The Toronto After Dark Film Festival awards winners have been announced. Three out of the four catagories are audience chosen and it sounds like many of you had your say! Overall more than 3,500 ballots were cast! Let's check out the results.
Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film:
Let the Right One In - Gold (1st Place)
Repo! The Genetic Operal - Silver (2nd Place)
4BIA / Phobia - Bronze (3rd Place)
The Toronto After Dark Vision Award for Best Independent Feature Film:
I Sell the Dead - Gold
Home Movie - Silver
South of Heaven - Bronze
Audience Choice Award for Best Canadian Short Film:
Treevenge - Gold
The Facts in the Case of Mister Hollow - Silver
The Flower - Bronze
Audience Choice for Best International Short Film:
I Live in the Woods - Gold
Kingz - Silver
Martians Go Home: The Revenge of Sara Clockwork - Bronze
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 ran from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 - Awards
14 Days of Bond on Mpix - Countdown to Quantum of Solace
Who is up for a Bond film marathon?
Casino Royale was a nice revival of the Bond Franchise and we have the next Daniel Craig installment arriving on November 14, 2008 in a mere two weeks time. This summer, I attemped to catch up with all of the Bond films prior in anticipation for Quantum of Solace but only made it up to Live and Let Die. It looks like we have an opportunity to see not all, but many of the Bond films thanks to Mpix! From November 1 - 14, 2008 they are playing the first fourteen Bond films* every night at 9pm. This will bring us from Dr. No to A View to A Kill and includes all Bond films* with Sean Connery, George Lazenby and Roger Moore.
For the Timothy Dalton Bond fan, and I know there are a lot of you out there, don't fret. They will also be playing both of the Dalton Bond films: The Living Daylights on Nov 3/08 at 7:15am and Licence to Kill on Nov 10/08 at 9:30am.
Here's a list of the Bond films showing on Mpix, including date shown, orginal year of release and Bond actor:
Dr. No
Nov 1/08 at 9pm
Year: 1962
Bond played by: Sean Connery
From Russia with Love
Nov 2/08 at 9pm
Year: 1963
Bond played by: Sean Connery
Goldfinger
Nov 3/08 at 9pm
Year: 1964
Bond played by: Sean Connery
Thunderball
Nov 4/08 at 9pm
Yera: 1965
Bond played by: Sean Connery
You Only Live Twice
Nov 5/08 at 9pm
Year: 1967
Bond played by: Sean Connery
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Nov 6/08 at 9pm
Year: 1969
Bond played by: George Lazenby
Diamonds Are Forever
Nov 7/08 at 9pm
Year: 1971
Bond played by: Sean Connery
Live and Let Die
Nov 8/08 at 9pm
Year: 1973
Bond played by: Roger Moore
The Man with the Golden Gun
Nov 9/08 at 9pm
Year: 1974
Bond played by: Roger Moore
The Spy Who Loved Me
Nov 10/08 at 9pm
Year: 1977
Bond played by: Roger Moore
Moonraker
Nov 11/08 at 9pm
Year: 1979
Bond played by: Roger Moore
For Your Eyes Only
Nov 12/08 at 9pm
Yeaer: 1981
Bond played by: Roger Moore
Octopussy
Nov 13/08 at 9pm
Year: 1983
Bond played by: Roger Moore
A View to a Kill
Nov 14/08 at 9pm
Year: 1985
Bond played by: Roger Moore
*excluding Never Say Never Again which was released between For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy with Sean Connery as Bond, but it technically isn't included as a part of the Bond Franchise (see more info here).
Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 31, 2008!
Happy Halloween Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 31, 2008! Well, well, well it is a good day to be a film fan. I was expecting a bunch of scarefest horror this week but we actually have some awesome festival films making their debut in the regular cinemas. One film meets both definitions. I hope you take the opportunity to see these films while you can (although there will be more great releases in the weeks to come).
In limited release this week we have the highly acclaimed Swedish vampire film Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in, which would be an awesome Halloween choice if you are heading to the theatre. It isn't paced like horror film but is captivating throughout - I highly recommend it. It you are looking for something a smidge less dark and enjoy historical martial arts films, bring on Wong Kar Wai's Ashes of Time Redux, restored from the 1994 print with enhanced cinematography and soundtrack. Both Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in and Ashes of Time Redux will be in the running for my favourite films of the year, I highly recommend you get out there and see them while you can! We also have Madonna's directorical debut with Filth and Wisdom, a documentary on reggae with Made in Jamaica and a look through the eyes of a Hollywood producers in What Just Happened?, based on the memoirs of Art Linson.
In wide release this week we have choices from different genres with of course one horror film just in time for Halloween with The Haunting of Molly Hartley. If you are looking for romance, there is the across-the-world romance The Other End of the Line. We also have the highly anticipated Kevin Smith comedy Zack and Miri Make a Porno.
November is a huge month for film festivals. This week alone there are six playing throughout the city and this pace will continue throughout the month. For a look ahead you can always check out the September to December listings.
Have a spooktacular Halloween weekend (and remember it's daylight savings on Sunday!)
Shannon
48 Hour Film Project
The results of the world's largest extreme film competition, the
Tickets $8 at the door
Festival Watch
International Diaspora Film Festival
Selections from a wide spectrum of diverse ethnicities and cultures from Eastern Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Asia.
November 5 - 9, 2008
Moving Image Film Festival
This is the festivals first year and the focus of the festival is to welcome fusion and clash of different genres and the experimentation of moving images
November 5 - 9, 2008 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Regent Park Film Festival
November 5 - 9, 2008 at the Nelson Mandela Public School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Films focusing on mental health and addiction
November 6 - 15, 2008 at Workman Theatre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto International Latin Film Festival
October 31 - November 8, 2008 at The Royal in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto Palestine Film Festival
Continues until November 1, 2008 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canad
Dir: Wong Kar Wai (My Blueberry Night, In the Mood for Love, Chungking Express)
Cast: Leslie Cheung, Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Carina Lau, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Jacky Cheung, Charlie Young
Hong Kong/China
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Trailer spoiler free until 3/4 of the way through
Filth and Wisdom
Dir: Madonna - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Eugene Hutz, Holly Wseston, Vicky McClure, Richard E Grant
UK
Trailer is spoiler free
The Haunting of Molly Hartley
Dir: Mickey Liddell - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Haley Bennett, Marin Hinkle, Chace Crawford, Jake Weber, Shannon Marie Woodward
USA
No Official Film Site Found, IMDb Page, Trailer
Spoilers start at the 1/2 way point
Dir: Tomas Alfredson
Cast: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson
Sweden
You get the gist of the film by the 1/2 way point, spoilers at 2/3rd and beyond
Made in Jamaica
Writer/Dir: Jérôme Laperrousaz (À l'école des étoiles)
Documentary on the leaders of Reggae music
France/USA
Limited Release
Trailer is spoiler free
The Other End of the Line
Dir: James Dodson (Deadly Rivals)
Cast: Shriya, Jesse Metcalfe
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Trailer spoiler free until 1/2 way point
What Just Happened?
Dir: Barry Levinson (Man of the Year, Sphere, Wag the Dog)
Cast: Robert De Niro, Robin Wright Penn, Bruce Willis, Stanley Tucci, John Turturro, Kristen Stewart
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site (autoplays trailer), IMDb Page, Trailer
Trailer is spoiler free
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Writer/Dir: Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy)
Cast: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Jason Mewes, Justin Long
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
You get the gist of the film by the 1/2 way point
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of October 31, 2008**
Selections from I Sell the Dead Q&A at Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008
The following video clips are from the screening of I Sell the Dead on Friday October 24, 2008 at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. The post screening Q&A was led by Adam Lopez (Toronto After Dark Film Festival founder and director) and included from I Sell the Dead Glenn McQuaid (director) , Larry Fessenden (actor & producer), legendary screen actor Angus Scrimm, Brenda Cooney (actor) and Peter Phok (producer).
See my review of I Sell the Dead here.
Director Glenn McQuaid discusses the film and his love of the horror genre:
Larry Fessenden discuss his involvement with the film and introduces Angus Scrimm:
Angus Scrimm responds to an audience question regarding if he played the violin:
Producer Peter Phok speaks to the production side of the film including locations:
Larry Fessenden on why they chose to premiere at Toronto After Dark and where to go from here:
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 ran from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Selections from South of Heaven Q&A at Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008
The following video clips are from the screening of South of Heaven on Wednesday October 22, 2008 at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival.
See my review of South of Heaven here.
South of Heaven writer/director J.L. Vara discusses inspiration and influences for the characters:
J.L. Vara discusses locations, sets and effects:
J.L. Vara response to audience question regarding the kind of direction did he gave to the actors:
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 ran from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Selection from Who is KK Downey? Q&A at Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008
The following video clips are from the screening of Who is KK Downey? on Tuesday October 21, 2008 at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival with Peter Kuplowsky - Programming Manager, Pat Kiely (director/producer/actor) and Matt Silver (writer/actor).
See my review of Who is KK Downey? here.
Matt Silver and Pat Kiely describe how Kidnapper Films came to be as well as the inspiration for the characters and story of Who is KK Downey? (includes spoilers)
Pat Kiely response to audience question regarding the Voltaire scene (includes spoiler).
Pat Kiely and Matt Silver respond to audience questions regarding whose hair is real in the film as well as upcoming projects.
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 ran from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Selection from Lazer Ghosts 2: Return to the Laser Cove Introduction at Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008
The following video clip is from the introduction of the screening of the short Lazer Ghosts 2: Return to the Laser Cove on Wednesday October 22, 2008 at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. See my review of Lazer Ghosts 2: Return to the Laser Cove here.
Peter Kuplowsky introduces Lazer Ghosts 2 Return to Laser Cove director Steven Kostanski whom discusses the company Astron 6:
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 ran from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Selection from Tokyo Gore Police Introduction at Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008
The following video clip is from the screening of Tokyo Gore Police on Thursday October 23, 2008 at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. International features programmer Todd Brown introduces Tokyo Gore Police including discussing director Yoshihiro Nishimura as well as a few prominent faces in the Japanese film industry to look for.
See my review of Tokyo Gore Police here.
Please note the following clip includes mild spoilers.
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 ran from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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NOW ON DVD (Uncut)
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The Bloor has some rockin' upcoming films!
In the past little while I've been spending a heck of a lot of time at the Bloor. It started with Thing-Fest 2008 (pics & vids will be posted soon!) then daily trips to the theatre throughout the Toronto After Dark Film festival for over a week. Come to think of it, the day after the festival closed I just about got off at Bathurst Station out of habit.
And you may do the same soon with their rockin line up over the next little while:
Army of Darkness
Tuesday October 28/08 at 9:30PM
Friday October 31/08 at 7:00PM
Facebook Page
Bubba Ho-Tep
Thursday October 30/08 at 7:00PM
Mr. Vampire III
Thursday October 30/08 at 9:05PM
Bubba Ho-Tep and Mr. Vampire III Facebook page
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Friday October 31/08 at 9:00PM
Friday October 31/08 at 11:30PM
The Toronto 48 Hour Film Project
See screening of films created in a mere 48 hours!
Sunday November 2/08 at 4:00PM
The Toronto 48 Hour Film Project Website, Facebook group
Repo! The Genetic Opera
Yes, folks it's official. Repo! The Genetic Opera will be at The Bloor starting Friday November 21, 2008 and it will be running for 1 week.
Director Darren Lynn Bousman will be in attendance at the Friday November 21, 2008 screening.
See the Facebook group here
Home Movie Intro & Q&A
The following video clips are from the screening of Home Movie on Thursday October 23, 2008 at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. The clips contain some discussions that speak to the plot of the film and therefore may contain spoilers. See my review of Home Movie here.
Adam Lopez and Home Movie producer Andrew van den Houten introduce the film:
Home Movie Producer Andrew van den Houten discuss the casting and working with child actors:
Home Movie Producer Andrew van den Houten discusses if any animals were harmed during the production:
Home Movie Producer Andrew van den Houten response to then question regarding how much the actors filmed scenes of the movie:
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 ran from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Poll Results: What is your preferred way to watch horror movies?
The Poll results are in for What is your preferred way to watch horror movies? Looks like the most of us want to see the film out there at the theatre with friends. Watching horror films can definitely be enhanced in the company of others and it sounds like the voters agree:
50% At the theatre, with friends
33% At home, alone
16% At the theatre, alone
0% At home, with friends
Thanks for voting!
Check out the sidebar to your right latest poll.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 Day 8 - Friday October 24, 2008
Closing Night at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival was a star-studded and sold out event! There was festive energy in the as the audience searched and grabbed every last seat in the house. The short, Treevenge, certainly had the house in an uproar and the feature film for the evening in it's World Premiere screening, I Sell the Dead was well represented with a lively Q&A after the film with Glenn McQuaid , Larry Fessenden, legendary screen actor Angus Scrimm, Brenda Cooney and Peter Phok.
To hear and see about Day 8 check out my TADFF'08 Vlog for Day 8.
Festival Director & Founder Adam Lopez with Treevenge director Jason Eisener
Treevenge
Dir: Jason Eisener
Canada, 2008
15 min
In this first ever (that I've heard of) Christmas Tree Explotation film, the trees are out for blood and they aren't taking any prisoners! It might be safe this year to keep the holly away of the jolly in annual yuletide celebrations. This short literally had the audience going wild.
Festival Director & Founder Adam Lopez with I Sell the Dead cast & crew: Brenda Cooney (actor), Glenn McQuaid (writer/dir), Angus Scrimm (actor), Peter Phok (producer)
I Sell the Dead
Writer/Dir: Glenn McQuaid
Cast: Dominic Monaghan, Larry Fessenden, Brenda Cooney, Angus Scrimm, Ron Perlman, John Speredakos, Eileen Colgan
USA
Dominic Monaghan and Larry Fessenden play unconventional graverobbers in this historically set horror comedy. We also see Ron Perlman in his second religious role of the festival as the recorder of the last words on Arthur Blake (Dominic Monaghan). There are hilarious creature encounters and touching storylines woven throughout the film which gives you an idea of the genre blends involved.
The screening of the film was followed by a lively Q&A by the enthusiastic cast & crew. One of the astonishing tidbits shared was that the pub in the film was actually a New York bar that was transformed nightly at 3AM into the Irish pub in the film, and then back to the regular bar every day during the filming.
Festival Director & Founder Adam Lopez with I Sell the Dead cast & crew: Larry Fessenden (actor/producer) Brenda Cooney (actor), Glenn McQuaid (writer/dir), Angus Scrimm (actor), Peter Phok (producer)
One of the great things about Day 8 was hanging out with my sisters, Suzie and Jamie , who came to the film with me - thanks ladies!
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 ran from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 Vlog Day 8 - Friday October 24, 2008
Here is my Toronto After Dark Day 8 Vlog!
Films discussed: Treevenge and I Sell the Dead
Notes & Links from Vlog:
-Treevenge I previously seen during the Fantastic Fest live streamed films in September 2008.
-Toronto After Dark had four sell out films this year: Let the Right One In, Repo! the Genetic Opera, Tokyo Gore Police and I Sell the Dead.
-The Award Winners from the festival to be announced next week.
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 ran from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 Day 7 - Thursday October 23, 2008
Big line up at the box office for Tokyo Gore Police around 6:10pm
Huge passholder & ticket holder line for Tokyo Gore Police around 6:20pm.
Day 7 at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival was amazing. Not only did I completely enjoy both of the features, I also got to catch up with some fellow Toronto film festival goes Chris from Toronto J-Film Pow-Wow, Polly, Trista from 10 Movies to See Before You Die as well as Toronto After Dark regulars Bob from Eternal Sunshine of the Logical Mind, Sarah from PopJournalism and Andrew from RowThree. It's always fun to chat about the films, but even more so when they were as entertaining as Tokyo Gore Police or as terrifying as Home Movie.
One of the funniest moments of the night didn't come from one of the films at all. After successfully emerging from the mammoth popcorn line before Tokyo Gore Police with my tea in hand, I overheard someone ask if they take debit. Debit. Debit for popcorn at The Bloor? Now that is funny. It's the Bloor people! Cash only, and at their great prices you probably have the money in your pocket.
To hear and see about Day 7 check out my TADFF'08 Vlog for Day 7.
Todd Brown Programmer with Bum Rush directors Jesse MacMillan and Simon Box
Bum Rush
Dir: Jesse MacMillan and Simon Box
Canada, 2008
6 min
Winner of the Toronto Film Challenge Spring 24 Hour Competition 2008, Bum Rush follows three guys as they seek revenge on one tough as nails bum. Pretty awesome for a short that was made in such a limited time frame.
Tokyo Gore Police / Tôkyô zankoku keisatsu
Dir: Yoshihiro Nishimura
Cast: Eihi Shiina, Itsuji Itao, Tak Sakaguchi
Japan
After seeing, but not loving, Machine Girl earlier in the year I wasn't expecting too much from Tokyo Gore Police as it appeared to have a similar structure of create a story than add as much gore as you can. The kicker is, I ended up loving Tokyo Gore Police I was laughing so hard I thought I would fall out of my seat. What made it work for me was that they created this hyper-stylized near future world where all the crazy gore effects fit into place. Is the premise over the top? Of course! Were there times when it didn't quite make sense? Sure, but not so many that it really mattered. To top it all off, the sold out crowd made a ton of noise, cheering, gasping and giggling along the way. It is not for the faint of heart though, nearly any body part that could be torn, ripped, sliced or gutted was done so repeatedly, explicitly and with more blood than a vampire banquet.
The Auburn Hills Breakdown
Dir: Geoff Redknap
Canada, 2008
13 min
A hilarious take on horror movie character and plot clichés set in a mild mannered suburban home. Very clever timing and editing make for great shots that had the crowded giggling throughout.
Festival Director & Founder Adam Lopez with Andrew van den Houten producer of Home Movie
Home Movie
Dir: Christopher Denham
Cast: Adrian Pasdar, Cady McClain, Amber Joy Williams, Austin Williams
USA
Home Movie has been billed as the scariest film at the festival this year. I'm don't think it surpasses some of the scares in 4BIA/Phobia but that film gave us many opportunities to release the tension whereas Home Movie does not let up. The atmosphere of tension created if phenomenal given that it comes from perspective of a home movie camera, and the acting is without question amazing. Both Adrain Pasdar and Cady McClain are fantastic as the parent of two creepy kids, showing a vast range of emotions from depicting with clarity everyday events, to their 'professional' selves to different states of concern for their children. The kids are creepy as well, the actors are real life brother and sister but play twins in the film that are more than a little demented. The view from the video camera was used very well, and the film provided us with lots of scares. Overall, it was a chilling experience and certainly one of the best films at the festival.
Want to see if you can take it? You can. Home Movie will be released on DVD by Anchor Bay.
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 runs from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Selections from Donkey Punch Q&A with director Olly Blackburn
The following video clips are from the screening of Donkey Punch on Saturday October 18, 2008 at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. The clips contain discussions that speak directly to the plot of the film and therefore contain spoilers. See my review of Donkey Punch here.
Donkey Punch director Olly Blackburn shares where the idea of the film came from:
Olly Blackburn speaks of the different rating classification the film has received world wide (this vid got a little shaky):
Olly Blackburn responds to an audience question about the violence against women:
Olly Blackburn response to an audience question regarding the music & score:
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 runs from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 24, 2008!
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 24, 2008! Just the facts this week with 9 films and 4 festivals that is a lot going on around town! Make sure to check back here for daily coverage of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival continues here at Movie Moxie until October 24, 2008.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Festival Watch
Estonian Documentary Film Festival
Continues until October 24, 2008 at various locations, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
International Environmental Film and Video Festival
Continues until October 26, 2008 at various locations, Toronto, Ontario
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
Horror, Sci-Fi, Action & Cult Film Festival
Continues until October 24, 2008 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto Palestine Film Festival
October 25 - November 1, 2008 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Special Screening
Deepa Mehta will be in attendance at Heaven on Earth screenings on Friday Oct 24 and Saturday Oct 25/08 at the Varsity theatre for Q&As after the
Friday October 24, 2008 Releases
Changeling
Dir: Clint Eastwood (
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Colm Feore, john Malkovich
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Heaven on Earth
Writer/Dir: Deepa Mehta (
Cast: Perity Zinta, Balinder Johal, Rajinder Singh Cheema, Gourrav Sihan, Vansh Bhardwaj
Canada
NFB Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
Dir: Kenny Ortega (High School Musical, High School Musical 2, Newsies)
Cast: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Alyson Reed
USA
Official Film Site (autolays trailer), IMDb Page, Trailer
I.O.U.S.A.
Dir: Patrick Creadon (Wordplay)
Documentary on the US economy
USA
Passengers
Dir: Rodrigo Garcia ("In Treatment")
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Patrick Wilson, Andre Braugher, Dianne Wiest, David Morse
USA
Official Film Site and Trailer, IMDb Page
Pride and Glory
Dir: Gavin O'Connor (Tumbleweeds)
Cast: Colin Farrell, Edward Norton, Jon Voight, Noah Emmerich
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Tiger's Tale
Writer/Dir: John Boorman (The Tailor of Panama <2001>, Excalibur, Zardoz, Deliverance)
Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Kim Cattrall, Ciarán Hinds, Sinéad Cusack, Sean McGinley
Ireland
Limited Release
No Film Site or
Towelhead / Nothing is Private
Dir: Alan Ball ("Six Feet Under", "True Blood")
Cast: Summer Bishil, Peter Macdissi, Aaron Eckhart, Carrie Preston
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site and Trailer, IMDb Page
Who is KK Downey?
Dir: Darren Curtis and Pat Kiely
Cast: Darren Curtis, Matt Silver, Kristin Adams, Pat Kiely, Dan Haber
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site (autoplays trailer),
Edit: Additional release Oct 24, 2008 - Saw V
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of October 24, 2008**
Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 Vlog Day 7 - Thursday October 23, 2008
Here is my Toronto After Dark Day 7 Vlog!
Films discussed: Tokyo Gore Police and Home Movie
Notes & Links from Vlog:
See Home Movie Intro & Q&A here
The final screening of the festival is I Sell the Dead, which is sold out! Limited tickets will be at the theatre on Friday October 24, 2008 released 15 min before the show but they recommend getting there an hour before the film.
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 runs from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 Day 6 - Wednesday October 22, 2008
Science fiction and colourful film noir bookend Day 6 of the festival. It is so sad we only have two more nights of mayhem to enjoy! To hear and see about Day 6 check out my TADFF'08 Vlog for Day 6.
Lazer Ghosts 2: Return to Laser Cove director Steven Kostanski with Peter Kuplowsky, Programming Manager
Lazer Ghosts 2: Return to Laser Cove
Dir: Steven Kostanski
Canada
9 min
Science fiction film fans rejoice - this is one short you are going to want to see. I've seen a lot of great shorts at the festival so far but this one is a cut above. The entire short is done trailer style for what would be a direct to video (yes, video) science fiction sequel. It's got all the things you need for a sequel from cheesy one lines, sketchy back stories, the ultimate villian and effects that are so bad they are good. The crowd went absolutely bonkers for this film, myself included.
Check out the Lazer Ghosts 2: Return to Laser Cove website for more information or to download the film
Mutant Chronicles
Dir: Simon Hunter (Lighthouse / Dead of Night)
Cast: Thomas Jane, Ron Perlman, Devon Aoki, Anna Walton, John Malkovich
USA
I was thrilled to see that a science fiction feature was including in the line up for this years festival and when I realized it was Mutant Chronicles the anticipation got a whole lot bigger. This film has been getting buzz online on and off for over a year so you can imagine it was pretty exciting to see it. The steampunk world they created was awesome and the action sequences kicked butt. It is always great to see strong women in film and both Devon Aoki and Anna Walton were great parts of the rag tag team to save the world. Thomas Jane's performance was also great, including fun one liners and a fair share of action. The crowd was very vocal, which always adds to the experience even though sometimes the laughs were in the wrong places. I do hope this film gets a theatrical release, it certainly made for a really good time in the theatre.
Cabin of Terror
Dir: Jimi Cuell
Canada, 2007
5 min
This truly terrifying short is based on the idea video/board game Nightmare, following players from one horrifying task to the next. In such a game, it is a wonder what the prize for winning would be.
South of Heaven writer/director J.L. Vara (centre)
South of Heaven
Writer/Dir: J.L. Vara
Cast: Shea Whigham, Aaron Nee, Diora Baird, Lena Gwendolyn Hill
USA
South of Heaven is a hyper stylized film that in film noir style punches bright colours, bruises and occasionally clipping off fingers. Unfortunately, this is the only film at the festival that didn't quite cut the mustard for me due to the repeated of sexual assaults.
South of Heaven (above)
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 runs from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 Vlog Day 6 - Wednesday October 22, 2008
Here is my Toronto After Dark Day 6 Vlog!
Films discussed: Lazer Ghosts 2: Return to the Laser Cove, Mutant Chronicles and South of Heaven
Notes & Links from Vlog:
What we have left to look forward to!
Three more features: Tokyo Gore Police & Home Movie on Thursday and I Sell the Dead on Friday. As we come near the end of the festival it is always a good idea to get your tickets in advance to avoid possible disappointment!
There is also more night of Pub After Dark on Thursday October 23, 2008 and then the closing night party on Friday October 24, 2008 at the Bovine.
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 runs from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 Day 5 - Tuesday October 21, 2008
Day 6 at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival was a giggle fest! Comedies invade the festival with the vampires in Netherbeast Incorporated and hipsters in Who Is KK Downey?.
To hear and see about Day 5 check out my TADFF'08 Vlog for Day 5.
Festival Director & Founder Adam Lopez with Ending the Eternal director Justin McConnell and actor Adam Wilson
Ending the Eternal
Dir: Justin McConnell
Canada, 2008
14 min
Starting the vampire double bill was the short Ending the Eternal which has a cool premise to add to vampire lore. The sound was great, effects gory and snappy dialogue to boot. The one thing that got me was the setting - I swear, I have lived in an apartment just like the one in the film, just not with vampires - as far as I know.
Ending the Eternal is a prequel to the upcoming film The Eternal. The short can be seen online at The Eternal website (select "About", then "Ending the Eternal")
Netherbeast Incorporated
Dir: Dean Matthew Ronalds
Cast: Darrell Hammond, Dave Foley, Judd Nelson, Jason Mewes, Robert Wagner, Amy Davidson, Steve Burns
USA
Wow, what a freaking hilarious film Netherbeast Incorporated was. I thought it would be a fun twist of the vampire genre but this really blew it out of the park. I knew that it was a vampire office comedy, which the idea itself it hilarious. The film is deadpan humour pulled off by stellar performance from the fantastic cast. I was laughing my guts out at the beautiful blend of vampire lore with office politics, a bizarre pairing made in the best kind of hell. Freaking awesome.
Peter Kuplowsky, Programming Manager with The Bumblebee Man co-director Ryan Cavan
The Bumblebee Man
Dir: Ryan Cavan and Alex Heaslip
Canada, 2007
15 min
This short totally has the student vibe going, which completely works as with the wacky concept of Bubblebee royalty, drugs of honey played out in Shakepearian fashion. Add some random ballet performances and a rundown urban setting as the castle gives you only a drop of what is involved in this highly artistic short.
Peter Kuplowsky, Programming Manager with Pat Kiely (director/producer/actor) and Matt Silver (writer/actor) of Who is KK Downey?
Who is KK Downey?
Dir: Darren Curtis and Pat Kiely
Cast: Darren Curtis, Matt Silver, Kristin Adams, Pat Kiely, Dan Haber
Canada
Welcome to the land of hipster subculture. Well, no, if you are Terrance (Darren Curtis) and Theo (Matt Silver) you certainly aren't welcome to the world of quick witted urbanites with crazy hair and people hanging on your every word. But how to break into this world when you are only on the fringe? That is the question that Terrance and Theo face, however the fact remains to be careful what you wish for. The film definitely has great dialogue and precious moments in true comedic fashion. I especially thought the performance from Pat Kiely who plays Connor, the original pompous hipster you love to hate, is pitch perfect. The film is over the top, spiralling into chaos but the characters always remain beleivable even in their craziness, which is quite a feat.
Side note: I'll never think of Voltaire the same way again
Who is KK Downey? opens in Toronto on Friday October 24, 2008 at The Royal.
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 runs from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 Day 4 - Monday October 20, 2008
Day 4 of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival was all about the scares, be they from the revenge or ghosts. After a few marathon days at the festival I was very content to attend 2 screenings for a total of four to seven films depending on how you look at it as 4BIA is actually 4 short films put into one. Ironically on a day of chills I spend the afternoon watching Mamma Mia! with my sisters and my Mom. There were giggles and tears, but no zombies. Back on point, lets check out the films from Day 4!
To hear and see about Day 4 check out my TADFF'08 Vlog for Day 4.
Vengeance
Dir: Lanan Adcock
Canada, 2008
6 min
Rocking short film with a mischievous and mystical crab who grants vengeance instead of wishes.
Red
Dir: Trygve Diesen & Lucky McKee
Cast: Brian Cox, Noel Fisher, Kyle Gallner, Shiloh Fernandez, Amanda Plummer,Tom Sizemore, Robert Englund, Richard Riehle
USA
Revenge films are usually not my cup of tea, so I was a little hesitant going into Red but the film happily surprized me as it is much more than a revenge film. Red explores doing the right thing, justice and closure on top of your standard revenge themes. It can revel in the idea of revenge is sweet but also questions what would it take to close an emotionally traumatic wound. Avery Ludlow (Brian Cox) goes on this journey and takes us along for the ride. The film has some stand out performances, including Brian Cox as well as two of the younger cast Kyle Gallner and Noel Fisher.
Festival Director & Founder Adam Lopez with Manny Kargov director of Lucky 10
Lucky 10
Dir: Manny Kargov
Canada, 2008
10 min
Playing with fate and luck, Lucky 10 pounds us with many incarnations of the number 10 from subtle to serious in this short study of when your luck can run out.
4bia / Phobia / See prang (4 sections):
Happiness writer/dir: Youngyooth Thongkonthun (Maid / Jaew)
Tit for Tat writer/dir: Paween Purikitpanya (Body #19)
In the Middle dir: Parkpoom Wongpoom, writer: Banjong Pisanthanakun (Alone / Faet, Shutter <2004>)
Last Fright writer/dir: Parkpoom Wongpoom (Alone / Faet, Shutter <2004>)
We have some scares in the house people! 4BIA is an omnibus film featuring four short films that are ready to make you jump out of your seat. All of the films had their strong points from tension building in Happiness and Last Fright to crazy effects in Tit for Tat. The joy of the night was without a doubt In the Middle, which is clearly made for horror movie fans and had the audience in stitches. It has a classic setting of a group of friends who take a rafting trip, and of course are staying in the woods at night. There are many opportunities for scares and they really go to town with them. It's a beautiful thing when a film can make seamless transitions from scares to laughs and back again. One of the best of the fest so far!
It seems that zombies are still welcome in the nearby areas! Although I decided to pick a non-brain serving location to catch a bite and work on some reviews before the night began. Yay for free wi-fi at Insomnia.
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 runs from October 17-24/08 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
