Movie Box Review

The results are in and the Canadian Film Fest has announced their award winners for the 2008 festival. I am thrilled to see that River from Day 4 picked up three awards and Brett Sullivan was acknowledged as best directed for The Chair, presented on Day 2. Congratulations to all the winners!

River
William F. White ‘Reel Canadian Indie' Award
Meridian Artists ‘Best Screenwriting' Award (Screenplay by: Maya Batten-Young, Adam Budd, Mark Wihak)
Best Male Actor - Adam Budd

The Last Hit Man
Best Feature

MR. BIG
Cineplex Entertainment's ‘People's Pick For Best Flick' Award

The Chair
Best Director - Brett Sullivan

Production Office
Best Female Actor - Shauna MacDonald

Harold
Buck Productions ‘Adflix' Award, best in short films by Canadian ad agencies

Grand Wheel
Best Cinematography - Gavin Heffernan

Rock Paper Scissor
Best Short

Darkness Falls in Gitxsan
Honorable Mention (short)

The Canadian Film Fest 2008 ran from March 25-29/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Pre-Festival Coverage
March 24, 2008

Daily Coverage
Canadian Film Fest 08 Day 1 - March 25/08
Canadian Film Fest 08 Day 2 - March 26/08
Canadian Film Fest 08 Day 3 - March 27/08
Canadian Film Fest 08 Day 4 - March 28/08, Rock, Paper, Scissors throw down!
Canadian Film Fest 08 Day 5 - March 29/08

Post-Festival Coverage
Wrap Up
Awards

The Canadian Film Fest 2008 ran from March 25-29/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Five days of film have come and gone with the Canadian Film Fest. It was my first time attending this festival and I would have to say I don't think I've ever spent such a concentrated amount of time at the Carlton at in a while. The range of films was great, I loved how they showed shorts with the majority of the features and there were tons of Q&A's with filmmakers, actors and the like. A fun time all around. Here are some highlights of the festival.

Quintessentially Canadian & Favourites Features: Maple Flavour Films, River, The Chair, Mr. Big and Rock, Paper, Scissors: The Way of the Tosser. These films were not only fantastic but also felt 100% Canadian from either the subject matter (Maple Flavoured Films and Mr. Big) or the tone (River and Rock, Paper, Scissors: The Way of the Tosser). I also had to throw in The Chair as I can honestly say I feel like I've lived in that house.

Quintessentially Canadian Shorts: Moment and Bedwetter

Favourite Short: It is too hard to pick just one. Moment was brilliant as it visually depicted emotion in an understated way, Loonie challenged preconceived notions and Everything is Connected was heartfelt and honest.

Themes: Isolation, Family, Crime dynamics, Bizarre circumstances, Production

Best Attended: Hank and Mike, Production Office

Most Enthusiastic Crowd: Production Office, I swear I felt like I was going to lose my hearing due to the laughter in the audience

Scariest: The Chair, by far. I was worried it would be your run of the mill horror flick but it's so much more.

Still thinking about: Hide. I can't get this film out of my head. The film itself is gorgeous and the idea has stuck with me.

Favourite Experience: The film Maple Flavour Films and panel discussion regarding the state of English Language Canadian film on Day 2. It gave me a lot to think about as well as generated quite a few ideas. Now to decide who to contact about those ideas

Best Day: Day 4 by far. All the films rocked and I got to hang out with my sis.

Wasn't expecting: Late starts. I have patience, especially when the majority of the screenings are in the same theatre so you know you'll be able to get into the next one. But, almost all started 5+ min late, and on the Day 2 the Screening of The Chair started 30 minutes late (10:20pm instead of 9:50pm). That was one late night.

Best Q&A: Intro by Rock, Paper, Scissors: The Way of the Tosser. This vid says it all. If you want to taste the experience, check out the screenings on April 4 & 5/08 at the Bloor. This screening was the most memorable of the fest. I would highly recommend this film, you can start by checking out their website which includes info on the tour.

The Canadian Film Fest runs from March 25-29/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Day 5 of the Canadian Film Fest brings the festival to a close. So many films over the four days: 14 features and 21 shorts. I was thrilled to be able to check out most of them!


(Tiffany Burns director of Mr. Big, Dr. Rubin "Hurricane" Carter)

Mr. Big
Writer/Directer/Producer: Tiffany Burns
Documentary

A very intense documentary that centres on the Mr. Big sting strategy of the RCMP. The technique is considered entrapment in the US and the UK, but the documentary demonstrates numerous cases of it here in Canada. This is a film that needs to be seen by all Canadians.

Warnings: Crime scene pictures are shown, sometimes extensively of a family that was murdered. I had to look away from the screen during those parts.

For more on Mr. Big check out their website (includes disturbing images)




Shorts, Shorts and more Shorts! The afternoon had two back to back shorts screenings, here are the highlights.

Communication Breakdown
Writer/Dir: Stefano Colacitti
Cast: Aurora Brown, Stephen Lobo
16 minutes

An innovating story about dating in out current techno-world. This short film was fascinating, with solid acting and hilarious to boot. It captured the attention of the audience quickly & easily. Also has a fantastic poster (see above).

Darkness Calls in Gitxsan
Dir: Anthony Wong
Cast: Jay Turley, Shawn Woods, Dan Wilson, Robert Milson
19 minutes, animated

In true storytelling style, this film brings inspiration and hope to those whom do not fit the mould.

For more on Darkness Calls in Gitxsan check out the website

Everything is Connected
Writer/Dir: Jonathan Sobol
Cast: Kevin Jubinville, Dylan Everett
12 minutes

Delightful and touching, this short is shows a unique family bonding.

Inheritance
Writer/Director/Producer: Mike Weiss
6 minutes, animated

The power of cheese. This wild short has to be seen to be believed.

For more on Inheritance check out their website or watch the film here

The Strap
Dir: Jason Gileno
Cast: Kyle Harrington, Robert Skeates
5 minutes

Short and shockingly sweet, this film plays with fear, punishment and the power of strong will.

Monument
Writer/Director/Producer: Alain Delannoy
12 minutes, animated

Fascinating animated short that mixes various styles that gives it a unique home spun flavour with a sophisticated story. Ingenious.

What You're Ready For
Dir: Corey Lee
Cast: Michael Riley, Stephen Park

Wry, familiar and cunning this short shows the power of self-help, literally.

For more on What You're Ready For check out their website

Portage / Crooked Lake
Writers/Dirs: Mathew Miller, Sascha Drews, Ezra Krybus
Cast: Stephannie Richardson, Candice Mausner, Alysha Aubin, Morgan McCunn, Guy Yarkoni

This screening brought the festival to a bit of an anticlimactic close. I chose it over the festival closing film (the two time slots conflicted) and I guess most folk went to that instead as it was a pretty quiet screening. The trailer shows it to be a thriller, which I think is a misrepresentation as it's really a drama and personal story. The subject matter was rather disturbing and for it to be billed as a 'sensual' tale I would say felt rather inappropriate as the actors appear so young.

For more on Portage / Crooked Lake check out their website

The Canadian Film Fest ran from March 25-29/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

As promised, here is a vid so you can see a taste of what the experience of seeing what Rock, Paper, Scissors: The Way of the Tosser is like. A nice lil' intro as well as well as impromptu head to head RPS between Tim Doiron vs Bern Euler, Festival Director.

For more on Rock, Paper, Scissors: The Way of the Tosser check out their website, info on the tour which will round up April 4 & 5/08 at 9:30 at the Bloor in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Day 4 was a fantastic day at the Canadian Film Fest, in fact it has been my favourite so far! Every single one of the films I saw was excellent: Bedwetter, River and Rock, Paper Scissors: The Way of the Tosser. I didn't get a chance to see The Third Eye and Thirteen, but I hope the screening went well, the films looked very interesting. Four days down, one to go!


(Mario Moreira, writer & director of Bedwetter)

Bedwetter
Writer/Dir: Mario Moreira
Cast: Damian Michalis, Eduardo Giron
Short

Impressions: A beautiful short that mergers the daily family realities with its spiritual history and is compelling in every way.


(Vanda Schmöckel, Adam Budd from River)

River
Dir: Mark Wihak
Cast: Maya Batten-Young, Adam Budd

Impressions: This is a touching and heartfelt film about friendship, in every sense of the word. Impressive debut performances by both of the leads, Maya Batten-Young and Adam Budd whom with the director Mark Wihak developed with story for 2 months before improvising all of the dialogue. I loved how every moment felt real, whether it was a moment of joy, sadness, awkwardness or play. And play they did! Isn't that what friends are for? Someone to play, share experiences with and talk to. This is a beautiful film to experience.

For more on River check out their website



Rock, Paper, Scissors: The Way of the Tosser
Dir: Tim Doiron, April Mullen
Cast: Tim Doiron, April Mullen, Ryan Tilley, Peter Pasyk, Martin O'Carrigan

Impressions: Holy moly, this film had the crowd in stitches. Hilarious and earnest, it follows Gary Brewer while training for the RPS (Rock, Paper, Scissors) championship with the help of his girlfriend Holly Brewer (no relation, yet) and friend Trevor. The film explains the history of Rock, Paper, Scissors as well as modern champions and events. A truly unique experience, this film is not to be missed.

We were lucky enough to have the charismatic cast at the screening. Tonight I'll post a vid so you can see a taste of what the experience of seeing the film is like as well as impromptu head to head RPS between Tim Doiron vs Bern Euler, Festival Director.

For more on Rock, Paper, Scissors: The Way of the Tosser check out their website, info on the tour which will round up April 4 & 5/08 at 9:30 at the Bloor in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Canadian Film Fest runs from March 25-29/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

I'm starting to feel like I live at #9, which sounds straight out of Coronation Street but alas the location is the Carlton. How I've managed to resist popcorn for all three days is a feat that surprizes me. But, when it comes down to it, it isn't about the location nor the food but it's about the films. So here they are, shorts and features alike.


(Jill Carter, Karen Cliche from Moment)

Moment
Dir: Jill Carter
Cast: Karen Cliche, Jefferson Brown, Jason Gautreau
Short

Impressions: This is a gorgeous and touching short film reflecting on the power of a moment. How much a glance or a smile can affect us. An outstanding achievement.

For more on Moment check out their website

Production Office
Writers/Dir: Deborah Marks & Steve Solomos
Cast: Shauna MacDonald, Brandon McGibbon, Tim Rozon, Maury Chaykin

Impressions: This film played to a filled to the brim and excited audience whom appeared to relate very well to the subject matter: the inner workings of a production office for a film. Although there was no smooth sailing for this office there was a lot of entertainment value from far fetched stories to razzing people out to the ultimate creative problem solving. The colourful use of language had me dumbfounded at more than one occasion. I think we may just have found the new sailors in town!


(crew & cast members of Production Office)

Desmond Coy
Dir: James Wilkes
Cast: Kerr Hewitt, Justin Kim, Laura Burns
Short

Impressions: An interesting idea is here and it is well executed but I have to admit I had to look away during the violent moments, of which their were quite a few in this short film.

For more on Desmond Coy check out the trailer (includes disturbing images)

Hide
Dir: KC Bascombe
Cast: Christian Kane, Rachel Miner, Polly Shannon, Beth Grant

Impressions: This film includes almost as many genres as Big Trouble in Little China. It has elements of westerns, crime, romance, revenge, thriller and horror. A criminal couple with varying levels of remorse encounters various obstacles while on the road. Although the violence level hits high for some tolerance levels, this films is worth checking out. It is beautifully shot and includes excellent performances by the two leads Christian Kane (Lindsey from "Angel") and Rachel Miner. It is an outstanding production, and one of the best of the festival. I'm sure it will keep me thinking for a long time.

For more on Hide check out their website

Loonie
Dir: Michelle Nolden
Cast: Jack Knight, Allegra Fulton
Short

Impressions: It is astonishing the range of emotions captured in this strong short film as it allows us to partake in the moments of a brief encounter between two people.

Places Everyone
Dir: Marc Thomas-Dupuis
Cast: Elias Varoutsos, Raphael Roussel

Impressions: The wild thing about Places Everyone was the language. I think it's fair to say there are two protagonists who are friends and one of them speaks almost exclusively French while the other speaks English. Totally wild. The themes of the film revolve around ideas what to do next, which is always a good question. Where will you go next?

For more on Places Everyone check out their website

There are still two days of the festival left some check it out and be part of the crowd!



The Canadian Film Fest runs from March 25-29/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Day 2 at the Canadian Film Fest brought delights and discoveries. One of the most anticipated screenings for me was for Maple Flavour Films and the panel following the screening to discuss the current state of Canadian English-language films. First up, the film!

Maple Flavour Films
Dir: Michael Sparaga
Documentary of the cross Canada tour to promote the film Sidekick, as well as talk to Canadians on the street on about Canadian Film.

Impressions: This is a fantastic documentary about Canadian film. Not only does it tell the personal journey of the film Sidekick and its cross country tour but also talks to regular Canadians as well as film industry professional to give a multi angled view of what is happening to Canadian films. It is humorous as well as insightful and overall hopeful, as it shows that although people in general aren't necessarily aware of Canadian film, they are not only open to it but also want to see and like it.

For more on Maple Flavour Films check out their website


left to right: Michael Sparaga (filmmaker), Rob Cousins (Cineplex Entertainment), Peter Vamos (Playback) Dan Lyon (Telefilm), Anna Stratton (Triptych), Brad Pelman (Maple)

Panel Discussion on the state of Canadian English-language film industry
Moderated by Richard Crouse
Many ideas in the film and the panel were discussed revolved around how to get Canadians to see Canadian film. There are many barriers including the proximity to the US who are a major producer in terms of film overall, also people don't hear about the films (through ads, articles or word of mouth) so don't go to the films. It was also noted that recently we have had some great successes in Canadian film with films like Away From Her and Eastern Promises. There are also initiatives like the Film Circuit which bring Canadian Films to communities. Also, for filmmakers there incubators like the Canadian Film Centre and the National Screen Institute.

This screening and panel was so popular that they had to turn people away, and it's great to see that much interest in Canadian Film.

If you are looking for where to find out about Canadian Film Releases, here at Movie Moxie I always highlight the Canadian films released in Toronto in every edition of Film Fan Fridays.

Your Beautiful Cul de Sac Home
Writer/Dir: Cameron Kirkwood
Starring: Jeff Geddis, Charles Officer, Ennis Esmer, Terra Vnesa, Scott Beaudin

Impressions: A tale of subversively controlling suburbia... through lawn care. One part comedy and one part drama, two concurrent stories are told in the same local of suburbia. The path of least resistance, or the path of no resistance due to no choices - which one will we chose, or be chosen for us? Innovative ideas of manifestos, locked rooms and water balloons this film will keep you engaged throughout.

For more on Your Beautiful Cul de Sac Home check out their website


(Bern Euler, Christopher Warre Smets director of The Last Hit Man)

The Last Hit Man
Writer/Dir: Christopher Warre Smets
Cast: Joe Mantegna, Elizabeth Whitmere, Romano Orzari, Michael Majeski

Impressions: A highly energetic crowd was present for this film, which is the second of the festival to include Joe Mantegna in the cast. It is a family centred crime drama (new genre alert!), but of a job gone wrong. The performances were the clear delight of this film. Joe Mantegna stars as not only a hit man as well as a pitch perfect protective father of tough as nails Elizabeth Whitmere. The supporting cast was very strong with Romano Orzari as the replacement killer and Michael Majeski's performance as the perfect boyfriend had me in stitches. I have to admit that overall I was surprized at the numerous American references (license plates, location references, paying for healthcare, etc) considering the context of the viewing.

Highlights from Q&A with director Christopher Warre Smets
Although the main actors couldn't make the screening, we know they were there in spirit. Romano Orzari wrote a letter which included thanking not only the festival but all the volunteers as well. The film was preceded by a message from Joe Mantegna, and it was clear that working with him was a positive experience for the entire cast and crew.


(Brett Sullivan director of The Chair)

The Chair
Dir: Brett Sullivan
Cast: Allana Chisholm, Lauren Roy

Impressions: This film knocked my socks off. I was expecting it to be a gratuitous horror film when in fact it's a ghost story. Is it scary? Hell ya. Is there horror? Yep, it's got that too. Does it all work? You bet. I was very impressed with the performance by Allana Chisholm, as there were so many moments that could have been terrible clique and she pulled them all off. The director Brett Sullivan mentioned that he wanted a film that would be creep out, not gross out for which I say three cheers to you! It is great to hear that that was the intention, and even more so the experience of the film was creepy indeed.

Highlights from Q&A with director Brett Sullivan:
The house in the film is actually his house.
From idea to completed project it took 6 months.
The 'Chair' was often taken on tour with the film and people could check it out/sit in it.

For more on The Chair check out their website

Learning to Love the Front Row:
I will admit I'm not used to non-stadium seating with sold out shows. For most folk, this might not be an issue but a wee 4'9" me it was. The great news for the festival is that films are being very well attended. That being the case, it's front row from now on baby!

The Canadian Film Fest runs from March 25-29/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

(outside the Varsity* cinema)

Even with the cold and wet March weather upon us, the wait is over! The Canadian Film Fest kicked off Tuesday night with a bang. The five day festival focuses exclusively on Canadian film and that is so exciting to see. This year the festival boasts 14 features and 22 shorts of home grown talent. Bring it on!


(Bern Euler, Founder/Festival Director)

We are welcomed to the festival by Bern Euler, Founder/Festival Director at the busy house at the Varsity* before the screening of the evening. There is a great energy in the room with the contagious buzz that comes hand in hand with opening nights. After the crowd is settled and subdued with by a reminder on why Canadian film is great, we get on to the show!


(Bern Euler, Thomas Michael and Matthiew Klinck)

Hank & Mike
Dir: Matthiew Klinck (Greg & Gentillon)
Writers: Thomas Michael and Paolo Mancini
Cast: Thomas Michael, Paolo Mancini, Joe Mantegna, Chris Klein, Tony Nappo

Impressions: A tale of two Easter Bunnies against all odds. Follow the bunnies Hank and Mike as they smoke, drink, binge eat ice cream and spend a surprizing amount of time accidentally or on purpose, in the presence of unclothed women. It ain't your regular Easter tale, that’s for sure. This comedy is a creative exploration on bunnies versus the world, and if you like crass humour paired with fun with foul language this film is for you. The two leads Thomas Michael (Hank) and Paolo Mancini (Mike) play very well off each other as long time friends. The performance by Chris Klein (Rollerball) as the evil corporate dude is as dark and twisted as they come. Add to that the hilarious deadpan nature of Easter Bunnies out and about functioning in the everyday world and you’ve got fascinating film experience.

Highlights from the Q&A with Thomas Michael (writer/actor/producer) and Matthiew Klinck (director):
The characters were initially created through sketch comedy.
The costumes and appearances went though many permutations before the one you see in the film.
Both of the leads had 4 bunny outfits, all other bunnies had 1.
A use for Chunky Soup that you don't really want to know.

The Q&A closed on "It's different, not necessarily for everyone but we hope you liked it." Judging from the reaction of the house, they did.

More Hank & Mike: website, trailer, IMDb page



The Canadian Film Fest runs from March 25-29/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

*Please note the majority of the screenings are at the Carlton. Check the film schedule for more info.

The Canadian Film Fest starts this week and has a exciting selection of films and events, all exclusively Canadian. Out of the 34 films (features and shorts) many genres are represented: comedy, horror, documentaries and drama are all in mix. The festival not only has a fantastic line up of films, there are also a variety of panel discussions as apart of their lecture series.

One of the documentaries of the festival bridges a screening and a panel discussion: Maple Flavour Films. This is a documentary that follows the cross Canada tour of the film Sidekick while concurrently interviewing Canadians on their knowledge and interest in Canadian films. I think this will be one of the highlights of the festival. The panel discussion following the screening will be moderated by Richard Crouse with panelist involved in the Canadian film industry.

One thing that is certain about us Canucks is we like our comedies, and we get plenty of them here. Six of the feature films and five of the shorts are comedic in nature, here are some giggling highlights:

Hank & Mike is the festival opener and has perfect post-Easter timing as we journey with two bitter unemployed Easter Bunnies. See more on the film site or watch the trailer. Rock, Paper, Scissors: The Way of the Tosser follows the life of a tosser with such ups and downs in the competitive world of Rock, Paper, Scissors. See the trailer and film site to explain the unexplainable.

What is more funny that comedies? The concept of what could go wrong while making films themselves. The explorations include Production Office, set during an all nighter on a sci-fi film shoot where many things can and do go wrong and Places Everyone which goes through the process of first time film making.

After seeing the nightmares of what could go wrong, we have the opportunity to see work of and fuel for nightmare's themselves with a strong selection of scary films. We have The Third Eye (site has creepy images & sounds) which explores trepanation is an 'ancient procedure that involves drilling a hole in one's head' . I'm glad the term trepanation was defined in the film synopsis and film site, as it was not in my handy dandy Gage Canadian Dictionary! Next up is The Chair, which looks pretty gruesome to me, judge for yourself by checking out the trailer on film site. If you are spoiler sensitive just watch the first minute - if you can take it! For the outdoor adventure thriller fans among us, Portage (renamed for US release as Crooked Lake) will be right up your alley, or shall I say stream? It makes the Canadian Shield a scary place to be! See the trailer here.

For those of us who prefer calmer moments, there are dramas to choose from as well. River looks compelling dealing with theme of friendship. The process of the film sounds fascinating, all the dialogue was improvised and shot with a crew of 5. I can't wait to see this one.

After all that, there is even more! The festival includes a healthy number of short films, some of which will play with the feature films and then there are two shorts screenings with a collection of different shorts. The shorts including a vast variety of styles and topics, including animation with Monument, Darkness Calls in Gitxsan (trailer) and Inheritance, coming of age with Rock Paper Scissors and self help guru's What You're Ready For.

For more information, check out the Canadian Film Fest website, Film Schedule, Ticket Info and Lecture Series

The Canadian Film Fest runs from March 25-29/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.