.”
A great example of innovation will be the World Premiere screening of Daniel Robinson's "Nestor," the first narrative feature ever made by one person, who wrote, produced, directed, edited and stars in this compelling tale of outdoor survival.
Another example of seeking out new narrative approaches, and leading this year's women directors present at Whistler, is Diy queen Ingrid Veninger’s latest "He Hated Pigeons" about a young man pushed to the border of sanity as he steps into manhood. Shot in South America, the film is designed to support a spontaneous live score to be performed during the screening. In other words, each screening will evoke different responses depending on the approach taken by the live musicians accompanying the showing. Other female directed highlights coming to Whistler include the World Premiere of Vancouver filmmaker Melanie Jones' "Fsm," a contemporary study of a female DJ trying to find love in a world of technological innovation and all-night raves.
Continuing its love of quirky musicals, Wff will present the Western Canadian premiere of Jude Klassen’s debut feature film "Love in the Sixth," an unromantic musical comedy of “enviromantic” angst. Another Canadian Premiere is Valerie Weiss' "A Lights Beneath Their Feet," a superb study of the mutually dependent relationship between a young student hoping to leave home for college and her bipolar mother who can't cope with the thought of letting her go. Taryn Manning, Maddie Hasson and Madison Davenport lead the cast. Another moving look at mother/daughter relationships can be found in the World Premiere of Siobhan Devine’s "The Birdwatcher," a family drama about a mother and daughter reconnecting starring WFF14 Rising Star Camille Sullivan and Gabrielle Rose.
Jeremy Lalonde's "How to Plan an Orgy in a Small Town," featuring Lauren Holly and Katharine Isabelle; and Sergio Navarretta's "The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship," set during a mouth-watering winetasting tour of the Niagara region; focus on the challenge of maintaining interpersonal relationships. Darker still is the Canadian Premiere of Josh Hope's "The Life and Death of an Unhappily Married Man," in which a disillusioned young man decides to visit his past to see where it all went wrong. Brian Stockton's "The Sabbatical" is a comedic look at a photography professor's mid-life crisis and a young artist who rekindles the lost spirit of his youth, and Matthew Yim's "Basic Human Needs" follows a young couple whose plans to get out of Regina are thwarted by a missing prophylactic.
BC's own Fred Ewanuick stars as a man who can see two minutes into the future in Vancouver filmmaker O. Corbin Saleken's first feature "Patterson's Wager."
BC based genre specialist Jeffery Lando will be gracing the late night screens with the Western Canadian Premiere of his latest horror work "Suspension." John Ainslie will be unveiling the World premiere of his tense psychological thriller "The Sublet," about a new mother unraveling psychologically after and she and her fiance move into a sublet apartment, featuring Vancouver actress Tianna Nori in the lead.
On the documentary front, Wff will be presenting the North American premiere of Jan Foukal's "Amerika," a lyrical look at a unique Eastern European phenomenon known as 'tramping', as Vancouver-based Barbara Adler takes us on a mission into the mountains and the forests of the Czech Republic where she encounters social dropouts who choose to live what they consider to be a North American back-to-the-wilderness lifestyle. "Last Harvest," from director Jane Hui Wang, is a Canadian documentary feature that looks at an elderly Chinese couple forced to relocate by the government to make way for a mammoth water diversion project. Also, on the international front, Whistler is proud to present the Canadian Premiere of "Blood Cells" by Joseph Bull and Luke Seomore about a lost man wandering through the British countryside, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
As always, Whistler is pleased to feature the best of Quebec cinema, and this year the festival has two titles already lined up. Bernard Emond's "Diary of an Old Man" is a deeply moving adaptation of an Anton Chekov story about an old man fighting feelings of bitterness despite his privileged life as an academic, starring Paul Savoie in a Canada Screen Awards worthy performance. Finally, a haunting look at childhood innocence, at risk from the evils of an outside world is Philippe Lesage's "The Demons" starring Pascale Bussières and Laurent Lucas, about a tight-knit small-town community beset by a child serial killer.
Celebrating its 12th edition in 2015, Wff’s coveted Borsos Award for Best Canadian Feature honors independent vision, original directorial style and the diversity of talent found in Canadian independent film. New for 2015, all Canadian feature films in the festival with Western Canadian premiere status will be included in the Borsos Competition and there is no longer a six film restriction to the number that can compete. An international jury of three will decide on four awards including a $15,000 Cdn prize.
Wff’s slate of special events confirmed to date include the Opening and Closing Galas, Signature Series including the Pandora Tribute and Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch In Conversation, ShortWork Showdown, Awards Brunch and a grand15th Anniversary Celebration, with more to come.
New for 2015, Wff introduces the L’Oreal Mens Expert Bobsleigh Race on December 3 at the Whistler Sliding Centre, one of the fastest tracks in the world, where celebrities, filmmakers, VIP guests and corporate teams will experience the thrill of a lifetime reaching speeds up to 125 km per hour. And the adrenaline continues to flow with Wff’s annual Columbia Celebrity Challenge on December 5, with corporate teams and festival guests joining the stars of the screen and the stars of the slopes in a fun, guess your time, dual slalom race on Whistler Mountain. Proceeds from these fun-raising” events will support Wff’s annual programs for Canadian artists, including the industry initiatives, labs and festival.
Film meets music at Wff’s Music Café, which has expanded to two days to include an evening showcase on December 4, and daytime showcase and dedicated industry panel on December 5, with the possibility of additional performances during the festival. Up to 10 export-ready British Columbia songwriters and artists from across the musical spectrum will be selected to each play a live 20-minute set and meet with key international music and film executives and delegates attending the festival.
Wff's Industry Summit will feature three concentrated days of business programs and networking that address the business and future of Canadian film, locally and in the international marketplace, as well as the ever-changing landscape of filmmaking in the digital age. Featuring over 20 interactive sessions, Wff's Summit is designed to provide practical business and creative intel, and foster business collaborations for filmmakers and deal-makers. Offering in-depth conversations, lively debates and critical insight into a broad range of issues vital to the domestic and international film communities while addressing crossing borders and platforms, Whistler is the place to be, connect and deal this December. 1,000 delegates are expected to attend.
The Whistler Summit directly connects to Wff’s slate of project development programs designed to provide creative and business immersion experiences for Canadian artists including the Feature Project Lab, Praxis Screenwriters Lab, Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship and Music Café. Wff also collaborates with several industry organizations by hosting specific third party initiatives at the Whistler Summit including the Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch, Women in the Directors Chair Industry Immersion, Women in Film & Television Film Market Preparation Mentorship, and the Mppia Short Film Award Pitch with the Motion Picture Production Industry Association and Creative BC. Application details and information for all Wff industry and project development programs are available at whistlerfilmfestival.com.
- 9/7/2015
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
For the third year in a row the partners will celebrate Canadian women in film during the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff).
The nine Canadian women, film directors and actors were selected by a pan-Canadian jury of journalists.
The 2015 honourees of the Birks Diamond Tribute to the Year’s Women in Film are: directors Sophie Deraspe, Anne Émond, Patricia Rozema, Kari Skogland and Ingrid Veninger.
The roll of honour includes actors Katie Boland, Suzanne Clément, Catherine O’Hara and Karine Vanasse.
The recipients will be honoured on September 15 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto.
“2015 is another great year for Canadian women in film,” said Telefilm executive director Carolle Brabant (pictured). “These are remarkable individuals with major talent, who are much admired and who bring honour to our country.
“They have greatly distinguished themselves across the country and around the world in a variety of genres. We are proud to continue our partnership with Birks in order to spotlight...
The nine Canadian women, film directors and actors were selected by a pan-Canadian jury of journalists.
The 2015 honourees of the Birks Diamond Tribute to the Year’s Women in Film are: directors Sophie Deraspe, Anne Émond, Patricia Rozema, Kari Skogland and Ingrid Veninger.
The roll of honour includes actors Katie Boland, Suzanne Clément, Catherine O’Hara and Karine Vanasse.
The recipients will be honoured on September 15 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto.
“2015 is another great year for Canadian women in film,” said Telefilm executive director Carolle Brabant (pictured). “These are remarkable individuals with major talent, who are much admired and who bring honour to our country.
“They have greatly distinguished themselves across the country and around the world in a variety of genres. We are proud to continue our partnership with Birks in order to spotlight...
- 9/4/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The national film body is behind a Us tour this autumn of 10 new comedies without Us distribution.
Former MoMA senior curator of film Laurence Kardish selected the films, which will arrive in New York and travel to Los Angeles and additional markets.
The Canada Cool tour runs from throughout the autumn and kicks off in New York on September 18 with the premiere of Robert Cohen’s Being Canadian (pictured) at Cinema Village.
The other titles are: Ingrid Veninger’s Animal Project; Shayne Ehman and Seth Scriver’s Asphalt Watches; Jeffrey St Jules’ Bang Bang Baby; and Émile Gaudreault’s Fathers And Guns (De Père En Flic).
Rounding out the slate are Henri Henri by Martin Talbot;
Relative Happiness from Deanne Foley; Kris Elgstrand’s Songs She Wrote About People She Knows; Aaron Houston’s Sunflower Hour; and Maureen Bradley’s Two 4 One.
Classics Selection entries are John Paizs’ Crime Wave and The Decline Of The American Empire (Le Déclin...
Former MoMA senior curator of film Laurence Kardish selected the films, which will arrive in New York and travel to Los Angeles and additional markets.
The Canada Cool tour runs from throughout the autumn and kicks off in New York on September 18 with the premiere of Robert Cohen’s Being Canadian (pictured) at Cinema Village.
The other titles are: Ingrid Veninger’s Animal Project; Shayne Ehman and Seth Scriver’s Asphalt Watches; Jeffrey St Jules’ Bang Bang Baby; and Émile Gaudreault’s Fathers And Guns (De Père En Flic).
Rounding out the slate are Henri Henri by Martin Talbot;
Relative Happiness from Deanne Foley; Kris Elgstrand’s Songs She Wrote About People She Knows; Aaron Houston’s Sunflower Hour; and Maureen Bradley’s Two 4 One.
Classics Selection entries are John Paizs’ Crime Wave and The Decline Of The American Empire (Le Déclin...
- 7/23/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Toronto International Film Festival today announced award winners from the 39th Festival which wraps up this evening.
This year marked the 37th year that Toronto audiences were able to cast a ballot for their favorite Festival film, with the GrolschPeople’s Choice Award.
This year’s award goes to Morten Tyldum for The Imitation Game. The award offers a $15,000 cash prize and custom award, sponsored by Grolsch.
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Alan Turing, the genius British mathematician, logician, cryptologist and computer scientist who led the charge to crack the German Enigma Code that helped the Allies win WWII. Turing went on to assist with the development of computers at the University of Manchester after the war, but was prosecuted by the UK government in 1952 for homosexual acts which the country deemed illegal.
The Imitation Game is the type of film the awards season was made for. Look for it...
This year marked the 37th year that Toronto audiences were able to cast a ballot for their favorite Festival film, with the GrolschPeople’s Choice Award.
This year’s award goes to Morten Tyldum for The Imitation Game. The award offers a $15,000 cash prize and custom award, sponsored by Grolsch.
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Alan Turing, the genius British mathematician, logician, cryptologist and computer scientist who led the charge to crack the German Enigma Code that helped the Allies win WWII. Turing went on to assist with the development of computers at the University of Manchester after the war, but was prosecuted by the UK government in 1952 for homosexual acts which the country deemed illegal.
The Imitation Game is the type of film the awards season was made for. Look for it...
- 9/14/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Toronto International Film Festival gave its top prize Sunday to The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and distributed by The Weinstein Company. The announcement brings the huge festival to a close after hundreds of film screenings over 10 days. The Imitation Game, a biopic about gay computer pioneer and code-breaker Alan Turing, won the Grolsch People’s Choice Winner, Aka, the audience award for favorite feature-length film shown.
The acclaimed film, which had its World Premiere at Telluride over Labor Day weekend and its unveiling at Tiff on Tuesday, also stars Keira Knightley and was directed by Norwegian helmer Morten Tyldum.
Unlike other festivals that throw their weight behind juried prizes, Tiff prides itself on the fact that their most important honor is chosen by actual moviegoers (although they do hand out some juried awards in other categories).
At the beginning of each film, the audience is reminded that they can vote.
The acclaimed film, which had its World Premiere at Telluride over Labor Day weekend and its unveiling at Tiff on Tuesday, also stars Keira Knightley and was directed by Norwegian helmer Morten Tyldum.
Unlike other festivals that throw their weight behind juried prizes, Tiff prides itself on the fact that their most important honor is chosen by actual moviegoers (although they do hand out some juried awards in other categories).
At the beginning of each film, the audience is reminded that they can vote.
- 9/14/2014
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline
Bill Murray starrer St. Vincent will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival as part of this week’s wave of programming that includes Discovery.
The Discovery section includes the upcoming world premiere of Stories Of Our Lives, a portmanteau of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex testimonies by anonymous filmmakers from Kenya.
Selections include first-looks of Ross Katz’s Us comedy Adult Beginners, Sarah Leonor’s French Legion drama The Great Man, Isidora Marras’ Chile-Argentinian psychothriller I Am Not Lorena and UK drama X + Y.
“Christopher Nolan, Steve McQueen, Lynne Ramsay and David Gordon Green all presented their first features in our Discovery section,” said Tiff artistic director Cameron Bailey. “It’s a great place to spot new talent first.”
Besides St. Vincent, Festival Additions includes concert film cum road movie Roger Waters The Wall, while the world premiere of Krzysztof Zanussi’s Foreign Body takes its place among the Masters strand.
Tiff Docs arrivals...
The Discovery section includes the upcoming world premiere of Stories Of Our Lives, a portmanteau of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex testimonies by anonymous filmmakers from Kenya.
Selections include first-looks of Ross Katz’s Us comedy Adult Beginners, Sarah Leonor’s French Legion drama The Great Man, Isidora Marras’ Chile-Argentinian psychothriller I Am Not Lorena and UK drama X + Y.
“Christopher Nolan, Steve McQueen, Lynne Ramsay and David Gordon Green all presented their first features in our Discovery section,” said Tiff artistic director Cameron Bailey. “It’s a great place to spot new talent first.”
Besides St. Vincent, Festival Additions includes concert film cum road movie Roger Waters The Wall, while the world premiere of Krzysztof Zanussi’s Foreign Body takes its place among the Masters strand.
Tiff Docs arrivals...
- 8/19/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Toronto International Film Festival has unveiled a strong lineup of Canadian films including new works by acclaimed Canadian filmmakers Xavier Dolan, Sturla Gunnarsson, Ruba Nadda, Jacob Tierney and Denys Arcand, and an impressive number of first-time feature filmmakers. Jam-packed with compelling works ranging from thrillers and comedies to romances and musicals, this year's Canadian offerings promise to entertain, inspire and move audiences.
"These are filmmakers at the top of their craft, bringing fresh perspectives to traditional genres like comedies and less traditionally Canadian genres, such as musicals," said Steve Gravestock, Senior Programmer, Tiff. "This year's slate truly showcases the diversity of talent in our country, featuring films from coast to coast."
Here's a selection of some of the Canadian films on offer at this year's film festival:
"We are inspired by the number of exceptional debut features from Canadian directors, reflecting the depth of talent in this country," said Agata Smoluch Del Sorbo,...
"These are filmmakers at the top of their craft, bringing fresh perspectives to traditional genres like comedies and less traditionally Canadian genres, such as musicals," said Steve Gravestock, Senior Programmer, Tiff. "This year's slate truly showcases the diversity of talent in our country, featuring films from coast to coast."
Here's a selection of some of the Canadian films on offer at this year's film festival:
"We are inspired by the number of exceptional debut features from Canadian directors, reflecting the depth of talent in this country," said Agata Smoluch Del Sorbo,...
- 8/7/2014
- by Chris Jancelewicz
- Moviefone
New work by Sturla Gunnarsson, Denys Arcand, Ruba Nadda and Xavier Dolan are among the selection set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) next month.
“These are filmmakers at the top of their craft, bringing fresh perspectives to traditional genres like comedies and less traditionally Canadian genres, such as musicals,” said Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) senior programmer Steve Gravestock. “This year’s slate truly showcases the diversity of talent in our country, featuring films from coast to coast.”
“We are inspired by the number of exceptional debut features from Canadian directors, reflecting the depth of talent in this country,” said Tiff’s Canadian features programmer Agata Smoluch Del Sorbo.
“Extremely exciting is also the fact that female-driven narratives play a significant part in this year’s programming, highlighting the strong, rich tapestry of our storytelling.”
The Canada Goose Award for Best Canadian Feature Film is up for grabs, as is the...
“These are filmmakers at the top of their craft, bringing fresh perspectives to traditional genres like comedies and less traditionally Canadian genres, such as musicals,” said Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) senior programmer Steve Gravestock. “This year’s slate truly showcases the diversity of talent in our country, featuring films from coast to coast.”
“We are inspired by the number of exceptional debut features from Canadian directors, reflecting the depth of talent in this country,” said Tiff’s Canadian features programmer Agata Smoluch Del Sorbo.
“Extremely exciting is also the fact that female-driven narratives play a significant part in this year’s programming, highlighting the strong, rich tapestry of our storytelling.”
The Canada Goose Award for Best Canadian Feature Film is up for grabs, as is the...
- 8/6/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
After winning several awards at numerous film festivals, Play the Film comes home to Toronto this weekend to screen at the Canadian Film Festival. Sadly though, the only intriguing thing about this home grown production, made for $1000 as part of acclaimed filmmaker Ingrid Veninger’s 1K Wave challenge, is its cost.
The film focuses on the opening night of a new play, where an actor misses their cue only moments in and throws everything into disarray. With reputations on the line, everyone is forced to re-write and improvise in any way that they can. It doesn’t sound like much, but rather incredibly, the synopsis is significantly funnier than the film itself.
For almost every single minute of its 78-minute running time, the film lacks coherence, depth and even a sense of direction. Bernie Madoff, Occupy Wall Street, would-be teenage Middle Eastern assassins and more are all elements that make...
The film focuses on the opening night of a new play, where an actor misses their cue only moments in and throws everything into disarray. With reputations on the line, everyone is forced to re-write and improvise in any way that they can. It doesn’t sound like much, but rather incredibly, the synopsis is significantly funnier than the film itself.
For almost every single minute of its 78-minute running time, the film lacks coherence, depth and even a sense of direction. Bernie Madoff, Occupy Wall Street, would-be teenage Middle Eastern assassins and more are all elements that make...
- 3/21/2014
- by David Baldwin
- We Got This Covered
The national support body announced on January 30 its Ten Canadians to Watch list.
The selected individuals will attend the Berlinale and/or the European Film Market.
They are in alphabetical order:
Jennifer Baichwal, Watermark – European Premiere, Berlinale Special;
Paul Barkin, Afterlands – a participant with a project at the Berlinale Coproduction Market;
Adam Beach – a Producers Without Borders participant promoting the Adam Beach Film Institute;
Jean-François Caissy, Guidelines (La Marche À Suivre, pictured) – World Premiere, Forum;
Denis Côté, Joy Of Man’s Desiring (Que Ta Joie Demeure) – World Premiere, Forum;
Félize Frappier, Kuessipan – a participant with a project at the Berlinale Coproduction Market;
Phyllis Laing and Liz Jarvis, producers of Aloft – World Premiere, Competition (minority Canadian co-production with Spain and France);
Robert Lepage, Triptych (Triptyque) – European Premiere, Panorama;
Robert Morin, 3 Indian Tales (3 Histoires D’indiens) – World Premiere, Generation; and
Ingrid Veninger – a participant at the Berlinale Coproduction Market.
The selected individuals will attend the Berlinale and/or the European Film Market.
They are in alphabetical order:
Jennifer Baichwal, Watermark – European Premiere, Berlinale Special;
Paul Barkin, Afterlands – a participant with a project at the Berlinale Coproduction Market;
Adam Beach – a Producers Without Borders participant promoting the Adam Beach Film Institute;
Jean-François Caissy, Guidelines (La Marche À Suivre, pictured) – World Premiere, Forum;
Denis Côté, Joy Of Man’s Desiring (Que Ta Joie Demeure) – World Premiere, Forum;
Félize Frappier, Kuessipan – a participant with a project at the Berlinale Coproduction Market;
Phyllis Laing and Liz Jarvis, producers of Aloft – World Premiere, Competition (minority Canadian co-production with Spain and France);
Robert Lepage, Triptych (Triptyque) – European Premiere, Panorama;
Robert Morin, 3 Indian Tales (3 Histoires D’indiens) – World Premiere, Generation; and
Ingrid Veninger – a participant at the Berlinale Coproduction Market.
- 1/30/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The 38th Toronto International Film Festival has released an incredible guest list of celebrated talent from around the globe. Filmmakers expected to present their world premieres in Toronto include: Catherine Breillat, Nicole Garcia, Pawel Pawlikowski, Bertrand Tavernier, Steve McQueen, Godfrey Reggio, Denis Villeneuve, Bill Condon, Jean-Marc Vallée, John Wells, Ralph Fiennes, Richard Ayoade, Atom Egoyan, Matthew Weiner, John Carney, Jason Reitman, Jason Bateman, Yorgos Servetas, Liza Johnson, Megan Griffiths, Fernando Eimbcke, Alexey Uchitel, Johnny Ma, Biyi Bandele, Rashid Masharawi, Paul Haggis, Ron Howard, Eli Roth, Álex de la Iglesia, Bruce McDonald, Jennifer Baichwal, John Ridley, and Justin Chadwick.
The Festival also welcomes thousands of producers and other industry professionals bringing films to us.
The following filmmakers and artists are expected to attend the Toronto International Film Festival:
Ahmad Abdalla, Hany Abu-Assad, Yuval Adler, Akosua Adoma Owusu, Alexandre Aja, Bruce Alcock, Gianni Amelio, Thanos Anastopoulos, Madeline Anderson, Nimród Antal, Louise Archambault,...
The Festival also welcomes thousands of producers and other industry professionals bringing films to us.
The following filmmakers and artists are expected to attend the Toronto International Film Festival:
Ahmad Abdalla, Hany Abu-Assad, Yuval Adler, Akosua Adoma Owusu, Alexandre Aja, Bruce Alcock, Gianni Amelio, Thanos Anastopoulos, Madeline Anderson, Nimród Antal, Louise Archambault,...
- 8/21/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Final batch of Tiff titles were announced today and among the international hodgepodge of items trickling we find Berlin (Golden Bear winner Child’s Pose), Cannes (The Selfish Giant – Europa Cinemas Label winner and Stranger by the Lake by Alain Guiraudie), Karlovy Vary (Crystal Globe winner Le Grand Cahier ) and Locarno (Corneliu Porumboiu’s When Evening Falls on Bucharest or Metabolism) Film Fest items added to the Toronto Int. Film Festival’s Contemporary World Cinema lineup. Alongside those that have already premiered elsewhere, the titles that have got our attention are world premiere offerings from the likes of award-winning Icelandic helmer Ragnar Bragason (Metalhead), Revanche‘s Götz Spielmann (October November – see pic above) and Mexican filmmaker Fernando Eimbcke’s Club Sandwich. Here’s the added titles to the section which already includes: Catherine Martin’s A Journey (Une Jeune Fille), Ingrid Veninger’s The Animal Project, Terry Miles’ Cinemanovels, Bruce Sweeney...
- 8/13/2013
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Denis Villeneuve will have two films in the festival as it emerged that Canadian Features world premiere Enemy starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a man and his doppelganger [pictured] has joined the previously announced Prisoners, also starring Gyllenhaal.
The Canadian Features selection includes Michael Dowse’s Goon follow-up The F Word, Xavier Dolan’s Tom At The Farm and Chloe Robichaud’s Sarah Prefers To Run as well as work from Jeff Barnaby, Bruce McDonald and Bruce Labruce. Also receiving its world premiere is All The Wrong Reasons featuring the final performance by the late Glee star Cory Monteith.
Festival organisers also unveiled Producers Lab Toronto participants and Telefilm Canada Pitch This! finallists, the shorts programme and participants in the tenth Tiff Talent Lab.
“The scope of this year’s feature films is as broad as Canada’s filmmaking community and demonstrates the deep versatility of our filmmakers,” said Tiff senior programmer Steve Gravestock. “From clever...
The Canadian Features selection includes Michael Dowse’s Goon follow-up The F Word, Xavier Dolan’s Tom At The Farm and Chloe Robichaud’s Sarah Prefers To Run as well as work from Jeff Barnaby, Bruce McDonald and Bruce Labruce. Also receiving its world premiere is All The Wrong Reasons featuring the final performance by the late Glee star Cory Monteith.
Festival organisers also unveiled Producers Lab Toronto participants and Telefilm Canada Pitch This! finallists, the shorts programme and participants in the tenth Tiff Talent Lab.
“The scope of this year’s feature films is as broad as Canada’s filmmaking community and demonstrates the deep versatility of our filmmakers,” said Tiff senior programmer Steve Gravestock. “From clever...
- 8/7/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
This afternoon, with poutine and local wine to mark the occasion, the Toronto International Film Festival announced their Canadian film selections. Programmers Steve Gravestock and Agata Smoluch Del Sorbo proudly pronounced that this year both new and seasoned filmmakers had the “curiosity and courage to show troubling issues occurring in our country in new and exciting ways.” Past festival favorite (and one of my personal own as well) Xavier Dolan, the always controversial Bruce Labruce and Jennifer Baichwal’s films garnered applause from the crowd at the majestic Royal York ballroom. Titles sure to draw headlines and attention in the Canadian slate are Denis Villeneuve’s locally filmed ‘Enemy‘ which has Jake Gyllenhall playing a man with two identities, torn between a mistress and a wife. Villeneuve’s other recent feature ‘Prisoners‘ was previously announced as a festival title. It’s worth mentioning that two feature films being presented at...
- 8/7/2013
- by Leora Heilbronn
- IONCINEMA.com
Denis Villeneuve will have two films in the festival as it emerged on Wednesday [7] that Canadian Features world premiere Enemy starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a man and his doppelganger [pictured] has joined the previously announced Prisoners, also starring Gyllenhaal.
The Canadian Features selection includes Michael Dowse’s Goon follow-up The F Word, Xavier Dolan’s Tom At The Farm and Chloe Robichaud’s Sarah Prefers To Run as well as work from Jeff Barnaby, Bruce McDonald and Bruce Labruce.
“The scope of this year’s feature films is as broad as Canada’s filmmaking community and demonstrates the deep versatility of our filmmakers,” said Tiff senior programmer Steve Gravestock. “From clever, biting satire to intimate social commentary, powerful dramas and even a truly magical comedy, the settings and themes vary, but the perspectives are always uniquely Canadian.”
The City Of Toronto and Canada Goose Award for Best Canadian Feature Film will be given to one of many outstanding...
The Canadian Features selection includes Michael Dowse’s Goon follow-up The F Word, Xavier Dolan’s Tom At The Farm and Chloe Robichaud’s Sarah Prefers To Run as well as work from Jeff Barnaby, Bruce McDonald and Bruce Labruce.
“The scope of this year’s feature films is as broad as Canada’s filmmaking community and demonstrates the deep versatility of our filmmakers,” said Tiff senior programmer Steve Gravestock. “From clever, biting satire to intimate social commentary, powerful dramas and even a truly magical comedy, the settings and themes vary, but the perspectives are always uniquely Canadian.”
The City Of Toronto and Canada Goose Award for Best Canadian Feature Film will be given to one of many outstanding...
- 8/7/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The 2013 Toronto International Film Festival has announced its lineup of Canadian features, which includes The F Word from Michael Dowse (Goon) starring Daniel Radfliffe and Adam Driver ("Girls"), Xavier Dolan's new film Tom at the Farm and Denis Villeneuve's second film to be added to the festival Enemy, which stars one of his two leads in Prisoners (which is also premiering in Toronto), Jake Gyllenhaal. The F Word is also Daniel Radfliffe's third film in the fest after Horns from Alexandre Aja and Kill Your Darlings. F Word centers on Wallace (Radfliffe) who meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan) and it would be love at first sight, except she lives with her long-term boyfriend. So Wallace, acting with both best intentions -- and maybe a little denial -- discovers the dirtiest word in romance: friends. Dolan is coming off the fantastic Laurence Anyways and again wrote, directed and stars in...
- 8/7/2013
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The Toronto International Film Festival has announced its lineup of Canadian features, including new work from Bruce McDonald, Xavier Dolan, Denis Villeneuve (who has two films in the festival with "Prisoners" and "Enemy" -- both of which star Jake Gyllenhaal), Michael Dowse, Jennifer Baichwal with Edward Burtynsky, Bruce Sweeney, Robert Lepage with Pedro Pires, Peter Stebbings, Ingrid Veninger, Bruce Labruce, Richie Mehta, Jeff Barnaby and Louise Archambault. "The scope of this year's feature films is as broad as Canada's filmmaking community and demonstrates the deep versatility of our filmmakers," said Steve Gravestock, Senior Programmer, Tiff. "From clever, biting satire to intimate social commentary, powerful dramas and even a truly magical comedy, the settings and themes vary, but the perspectives are always uniquely Canadian." Notable is that alongside the Canadian-made features are a bunch of previously announced films produced outside of Canada by Canuck directors, including...
- 8/7/2013
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
Peter Mettler’s documentary "The End of Time" has been acquired at the Toronto International Film Festival for North America by First Run Features. "The End of Time" explores the perception of time in scenarios ranging from a particle accelerator in Switzerland to lava flows in Hawaii; from inner-city Detroit to a Hindu funeral rite. "The End of Time" had its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival in August, where it screened in Official Competition and won the Premio Qualita di Vita Prize for Best Environmental Film, awarded by the Youth Jury. Producers are Cornelia Seitler and Brigitte Hofer, Ingrid Veninger and Gerry Flahive.
- 9/13/2012
- by Indiewire
- Indiewire
Elizabeth Olsen, Sarah Paulson in Sean Durkin's Martha Marcy May Marlene Michelle Williams Strikes Twice: Vancouver Film Critics Nominations 2011 Best Film * The Artist The Descendants The Tree of Life Best Foreign Language Film * A Separation Poetry The Kid with a Bike Best Actor * Michael Fassbender, Shame Jean Dujardin, The Artist Michael Shannon, Take Shelter Best Actress * Elizabeth Olsen, Martha Marcy May Marlene Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn Best Supporting Actor Kenneth Branagh, My Week with Marilyn Albert Brooks, Drive * Christopher Plummer, Beginners Best Supporting Actress * Jessica Chastain, The Help, Take Shelter, The Tree of Life Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids Shailene Woodley, The Descendants Best Director Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist * Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life Martin Scorsese, Hugo Best Documentary * Cave of Forgotten Dreams The Interrupters Nostalgia for the Light Project Nim Surviving Progress Best Screenplay Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris * Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist...
- 1/11/2012
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
Michelle Williams, Luke Kirby, Take This Waltz With four nominations, Michel Hazanavicius' silent comedy-drama The Artist is the top nominee in the international categories of the Vancouver Film Critics Circle's 2011 Awards. [Full list of Vancouver Film Critics nominees.] Starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo, The Artist is set at the dawn of the talkie era, as screen icon George Valentin (Dujardin) sees his star fade while newcomer Peppy Miller (Bejo) becomes a hit in early talkies. Hazanavicius says The Artist was inspired by the life of silent-era superstar John Gilbert, but the film — officially an original screenplay — clearly owes quite a bit to What Price Hollywood? and the first two A Star Is Born movies. (Gilbert was, to a certain extent, an inspiration for those movies as well. His career stalled, while wife Ina Claire fared well in a couple of early talkies, most notably The Royal Family of Broadway. Gilbert's one-time girlfriend Greta Garbo, I should add,...
- 1/3/2012
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Jean Dujardin, Missi Pyle, The Artist Michelle Williams Strikes Twice: Vancouver Film Critics Nominations 2011 Best Film The Artist The Descendants The Tree of Life Best Foreign Language Film A Separation Poetry The Kid with a Bike Best Actor Michael Fassbender, Shame Jean Dujardin, The Artist Michael Shannon, Take Shelter Best Actress Elizabeth Olsen, Martha Marcy May Marlene Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn Best Supporting Actor Kenneth Branagh, My Week with Marilyn Albert Brooks, Drive Christopher Plummer, Beginners Best Supporting Actress Jessica Chastain, The Help, Take Shelter, The Tree of Life Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids Shailene Woodley, The Descendants Best Director Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist Terence Malick, The Tree of Life Martin Scorsese, Hugo Best Documentary Cave of Forgotten Dreams The Interrupters Nostalgia for the Light Project Nim Surviving Progress Best Screenplay Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash,...
- 1/3/2012
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Today, Montreal's Festival du nouveau cinéma (Fnc), which will take place between October 12 to 23. Here's the complete line-up of feature films according to the press release we received.
Opening and closing
The 40th edition of the Fnc kicks off on Wednesday, October 12, with Declaration of War by Valérie Donzelli (France) at Cinéma Impérial (Centre Sandra & Leo Kolber, Salle Lucie & André Chagnon). This critically-acclaimed second feature by Valérie Donzelli (The Queen of Hearts) tells the love story of Roméo and Juliette who are battling to save their sick child. The director and her producer Edouard Weil will be in attendance.
Ten days later, on Saturday, October 22, Monsieur Lazhar (Quebec/Canada) by Philippe Falardeau will close the Festival. Selected to represent Canada at the Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film, Monsieur Lahzar shows the efforts of an Algerian schoolteacher to help his Grade 6 students come to terms with their teacher’s death.
Opening and closing
The 40th edition of the Fnc kicks off on Wednesday, October 12, with Declaration of War by Valérie Donzelli (France) at Cinéma Impérial (Centre Sandra & Leo Kolber, Salle Lucie & André Chagnon). This critically-acclaimed second feature by Valérie Donzelli (The Queen of Hearts) tells the love story of Roméo and Juliette who are battling to save their sick child. The director and her producer Edouard Weil will be in attendance.
Ten days later, on Saturday, October 22, Monsieur Lazhar (Quebec/Canada) by Philippe Falardeau will close the Festival. Selected to represent Canada at the Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film, Monsieur Lahzar shows the efforts of an Algerian schoolteacher to help his Grade 6 students come to terms with their teacher’s death.
- 9/27/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Anh Khoi Do)
- The Cultural Post
I will soon post a list of films I have already seen that I highly recommend as well as a list of my most anticipated films screening at this year’s Festival du Nouveau Cinema. For now here is the press release from the festival. Make sure you read carefully because there are a ton of great films to check out.
Montreal, Tuesday September 27, 2011– Montreal’s Festival du nouveau cinéma will be celebrating its 40th edition from October 12 to 23. For the past 40 years, Canada’s oldest film festival has offered film buffs a selection of the year’s most exciting new films — a bold lineup with plenty of whimsical and surprising elements, but one that also turns its lens on social realities and the evolution of film and new technologies. Over the course of this year’s 11-day Festival, audiences of all ages can take in features and shorts, fiction films and documentaries,...
Montreal, Tuesday September 27, 2011– Montreal’s Festival du nouveau cinéma will be celebrating its 40th edition from October 12 to 23. For the past 40 years, Canada’s oldest film festival has offered film buffs a selection of the year’s most exciting new films — a bold lineup with plenty of whimsical and surprising elements, but one that also turns its lens on social realities and the evolution of film and new technologies. Over the course of this year’s 11-day Festival, audiences of all ages can take in features and shorts, fiction films and documentaries,...
- 9/27/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Ingrid Veninger’s latest film has to be the fastest movie ever made for Tiff. The Toronto filmmaker was on her way to unspool her 2010 feature, Modra, at film fests across Europe when she seized the opportunity to shoot an entirely new film.
That meant 19 days of scripting, casting and rehearsals in Toronto in March this year, 13 days shooting in north England, Paris and Berlin, then wrapping with five weeks of post in T.O. to make the Tiff deadline. That also meant Veninger presenting Modra in one cinema and then becoming “Ruby White,” who was premiering a fictitious film at the same festival at the same time. I don’t even think John Cassavetes took personal filmmaking this far.
The constraints Veninger placed on herself and her skeleton crew and cast probably made i am a good person/i am a bad person a better film. In fact, it is a strong,...
That meant 19 days of scripting, casting and rehearsals in Toronto in March this year, 13 days shooting in north England, Paris and Berlin, then wrapping with five weeks of post in T.O. to make the Tiff deadline. That also meant Veninger presenting Modra in one cinema and then becoming “Ruby White,” who was premiering a fictitious film at the same festival at the same time. I don’t even think John Cassavetes took personal filmmaking this far.
The constraints Veninger placed on herself and her skeleton crew and cast probably made i am a good person/i am a bad person a better film. In fact, it is a strong,...
- 9/19/2011
- by Allan Tong
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
We are now four days into the Toronto International Film Festival which runs a total of ten days so I felt it would be best to look back at some of the coverage we’ve posted thus far. Admittedly we are all a bit behind but we do intend on catching up before the fest if over. So far this year the festival hasn’t been as exciting for me as compared to previous years. Most of my time is spent running around from one cinema to the next, networking and trying to find some time to maintain the site and do some writing. The first day is usually a write off spent picking up tickets, finding a place to stay and meeting up with some old friends, so unfortunately my movie watching only began on Friday evening. So I’ve decided that in the future, I will arrive in...
- 9/12/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Lost in a sea of major Hollywood releases and hyped international films are the hidden gems of the Toronto International Film Festival. These are the films that you won’t likely get the chance to see again in theatres, at least not in Toronto.
Andrew Parker has picked three films that are defintely not your typical fare, but that he believes are nonetheless worthy of your time and attention: First Position, Doppelgänger Paul and i am a good person, i am a bad person.
First Position, dir. Bess Kargman
I’ll freely admit that there are two things that I am a sucker for: inspirational documentaries and dance films. Director Bess Kargman delivers the best of both worlds with a story of a group of kids training for and competing in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix. The competition is known as the premiere showcase for ballet students looking for...
Andrew Parker has picked three films that are defintely not your typical fare, but that he believes are nonetheless worthy of your time and attention: First Position, Doppelgänger Paul and i am a good person, i am a bad person.
First Position, dir. Bess Kargman
I’ll freely admit that there are two things that I am a sucker for: inspirational documentaries and dance films. Director Bess Kargman delivers the best of both worlds with a story of a group of kids training for and competing in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix. The competition is known as the premiere showcase for ballet students looking for...
- 9/9/2011
- by Dork Shelf
- DorkShelf.com
Montreal's Festival du nouveau cinéma (Fnc), which will be held from October 12 to 23, revealed to day its line-up of Canadian films. These films will be part of the Focus Québec/Canada category. The latter will be opened by the documentary Surviving Progress, by Mathieu Roy and Harold Crooks, on October 13.
This documentary is based on the bestselling book A Short History of Progress, by Ronald Wright. It questions the bright side and the perils of progress through interviews with people such as David Suzuki, Margaret Atwood or even Stephen Hawking.
The film will also be accompanied by another documentary called Fortunate Son, which was directed by Montreal-based documentarist Tony Asimakopoulos. This documentary is an auto-biography about how a drug-addict almost destroyed his family.
As for feature films, the Fnc will screen some films that were at the Toronto International Film Festival. Among them is Amy George, a teen drama by Yonah Lewis and Calvin Thomas.
This documentary is based on the bestselling book A Short History of Progress, by Ronald Wright. It questions the bright side and the perils of progress through interviews with people such as David Suzuki, Margaret Atwood or even Stephen Hawking.
The film will also be accompanied by another documentary called Fortunate Son, which was directed by Montreal-based documentarist Tony Asimakopoulos. This documentary is an auto-biography about how a drug-addict almost destroyed his family.
As for feature films, the Fnc will screen some films that were at the Toronto International Film Festival. Among them is Amy George, a teen drama by Yonah Lewis and Calvin Thomas.
- 9/8/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Anh Khoi Do)
- The Cultural Post
i am a good person / i am a bad person
Directed by Ingrid Veninger
2011, Canada, 82 minutes
When it comes to Ingrid Veninger, I suspect that the time has come to invoke that pesky little word ‘auteur’, despite all the baggage that comes along with it. Its use usually strikes me as bizarrely speculative—as if a critic can always reliably judge the degree of a filmmaker’s influence in what is essentially a collaborative creative process—but when it comes to this film and this filmmaker, the word is apt. Given that Veninger wrote, produced, directed, and starred in i am a good person / i am a bad person, it is safe to call her the film’s author. And thank goodness. Along with Xavier Dolan, Veninger is one of precious few Canadian directors guaranteed to give us something fascinating.
i am a good person / i am a bad person...
Directed by Ingrid Veninger
2011, Canada, 82 minutes
When it comes to Ingrid Veninger, I suspect that the time has come to invoke that pesky little word ‘auteur’, despite all the baggage that comes along with it. Its use usually strikes me as bizarrely speculative—as if a critic can always reliably judge the degree of a filmmaker’s influence in what is essentially a collaborative creative process—but when it comes to this film and this filmmaker, the word is apt. Given that Veninger wrote, produced, directed, and starred in i am a good person / i am a bad person, it is safe to call her the film’s author. And thank goodness. Along with Xavier Dolan, Veninger is one of precious few Canadian directors guaranteed to give us something fascinating.
i am a good person / i am a bad person...
- 9/5/2011
- by Dave Robson
- SoundOnSight
By Sean O’Connell
Hollywoodnews.com: Brad Pitt, Keira Knightley, George Clooney, Carey Mulligan, Rachel Weisz, Gerard Butler and Ryan Gosling are heading to Toronto for the 36tht international film festival, which kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 8.
The fest today confirmed the hundreds of celebrities that will be attending the can’t-miss event, promoting films and making the rounds as the annual awards season starts to take shape.
Davis Guggenheim, Francis Ford Coppola, Alexander Payne, Luc Besson, Oren Moverman, Malgoska Szumowska, Bennett Miller, Sarah Polley, Jessica Yu, Michael Winterbottom and Werner Herzog are just a few of the filmmakers who have confirmed their attendance.
Celebrities making the trek include Catherine Deneuve, Charlotte Rampling, Clive Owen, Jon Hamm, Shahid Kapoor, Michael Fassbender, Michelle Yeoh, Freida Pinto, Glenn Close, Matthew Goode, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Salma Hayek, Viggo Mortensen and Woody Harrelson. Musicians U2, Pearl Jam and Neil Young also are expected to...
Hollywoodnews.com: Brad Pitt, Keira Knightley, George Clooney, Carey Mulligan, Rachel Weisz, Gerard Butler and Ryan Gosling are heading to Toronto for the 36tht international film festival, which kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 8.
The fest today confirmed the hundreds of celebrities that will be attending the can’t-miss event, promoting films and making the rounds as the annual awards season starts to take shape.
Davis Guggenheim, Francis Ford Coppola, Alexander Payne, Luc Besson, Oren Moverman, Malgoska Szumowska, Bennett Miller, Sarah Polley, Jessica Yu, Michael Winterbottom and Werner Herzog are just a few of the filmmakers who have confirmed their attendance.
Celebrities making the trek include Catherine Deneuve, Charlotte Rampling, Clive Owen, Jon Hamm, Shahid Kapoor, Michael Fassbender, Michelle Yeoh, Freida Pinto, Glenn Close, Matthew Goode, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Salma Hayek, Viggo Mortensen and Woody Harrelson. Musicians U2, Pearl Jam and Neil Young also are expected to...
- 8/23/2011
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.