Reel Asian Film Festival presents a FREE movie: WHITE ON RICE - Sat Sept 24

In celebration of their 15th anniversary, the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is presenting a FREE screening of 2009 festival favourite, WHITE ON RICE!

Things go from bad to worse when 40-year-old Jimmy falls in love with the beautiful Ramona while seeking advice from and sharing a bunkbed with his 10-year-old nephew. Starring Hiroshi Watanabe (Letters from Iwo Jima), Lynn Chen (Saving Face) and James Kyson Lee (Heroes).

SATURDAY SEPT 24, 7:00PM
Toronto Underground Cinema (186 Spadina Ave)
WHITE ON RICE
Director Dave Boyle | USA 2009 | Rated 14A
English, Japanese w/English subtitles
FREE ADMISSION - Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be released at 6:00PM.

New Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry Shorts Play at Worldwide Short Film Festival

CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival (WSFF), presented by TELUS, North America’s largest short film festival, proudly returns for its 17th annual edition from May 31st to June 5th 2011. Showcasing the best short films from home and around the world, the WSFF will present an unparalleled line-up of contemporary short films in 33 programs specially selected from a record-breaking 4,200 submissions.

Presenting festival-goers with a wide-ranging collection of 275 shorts from 36 countries, the WSFF offers something for everyone. From a diverse array of live action, documentary, animation and experimental films, each 90-minute program screens 5 to 20 films, allowing viewers a rare opportunity to see some of the finest short films on a large screen format.

“This year the WSFF has really come into its own, “ says Festival Director Eileen Arandiga.“Short films have never been more popular. The record number of submissions received is clearly a testament to the growing popularity and importance of short film. This is a very exciting time for shorts, and we have never seen so many recognizable faces both in front of and behind the camera. We are also pleased to bring programming to places that might not traditionally be
viewed as a screening venue – for example the CN Tower and our Shorts Bus, a mobile theatre that allows Torontonians and visitors to our city to experience short films in a unique way.”

This year’s festival features a strong lineup of auteurs and stars. Directors with shorts appearing include: Spike Jonze (BEING JOHN MALKOVICH), Michel Gondry (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND), Neil LaBute (IN THE COMPANY OF MEN), Taika Waititi (TWO CARS, ONE NIGHT), Sima Urale (COFFEE & ALLAH), Jonathan Caouette (TARNATION) and Harmony Korine (TRASH HUMPERS), as well as the directorial debut of Rachel Weisz. Starring in shorts are: Colin Firth, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hardy, Chloë Sevigny, Scott Thompson, Jeremy Irons, Max von Sydow, Steve Coogan, Joseph Fiennes, Ian McKellan, John Slattery, Gerard Depardieu, Rosemary DeWitt, Selma Blair, Jeremy Davies, Julia Stiles, Debra Winger and Keira Knightley.

Kicking off this year’s festival, WSFF is throwing a Square Party on May 29th at Yonge Dundas Square – a public launch to the 6-day event, featuring video mash-ups and live bands beginning at 8 p.m. An unmissable giant cube will display live visuals, created by image wizards Justin Broadbent and Alex Kurina, with musical entertainment provided by DJ Tlo, The Wooden Sky and Kids & Explosions. Also new this year, the WSFF will feature a day of TOWERING SHORTS! programming at the CN Tower – and admission gets you to the top of the tower. In addition to the screenings, an increasing number of international buyers, delegates and industry professionals will attend the WSFF to participate in a full slate of conference and market events.

Festival goers can plan their festival experience in advance with the WSFF app collaboration with Shortz!, which can be downloaded from the App Store and Android Market. Get the low-down and latest updates on films and events. Watch film trailers, listen to filmmaker podcasts and much more. Please refer to www.shorterisbetter.com or the 2011 WSFF Program Book for film and screening details.

Hot Docs Announces Sundance Channel People's Choice Award Winner

Hot Docs has wrapped its most successful Festival to date with audience numbers reaching an estimated 151,000. The 11-day event featured 360 public screenings of 199 films on 16 screens across Toronto, three Rooftop Docs screenings, an internationally renowned conference and market for documentary professionals, and Docs for Schools, a phenomenally popular education program for youth. A total 168 screenings went rush, and the box office saw a 24 per cent increase in revenue. The Festival brought in over 200 filmmakers and special guest subjects from across Canada and around the world to present their films and take part in special post-screening Q&A sessions with audiences. Official film selections were chosen from a total 2146 films submitted to the Festival.

"Attendance at Hot Docs jumped by 11 per cent this year," says Hot Docs executive director, Chris McDonald. "Our audiences are clamouring for great docs, and our filmmakers are raving about the Festival's fantastic audiences. It is a perfect storm!"

After the final screening yesterday, votes were tallied for the Sundance Channel People's Choice Award. The winner is SOMEWHERE BETWEEN (D: Linda Goldstein Knowlton, USA), which follows four remarkable Chinese-born adoptees as they come of age between two cultures.

The top ten audience favourites as determined by audience vote are:
1. SOMEWHERE BETWEEN (D: Linda Goldstein Knowlton, USA)
2. GIVE UP TOMORROW (D: Michael Collins, USA/UK)
3. HOW TO DIE IN OREGON (D: Peter D. Richardson, USA)
4. WILD HORSE, WILD RIDE (D: Alex Dawson and Greg Gricus, USA)
5. SENNA (D: Asif Kapadia, UK)

6. BUCK (D: Cindy Meehl, USA)
7. JIG (D: Sue Bourne, Scotland)
8. ECO PIRATE: THE STORY OF PAUL WATSON (D: Trish Dolman, Canada)
9. BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY (D: Constance Marks, Philip Shane (Co-Director), USA)
10. KORAN BY HEART (D: Greg Barker, USA)

Also during this year's Hot Docs, attending filmmakers with official selections in the 2011 Festival were invited to vote for their favourite film. The winner of the Filmmakers Award is AT THE EDGE OF RUSSIA (D: Michal Marczak, Poland).

In addition to the film and industry prizes presented over the course of the Festival, Hot Docs today announces that PC Bang: The Rise of the Esports Hero from producer Erica Landrock is the winner of the Shaw Media-Hot Docs Rendezvous Pitch Prize and recipient of a $5,000 cash prize courtesy of Shaw Media-Hot Docs Development Funds.

Hot Docs Announces Award Winners

Hot Docs has announced the winners of the Festival's 2011 awards. The Hot Docs Awards Presentation was hosted by Jian Ghomeshi, host of Q on CBC Radio One. The Best Canadian Feature and Best International Feature winners will have encore screenings on Sunday, May 8.

The award for Best Canadian Feature was presented to FAMILY PORTRAIT IN BLACK AND WHITE (D: Julia Ivanova; P: Boris Ivanov, Mike Jackson), which visits a ramshackle house in Ukraine where supermom Olga Nenya is raising 16 abandoned mixed-race children. Sponsored by the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation and Documentary Organization of Canada, the award includes a $15,000 prize courtesy of the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation. Jury statement: "The award for Best Canadian Feature goes to an intimate, poetic film that bravely confronts nuance and complexity in its characters and its world." FAMILY PORTRAIT IN BLACK AND WHITE will screen again on Sunday, May 8, at 11:00 a.m. at the Isabel Bader Theatre.

The Special Jury Prize – Canadian Feature was presented to two films, AT NIGHT, THEY DANCE (D: Isabelle Lavigne, Stéphane Thibault; P: Lucie Lambert), which sweeps us into the chaotic world of a family of voluptuous female belly dancers in working class Cairo as they struggle to practice an art in danger of disappearing, and THE GUANTANAMO TRAP (D: Thomas Selim Wallner; P: Thomas Kufus, Amit Breuer, Marcel Hoehn, Christoph Jorg), which follows four lives forever changed by the infamous U.S. detention camp. Sponsored by the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation, the award includes a $10,000 prize courtesy of the Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation. Jury statement: "The special jury prize is shared between two films, a powerful film that mobilizes compelling characters who face uncomfortable truths, piecing together the anatomy of a broken system – THE GUANTANAMO TRAP by Thomas Selwin Wallmer, and a beautifully filmed, haunting and evocative documentary that invites us into a world we would never be able to enter otherwise – AT NIGHT, THEY DANCE by Isabelle Lavigne and Stephane Thibault."

The Canadian Features Jury also acknowledged the film WIEBO'S WAR (D: David York, P: David York, Nick Hector, Bryn Hughes, Bonnie Thompson; EP: David York, David Christensen) with an honourable mention.

The award for Best International Feature was presented to DRAGONSLAYER (D: Tristan Patterson; P: John Baker, EP: Christine Vachon), about Californian skate-punk Skreech who stretches out his adolescence by riding empty pools, getting wasted and road-tripping. Sponsored by A&E, the award includes a $10,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs. Jury statement: "We were captivated by a non-hero, in a capitalistic, nihilistic society in decline. We were drawn to the funky connection between the structure and content, the freshness of filmmaking and original non-linear storytelling. For these reasons we stand by DRAGONSLAYER." DRAGONSLAYER will screen again on Sunday, May 8, at 11:00 a.m. at the ROM Theatre.

The Special Jury Prize – International Feature was presented to THE CASTLE (D: Massimo D'Anolfi, Martina Parenti; P: Massimo D'Anolfi, Martina Parenti; EP: Massimo D'Anolfi, Martina Parenti), in which rigorous observational filmmaking exposes the ennui and heightened tensions of today's border security via Milan's Malpensa Airport. Sponsored by the Ontario Media Development Corporation, the award includes a $5,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs. Jury statement: "For portraying a liminal space in both humor and pain; for the uncompromising camera which sees it all; for noticing the hardship of a system trapped by its own obsession of security, turning a regular terminal into an intrusive checkpoint into Europe; for not neglecting those who resist; for us who look but don't see."

The International Features Jury also acknowledged the films GRANDE HOTEL (D: Lotte Stoops; P: Ellen De Waele, Co-Producer Denis Vaslin, Volya Films; EP: Ellen De Waele) and HELL AND BACK AGAIN (D: Danfung Dennis; P: Mike Lerner, Martin Herring; EP: Dan Cogan, Karol Martesko Fenster
Gernot Schaffler, Thomas Brunner, Maxyne Franklin) with honourable mentions.

The award for Best Mid-Length Documentary was presented to OUR NEWSPAPER (D: Eline Flipse; P: Eline Flipse; EP: Eline Flipse), in which a disgruntled journalist quits The Leninist and starts Our Newspaper in a remote Russian village. Sponsored by Canada Council for the Arts, the award includes a $3,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs. Jury statement: "This is a portrait of a place and a people receding into history. Alternately poignant and wary in tone, it is the compelling story of a man attempting to find meaning and purpose within a fatalistic environment."

The Short and Mid-Length Films Jury also acknowledged the film PEOPLE I COULD HAVE BEEN AND MAYBE AM (D: Boris Gerrets; P: Pieter van Huystee) with an honourable mention.

The award for Best Short Documentary was presented to FLYING ANNE (D: Catherine van Campen; P: Joost Seelen), a three-dimensional portrait of a girl with Tourette’s looking for love, acceptance and understanding. The award includes a $3,000 prize courtesy of Hot Docs. Jury statement: "This is a film that impressed the jury because of its ability to bring viewers into the world of its young subject with great sensitivity and skill. Through bold camera work we’re drawn into a visceral and moment to moment experience of her emotions and struggles. It achieves a genuine sense of transcendence through its balance of vérité elements and lyrical imagery."

The Short and Mid-Length Films Jury also acknowledged the film SOMETHING TO TELL YOU (D: Pete Gleeson; P: Pete Gleeson; EP: Yvette Coyne) with an honourable mention.

The HBO Documentary Films Emerging Artist Award was presented to director Michal Marczak for the film AT THE EDGE OF RUSSIA (P: Marianna Rowinska), in which a young recruit arrives at his Arctic post, hundreds of miles from the nearest human settlement, and is charged with an absurd task: patrolling the nothingness. The HBO Documentary Films Emerging Artist Award is sponsored by HBO Documentary Films. Jury statement: "Incredible storytelling of an initiation ceremony turning a young recruit into a real soldier. At the end of Russia, the end of the world perhaps, this film stunningly portrays five men as they protect their country in the icy snow against an invisible enemy. We unanimously salute this powerful debut in cinema."

The Sundance Channel People's Choice Award and audience top ten favourite films of the 2011 Festival, determined by audience ballot, will be announced on Monday, May 9. Also announced on this day is the Filmmaker Award, determined by ballots cast by Hot Docs 2011 filmmakers.

2011 Regent Park Film Festival Call For Submissions

Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) is Toronto's ONLY free-of-charge film festival dedicated to bringing the finest multicultural works relevant to the communities living in Regent Park, the oldest and largest low income housing in Canada; an area populated predominantly by new immigrants and Aboriginal Peoples. We showcase independent films of all length and genres in their original languages and subtitled in English, with topics pertinent to the various Regent Park communities such as urbanization, community activism, immigrant experiences, inner city issues, cultural identity and multicultural relationships. In addition, each year we program films for Grade 1-8 addressing themes of difference, racial diversity, bullying, gender identity, poverty, health, and other issues relevant to youth. Regent Park residents are encouraged to create media works, through our free professional training workshops, and engage in debates through our panel discussions. Annually, films made by Regent Park residents are highlighted in our Family Program and in our Community Stories: Youth Media Art Program on Opening Night, supporting self-representation and engaging dialogue with guest youth filmmakers from other parts of the World. This year, we are putting particular emphasis on fictional feature and short length films from the Asian & African Diaspora. All our activities as well as childcare are free-of-charge and we pay artist fees.

Submit Your Film Online via the Entry Form.

Extended Deadline: Friday, May 20, 2011 (NO ENTRY FEE) Post-dated

Special Screening of “RESTREPO” at Hot Docs

National Geographic Films, documentary festival Hot Docs and realscreen magazine are uniting to pay tribute to filmmaker Tim Hetherington with a special one-off charity screening of the late director’s Academy Award©-nominated Afghanistan war documentary RESTREPO.

The screening will be held at the TIFF Bell Lightbox theatre in Toronto at 3 p.m. EST on Saturday, May 7, during the Hot Docs documentary festival. All proceeds from the screening will be donated to a charitable organization to be determined by the Hetherington family to honor Tim's life, work and humanitarian initiatives around the world.

RESTREPO co-director Sebastian Junger will attend the screening, paying tribute to Tim, his friend and collaborator, and will host a Q&A session after the film.

Junger said: “Tim devoted his life to documenting the human cost of war, and he has now become part of that cost. As his colleague and close friend, I know that Tim’s paramount concern was civilian suffering during war, and he would want us to do everything in our power to alleviate that suffering. The world lost a very great man, but I know that Tim’s work will continue to bring us insight and understanding for decades to come. He will be deeply missed.”

Lisa Truitt, President of National Geographic Cinema Ventures, added: “We are shocked and deeply saddened. Tim was a very special and talented man, and we will always be inspired by his vision and passion. He was willing to take incredible risks to show us a true and unbiased picture of our world, and for that dedication he paid the ultimate price. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

The special screening comes after Hetherington, 40, was killed in Libya on April 20 while covering the conflict between Muammar Gaddafi and Libyan rebels. The conflict also claimed the life of his friend and fellow photojournalist Chris Hondros.

The news sent shockwaves and sadness throughout the documentary and journalism communities. Hetherington was highly praised as both a photographer and a filmmaker, having won the 2007 World Press Photo Award for his pictures of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, and sharing the 2010 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize for RESTREPO with his co-director, Junger.

For RESTREPO, Hetherington and Junger spent a year documenting one American platoon’s battles in Afghanistan’s danger-filled Korengal Valley. Unflinching, emotional and insightful, the film has won numerous awards — in addition to the 2010 Sundance Prize, it received the Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Documentary and the National Board of Review Award for Best Documentary, and it was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at this year’s Academy Awards©.

Chris McDonald, Executive Director, Hot Docs, said: “Hot Docs is honored to host this special screening of RESTREPO. Tim’s untimely death is a tragic loss, and I’m sure our audience and documentary colleagues will join with us in paying tribute to his remarkable life and work.”

Barry Walsh, Editor, realscreen, added: “The tragic passing of Tim Hetherington has seen the documentary and journalism communities lose someone who obviously had so much to offer through his sense of commitment and his pursuit of the real story. The team at realscreen is honored to be uniting with National Geographic and Hot Docs to support this worthy cause and pay tribute to a filmmaker and photojournalist who will be sorely missed by all who knew and worked with him.”

Tickets for the screening, priced at CAD$20, are on sale now, available online at hotdocs.ca, by phone at (+1) 416-637-5150, or in person at the Hot Docs documentary box office at 131 Bloor Street West, Toronto. Additional charity donations can be made onsite at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

The Garden of Hope Screening at Hot Docs

The Garden of Hope

A boy suffering from multiple sclerosis. He spends his days between treatments, memories, imagination and his struggle to stand. A struggle fought with dignity, courage, faith and love for life.

A film on the will to live and on the private space of those suffering, on the innermost thoughts...

Antonello Faretta’s The Garden of Hope is the intimate space inside each of us, where we grow the flowers of Strength, of Love and Grace in order to hold out against Life’s hard trials.

Complete Hot Docs schedule for The Garden of Hope:

Wednesday, May 4 at 9:15 pm, The Royal Ontario Museum Theatre
Friday, May 6 at 7:00 pm, The Royal Cinema

Wiebo's War Screening at Hot Docs

I am in the midst of writing a few reviews for documentaries that will be screened at the upcoming Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. I plan to have the reviews posted to coincide with the festival. In the meantime, here is some information about one of films that the National Film Board of Canada is producing at this year’s Hot Docs festival:


Wiebo's War

Wiebo’s War tells the story of a Christian community at war with the oil and gas industry.

Wiebo Ludwig is a suspect in a 2008 string of pipeline bombings that echoes a campaign of sabotage he was accused of waging against the oil and gas industry in the 90s, during which roads were barricaded and wells blown up. When a 16-year-old girl was fatally shot on his family’s farm in 1999, the unsolved tragedy thrust Ludwig’s fight with the industry further into the media spotlight.

The Ludwig family lives in northern Alberta, in the heart of Canada’s oil patch. They arrived there 25 years ago, wanting to live more closely in accordance with their Christian beliefs and the Scripture. They built their community in the wilderness with their own hands, not knowing that it lay on top of one of the largest undeveloped fields of natural gas on the continent. Others took whichever buyout was on offer, accommodating the oil and gas industry. After years of trying to deal with the industry, politicians and the media, Ludwig and his family went to war.

Their community is self-sufficient in food and electricity, but isolated. Apart from Ludwig and his wife Mamie, there are five married couples, seven unmarried adults and 38 grandchildren, many entering their teenaged years. They are security conscious, aware that they are being watched, open to the outside world, but guarded.

And they believe that those who don’t share their beliefs, like filmmaker David York, are living in terrible darkness.

Complete Hot Docs schedule for Wiebo's War:

April 30 7:00 p.m. Isabel Bader Theatre
May 3 7:15 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox 4
May 7 6:30 p.m. Regent Theatre

The controversial Ludwig, along with filmmaker David York, will be in attendance at the April 30th screening.

Wiebo’s War had its world premiere at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival (March 11 to 20, 2011) in Thessaloniki, Greece. The film was produced by David York for 52 Media and Bonnie Thompson for the NFB.

Help Japan by Seeing a Movie

The Toronto J-Film Pow-Wow site is organizing a benefit screening of Yosuke Fujita's Fine, Totally Fine at The Revue Cinema (located at 400 Roncesvalles Avenue) tomorrow night. The cost is only $8 and all proceeds from the screening will be going directly to the Support Japan - GAMBARE relief fund which will be distributed by Japanese aid organization JustGiving to help the survivors of the tragedy.

Although the screening is taking place in Toronto, that does not mean that you cannot show your support for the event if you live outside of the city. If you have not done so already, please consider donating money to any of the organizations below:

JustGiving (Here are the English instructions for donating on the site)
Japan Society
Canadian Red Cross
American Red Cross
British Red Cross

Reminder: The One Minute Film & Video Festival Returns Tonight!

This is a reminder that The One Minute Film & Video Festival takes place tonight at 7 p.m. at the Toronto Underground Cinema.

Thirty new works will be presented under the joint theme of our most recent calls
for submission, social/media. As in previous years, each film is required to be exactly sixty seconds in length – no more, no less – and filmmakers have been
encouraged to interpret the theme social/media as broadly as they wish, in
whatever manner they choose.

A jury of Toronto film professionals will select their favourites among the new
works presented at the 2011 One Minute Film & Video Festival, the results of
which will be announced at the screening. The jurors for the 2011 screening are:
Daniel Cockburn, director of Jay Scott Prize-winning feature film You Are Here;
Katarina Gligorijevic, writer and movie nerd; and Henry Wong, festival director of
Toronto Youth Shorts.

The One Minute Film & Video Festival screens tonight at
the Toronto Underground Cinema (186 Spadina Avenue), starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 at the door.

The One Minute Film & Video Festival is made possible through the generous
support of the Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council.
Media inquiries and accreditation requests can be made to Matt Brown, Festival
Director, at 1minutefilmfest@gmail.com or by phone at 647-772-5827

Reel Asian Now Accepting Submissions for 2011 Festival

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival's 2011 Call for Submissions is now open! First deadline: April 1 (no fee). Final deadline: June 1 ($20 fee). Get your work into Canada's premier pan-Asian international film festival taking place Nov 8-13 (Toronto) and Nov 18-19 (Richmond Hill). For more info on submission guidelines, visit www.reelasian.com.

Online Submission Form

Reel Asian is Canada’s largest and longest-running showcase dedicated to contemporary Asian cinema and media arts from Asia, North America and all over the world. Annually, the festival attracts thousands of attendees to six exciting days of screenings, industry events and gala.

The One Minute Film & Video Festival Returns

The One Minute Film & Video Festival is back! After a 2-year hiatus, the One
Minute Film & Video Festival presents our latest programme on Thursday, March
31 at 7 p.m. at the Toronto Underground Cinema.

Thirty new works will be presented under the joint theme of our most recent calls
for submission, social/media. As in previous years, each film is required to be exactly sixty seconds in length – no more, no less – and filmmakers have been
encouraged to interpret the theme social/media as broadly as they wish, in
whatever manner they choose.

In addition to new works from filmmakers in Toronto and around Canada, the
2011 One Minute Film & Video Festival features new films from Japan, Italy,
Australia, Germany, Poland, Romania, South Africa, and the United States,
offering a complete, international film festival experience in a single screening.
Festival Director Matt Brown has also put together a programme of thirty
personal favourites from the first five seasons of the One Minute Film & Video
Festival. This retrospective will screen jointly with the new works presented in the
social/media programme on March 31. A total of sixty one-minute films (thirty
new, thirty old) will screen starting at 7 p.m. at the Toronto Underground Cinema.

The One Minute Film & Video Festival was formed in 2003 as a result of a dare
between lapsed-filmmaker friends, who decided to make one-minute movies on
the theme of “neighbours” in a variety of genres and formats. Each year brings a
new theme, including “firsts” (2004), “intersections” (2005), “growth” (2006), and
“secrets” (2007). The theme for 2011, social/media, was selected to address the
growing collision of media, creativity, privacy, and our online identities.

A jury of Toronto film professionals will select their favourites among the new
works presented at the 2011 One Minute Film & Video Festival, the results of
which will be announced at the screening. The jurors for the 2011 screening are:
Daniel Cockburn, director of Jay Scott Prize-winning feature film You Are Here;
Katarina Gligorijevic, writer and movie nerd; and Henry Wong, festival director of
Toronto Youth Shorts.

The One Minute Film & Video Festival screens on Thursday, March 31 2011 at
the Toronto Underground Cinema (186 Spadina Avenue), starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 at the door.

The One Minute Film & Video Festival is made possible through the generous
support of the Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council.
Media inquiries and accreditation requests can be made to Matt Brown, Festival
Director, at 1minutefilmfest@gmail.com or by phone at 647-772-5827

NFB Toronto Mediatheque Announces New Space

NFB Toronto Mediatheque announces new space dedicated to interactive cinema and storytelling


In keeping with the National Film Board of Canada’s commitment to digital production, and reflecting the evolution of audiences into dynamic participants, the eastern section of the NFB Mediatheque in Toronto is currently being transformed into an interactive hub that will provide new ways to connect with the NFB.

Its redesign guided by the principle of engaging and communicating with Canadians, this area of the Mediatheque will soon offer access to NFB, where visitors can check out recent web-based projects via the NFB Interactive portal, the Online Screening Room featuring more than 1,800 streaming films, and news and information about the NFB.

This flexible new space will also be outfitted with ceiling-mounted projectors, floor-to-ceiling screens and a state-of-the-art audio system, providing a venue for innovative new content such as participatory programming and immersive multimedia installations based on NFB online productions. The space will also host exhibits and screenings; its resources will be creatively incorporated into the Mediatheque’s many workshops and camps, and it can be tailored for private event rental.

A webcam-enhanced touchscreen will allow the public to further connect with the NFB by recording instant feedback on their experience, such as film reviews, workshop recommendations and programming suggestions.

Visitors will continue to enjoy over 5,500 NFB titles on free digital viewing stations, and services and events at the Mediatheque will not be affected. This new area will open to the public in early April, 2011.


About the NFB

Canada’s public film producer and distributor, the National Film Board of Canada creates social-issue documentaries, auteur animation, alternative drama and digital content that provide the world with a unique Canadian perspective. The NFB is expanding the vocabulary of 21st-century cinema and breaking new ground in form and content through community filmmaking projects, cross-platform media, programs for emerging filmmakers, stereoscopic animation – and more. It works in collaboration with creative filmmakers, digital media creators and co-producers in every region of Canada, with Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities, as well as partners around the world. Since the NFB’s founding in 1939, it has created over 13,000 productions and won over 5,000 awards, including 12 Oscars and more than 90 Genies. The NFB’s new website features almost 2,000 productions online, and its iPhone and iPad apps are among the most popular and talked-about downloads. Visit NFB today and start watching.

Defending the Indefensible

A wonderful new film series is about to kick off here in Toronto this week. The Toronto Underground Cinema is hosting Defending the Indefensible, in which film critics, bloggers, and general movie buffs defend the films they love that most people think are awful. Judging by the list of films in the press release below, it is sure to be a lively series.

Andrew Parker and Toronto Underground Cinema proudly present the DEFENDING THE INDEFENSIBLE film series starting MARCH 4, 2011.

Film criticism is a strange business these days. In years prior to the rise of the Internet, it seemed like only a select few knowledgeable film critics held sway over the fickle viewing public. Now, it seems as if everyone is entitled to voicing their opinions no matter how strange or unpopular they might be. These conversations have lead to more heated arguments about films that in many cases, might not even be worth talking about. Even the most marginal of films can inspire passionate arguments amongst defenders and detractors. With that in mind Toronto blogger Andrew Parker devised the idea for the DEFENDING THE INDEFENSIBLE film series: a monthly exploration of films that time has either been unkind to or overlooked (or possibly should never be seen again) hosted by local film scholars, writers, and bloggers and designed to better educate the public that film criticism still matters even at it’s silliest.

After lengthy correspondence with several local film writers and various local film buffs, Andrew cultivated a list of suggestions of films that were liked by very few, but could be defended by one singular person very well. From this new list of films Andrew went back to the same writers and asked which of the films the other writers hated the most. Each screening will have a pair of local critics squaring off one on one in a discussion of some of the most divisive films in recent memory.

How it works:

-The evening will be hosted by an emcee that cannot stand the film screening that evening. This person will come on stage first to explain just why the film the audience is about to see is terrible and why the evening’s main presenter is wrong to defend it. This is all in good-natured fun and it will be dealt with in both a humourous and analytical fashion. The evenings should be thought of as a film school version of Fight Club crossed with the bravado of a professional wrestling match with a dash of old school Siskel and Ebert.

-Following the introduction by the evening’s host, our defender will take the stage and explain why the film about to be screened is a good film. This is an uphill battle not only because they are following someone who just blasted the movie about to be screened, but also because simply saying a film is entertaining is not a good explanation. All defenses must be grounded in some sort of close viewing of the film or in some sort of film theory. All defenses must be based somewhat in fact and no one can coast on the entertainment value of a film alone.

-The film will then be screened (in 35mm whenever possible and applicable) and following the film, the emcee and defender will once again take the stage for a brief recap of their arguments before turning over questioning to the audience that just viewed the film. For one of the first times ever in a public forum, a film writer will have to defend an unpopular viewpoint to the very public they have been writing for in the first place. Knowing that some people do not want to sit through these films for a second time, a special offer will be made to those who want to join in the discussion to come in after the film has screened to ask questions for a reduced admission price of $2 (all of which will be given to charity).

DEFENDING THE INDEFENSIBLE will be held once a month (on Fridays) at the TORONTO UNDERGROUND CINEMA (186 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario). Admission is $10 per screening with a portion of the proceeds to go to charities agreed upon by the evening’s emcee and defender. Much like Celebrity Jeopardy these people have been gracious enough to donate their time and energy for some truly great causes. People wishing to join the discussion, but not watch the film will be admitted at the end of the film for $2 to join in the Q&A session, all of which will be donated to the charities being represented that evening. All tickets available at the door with no advanced ticketing. Some films will also include special guests involved with the making of the films being screened and some screenings will also include bonus auctions for various charities.

DEFENDING THE INDEFENSIBLE SCHEDULE
(Films to be shown on 35mm when available. Films and Guests are subject to change.)

March 4th: Special Series Opening Double Bill ($15 double bill)
7pm: Alien Resurrection, Defended by Norman Wilner (Now, MSN). Hosted by John Semley (Torontoist, amongst others)
9:30pm: Freddy Got Fingered, Defended by John Semley. Hosted by Norman Wilner

April 1st: Special April Fool’s Day Critic Battle Royale
7pm MacGruber, Featuring Will Sloan (The Varsity, Exclaim), Adam Nayman (Eye Weekly), Norman Wilner, and many more. Special guests and prizes!

April 15th: One of Our Own Night
7pm Speed Racer Defended by Toronto Underground Cinema’s Animation Series coordinator Peter Kuplowsky. Hosted by Adam Nayman

May 20th: The Tag Team Title Match
7pm Observe and Report Defended by Will Sloan and series creator Andrew Parker. Hosted by John Semley and Adam Nayman

June 24th: Ashton Kutcher Appreciation Night
7pm The Butterfly Effect Defended by Adam Nayman. Hosted by Norman Wilner

July 29th: The Series Organizers Face/Off (Special Double Bill with guests TBA)
7pm Equilibrium Defended by Sasha James (The Final Girl Project). Hosted by Andrew Parker
9:30pm Jennifer’s Body Defended by Andrew Parker. Hosted by Sasha James

August TBD
Special blogger hosted and defended evenings with various guests and films still to be determined

There will be no September screenings due to TIFF.

October TBD: Horror Sequels That (Don’t?) Suck presented by Brian McKechnie (CityTV, Criticize This!)
7pm: Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives!
9:30pm: Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare

Please send any questions, comments, press inquiries,ticket and interview requests, or requests to get involved to indefensiblemovieseries@gmail.com.

Free Japanese Film Screenings at the Bloor Cinema, December 9 – 12

“Free” and “Screening” are the two sweetest words to a film lovers ears. For all the folks in Toronto, here is a wonderful chance to experience a little Japanese cinema absolutely free! The fun starts tomorrow night.

The Japan Foundation’s annual free film festival at the Bloor Cinema gives Canadians the opportunity to see critically-acclaimed, contemporary Japanese films that have not received a wide release in North America.

Ranging from The Battery, a youth baseball drama from Academy Award-winner Yojiro Takita (winner, Best Foreign Language Film in 2009 for Departures) to courtroom drama I Just Didn’t Do It, the heartwarming smash hit Always-Sunset on 3rd Street, and the surreal, darkly comic Memories of Matsuko, this festival offers a diverse sampling of Japanese popular cinema.

All films are screened in Japanese with English subtitles.


Thursday, December 9, 6:30 pm

I Just Didn’t Do It (Soredemo boku wa yattenai)
Dir. Masayuki Suo (Shall We Dance) 2006, 143 min, 14A
Starring: Ryo Kase, Asaka Seto, Kôji Yakusho
11 Japanese Academy Award nominations, 3 wins
Entry for Foreign Film Oscar

A young man, Teppei Kaneko, has been accused of groping a woman on a crowded train in Tokyo. He is arrested and forced to sign a false confession. If he chooses to fight the charges, he will be held for three weeks just for the investigation. If he is prosecuted, the case will take up to a year in court. An indictment of Japan’s troublingly labyrinthine legal system, in which defendants are often coerced into signing confessions and criminal cases go on for years, this film was Japan’s official 2007 submission for Best Foreign Language Film for the Academy Awards

Friday, December 10, 6:30 pm

Memories of Matsuko (Kiraware Matsuko no issho)
Dir. Tetsuya Nakashima (Kamikaze Girls) 2006, 130 min, 14A
Starring: Miki Nakatani , Eita, Yûsuke Iseya, Mikako Ichikawa
9 Japanese Academy Award nominations, 3 wins (Best Actress, Editing, Score)

While cleaning up the apartment of his deceased aunt Matsuko, Sho Kawajiri encounters many people and things that make him think about her strange, sad and, according to his father, meaningless life. Director Nakashima has created a visually stunning and colorful world filled with music and dance. However, this is not the utopia that musicals usually promise. Instead, Nakashima pursues the themes that he has often explored in his earlier films: the need, in a tragic and disappointing world, to dream, and the problems that such dreams can create

Saturday, December 11, 6:30 pm

Always- Sunset on Third St. (Always san-chome no yuhi)
Dir. Takashi Yamazaki, 2005, 133 min, PG
Starring: Hidetaka Yoshioka, Shinichi Tsutsumi, Koyuki
14 JAA nominations, 12 wins

The year is 1958. The government had declared in 1955 that the “postwar” period is over and Japan is starting a period of tremendous growth. Tokyo Tower is being built as a symbol of a recovered Japan, and not far from it, in the working-class area called shitamachi, people are trying their best to improve their lives. Based on a comic by Saigan Ryohei that began publication in 1974, Always rode the wave of a nostalgia boom for 1950s Japan and became a box-office hit.

Sunday, December 12, 4:00 pm

The Battery (Batteri)
Dir. Yojiro Takita (Departures) 2007, 118 min, PG
Starring: Kento Hayashi, Misako Renbutsu, Kenta Yamada, Akihiro Yarita

Takumi is a star pitcher of a junior baseball team, but his younger brother Seiha’s illness forces the family to go live with their grandfather. His grandfather, a legendary coach, refuses to teach Takumi how to pitch a curve ball, so Takumi trains by himself at a local shrine, where he is befriended by other baseball players. However, Takumi’s arrogance threatens his relationships with friends and family, as well as his promising baseball career. Director Yojiro Takita was the first Japanese director to win the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, for 2008’s Departures.

All screenings are at the Bloor Cinema , 506 Bloor St. W., Toronto (Nearest TTC Station: Bathurst)
Free admission
No reservations required
Inquiries: info@jftor.org or (416) 966-1600 x230

Reel Asian Announces Audience Award Winner

The Reel Asian Film Festival announced the winner of the Reel Asian Audience Award today. Here is the full list of award winners:


2010 REEL ASIAN AWARD WINNERS:

REEL ASIAN AUDIENCE AWARD
All feature films at the festival were eligible for this prize. The favourite feature film was chosen by the audience by secret ballot. ($500 cash prize)

The Reel Asian Audience Award goes to Naoko Ogigami for TOILET.

An independent jury comprised of distinguished members of the media arts community selected this year’s award winners. The Features Jury consisted of Jari Osborne, Marina Di Pancrazio, Darcy Murphy.

ASTRAL’S HAROLD GREENBERG FUND BEST FEATURE FILM OR VIDEO AWARD
All feature works were eligible for this prize. ($1,000 cash prize)

"This story of a beloved country doctor disguises itself as a gentle comedy before revealing itself as a provocative argument for the morality of an honorable lie." – Jari Osborne

The Astral’s Harold Greenberg Fund Best Feature Film Award goes to Miwa Nishikawa for DEAR DOCTOR (Japan, 2009)

The Shorts Jury consisted of Randall Okita, Paul Wong, and Mishann Lau.

NFB BEST CANADIAN FILM OR VIDEO AWARD
All Canadian works were eligible for this prize. ($2,500 production budget prize towards the development of winner's next project)

“The award goes out to an extraordinary work that combines home-movies, history and first person accounts. it is a journey of self-discovery that includes the voices of 4 generations of a Canadian family. Written, directed and edited by the filmmaker, he has taken the particular and has made it universal in both form and content.” – Paul Wong

The NFB Best Canadian Award goes to Jeff Chiba Stearns for ONE BIG HAPA FAMILY

WIFT-T AWARD
All films made by female GTA-based artists were eligible for this prize. ($1,200 programming pass, one-year membership and mentorship from WIFT-T and $1,000 rental credit at Videoscope.)

“This award goes to a feminist story that takes the viewer on an emotional and honest journey in which the filmmaker confronts her motherʼs veiled past.” ¬– Mishann Lau¬

THE WIFT-T AWARD goes to Jane Kim for SEEING THROUGH THE SPIDERʼS WEB (Canada, 2009)

TRINITY SQUARE VIDEO VISIONARY VIDEO AWARD
All videos made by GTA-based artists are eligible for this prize. ($650 in TSV membership dues and services, $100 cash prize upon completion of new work made at Trinity Square Video.)

“This award goes to an important, timely work that freshly illuminated historical, political and personal struggles and brought a brilliant combination of research and innovation into the process of reclaiming our history.” ¬ – Randall Okita

The TSV Visionary award goes to Lesley Loksi Chan for REDRESS REMIX (Canada, 2010)

ANIMASIAN AWARD
All animated films and videos were eligible for this prize. The award was innitiated by director/animator Ann Marie Fleming, and is continues to grow as animators and animation lovers across the country make contributions to the growth and future of the award. ($500 cash prize)

“Combining multiple techniques, this filmmakerʼs first film has a strong and original approach both technically and conceptually, tackling a complex issue with the lightness of freshly fallen Snow.” – Mishann Lau

The ANIMASION AWARD goes to Su-An Ng for NATURE ON ITʼS COURSE (Canada, 2009)

LIFT AND FUJI BEST FILM AWARD
All films made by GTA-based artists were eligible for this prize. ($280 in LIFT membership dues and services, $500 credit towards LIFT equipment and facility rentals, workshops and courses, 5 rolls of Fuji 16mm film.)

“This award goes to a wonderfully rendered love letter to familial sacrifice and the struggle of new Canadian families.” – Randall Okita

The LIFT and Fuji best film award goes to Gloria Kim for THE AUCTION

MOVIEOLA BEST SHORT FILM OR VIDEO AWARD
All short films are eligible. ($300 cash prize and opportunity for broadcast on Movieola.)

“The award goes to a crash-bang distillation of pop genres. It is a seamless mash-up of live-action, drama, anime and manga that tells a classic story of revenge and poetic justice in which violence is deftly handled.” – Paul Wong

The Movieola Best Short Award goes to director Sol Friedman for JUNKOʼS SHAMISEN

THE SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PITCH? AWARDS

This year’s pitch competition was a public event hosted by local artist Keith Cole. An audience of over 100 watched as 7 teams competed for more than $28,000 in services from Charles Street Video. The winners were chosen by the panel of jurors: Nobu Adilman, Eileen Arandiga, and Lila Karim.

CHARLES STREET VIDEO AND REEL ASIAN PITCH PROFESSIONAL ARTIST AWARD
The award winners receive $1,500 (cash), and a $5,000 production package from Charles Street Video (equivalent to $18,000 at industry rental rates).

The Pitch Professional Artist Award goes to Tricia Lee (Director), Ryan Reaney (Producer) for SEARCHING FOR WONDER

Synopsis: When a 12-year-old child prodigy, who lives in an adult world, discovers magic, he experiences a feeling of wonder which he has never felt before and goes on a journey to find what is missing in his life.

CHARLES STREET VIDEO AND REEL ASIAN PITCH EMERGING ARTIST AWARD
The award winners receive $1,500 (cash), and a $3,000 production package from Charles Street Video (equivalent to $10,000 at Industry rental rates).

The Pitch EMERGING ARTIST AWARD goes to Shahrzad Nakhai (Producer/Director) for SUGAR BOWL

Sypnosis: Sugar Bowl is a poetic portrayal of Negros Island, Philippines. Through a chorus of voices we hear the tragic story of its sugar cane industry through eras of Spanish and American colonization. Sugar Bowl crafts an eerie story of people living in the past and struggling to keep things as they once were.

Reel Asian Int.Film Festival Announces Full List of Films

The 2010 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival will celebrate its 14th year as Canada’s longest-running and largest showcase of contemporary cinema by East Asian and Southeast Asian moviemakers from Canada and around the world. From November 9 to 15, 2010, the festival will present more than 50 films and videos from 12 countries, including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Canada and the U.S. Reel Asian strives to develop programming that reflects the cultural diversity of Canada and increases public understanding and appreciation of the artistic, social and cultural contributions of those of Asian heritage through film. This year, the festival has been expanded by two days to provide an even larger selection of screenings and events! Highlights include:

GALAS & CENTREPIECE:
• OPENING NIGHT GALA: GALLANTS (directors: Clement Sze-Kit Cheng & Derek Chi-kin Kwok, Hong Kong 2010; Toronto premiere, director in attendance)
• CENTREPIECE PRESENTATION: GOLDEN SLUMBER (director: Nakamura Yoshihiro, Japan 2010; Toronto premiere)
• CLOSING NIGHT GALA: AU REVOIR TAIPEI (director: Arvin Chen, Taiwan/USA 2010; Toronto premiere, director in attendance)

INTERNATIONAL FEATURES: a selection of award-winning and noteworthy films
• Vietnam/France/Germany — BI, DON’T BE AFRAID! by Dang Di Phan, winner of SACD Best Screenplay Award at Cannes International Critic’s Week (2010)
• Japan — DEAR DOCTOR by Nishikawa Miwa, winner of more than 21 awards in Japan, including the Japanese Academy Award for Best Screenplay (2009)
• South Korea/China/France — DOOMAN RIVER by Lu Zhang received a Crystal Bear Special Mention at the Berlin International Film Festival (2010) and the Special Jury Prize at the Paris Cinema International Film Festival (2010)
• South Korea — EIGHTEEN by Jang Kun-jae, winner of the Vancouver International Film Festival’s Dragons & Tigers Award for Young Cinema (2009)
• Philippines/USA — THE MOUNTAIN THIEF by Gerry Balasta, winner of the Special Jury Prize at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (2010)
• China — OXHIDE II by Liu Jiayin was part of the Quinzaine/Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival (2009) and won the Blue Chameleon Award and White Chameleon Award at the Cinema Digital Seoul Film Festival (2009)

CANADIAN PROGRAMMING:
• HOME — Reel Asian’s Canadian Spotlight on Desiree Lim
• ONE BIG HAPA FAMILY (director: Jeff Chiba Stearns) and MARKER (director: Louise Noguchi)
• REDRESS REMIX (director: Lesley Loksi Chan)
• Best of Canadian Shorts Presentation: ON THE FLIP SIDE
• TOILET (director: Naoko Ogigami, Japan/Canada, 2010) was shot in Toronto and features a all-Canadian cast
• SPECIAL PRESENTATION: SUITE SUITE CHINATOWN — a new commission of works by Chinese Toronto-based directors on the theme of “Chinatown,” with new music and a live performance by the Mary Ward Secondary School Stage Band

SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: KOJI YAMAMURA — MASTERY OF THE FORM
Oscar-nominated Koji Yamamura (FRANZ KAFKA’S A COUNTRY DOCTOR), one of the most successful animation filmmakers in Japan today, will be giving a master class as part of the Industry Series, followed by a screening of selected works

GALLERY INSTALLATION: RMB City by Cao Fei (aka China Tracy) at A Space Gallery
The first solo show by internationally-acclaimed Chinese art star Cao Fei, who recently exhibited at the Venice Biennale and completed a new commission for the Guggenheim in New York City.

PITCH COMPETITION
Reel Asian's 5th Annual Pitch Competition—So You Think You Can Pitch?—is back for 2010! A collaboration between Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival and Charles Street Video (CSV), this competition features prizes worth a combined value of more than $31,000. Ten teams of filmmakers will have six minutes to pitch their projects to vie for $1,500 in cash; distribution through Ouat Media; more than $10,000 (emerging category) and $18,000 (professional category) worth of production, post services and artist's fees at CSV.

REEL ASIAN HEADS TO RICHMOND HILL!
As part of our initiative to reach new audiences beyond the downtown core, Reel Asian includes the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts in its official programme and will be presenting Hong Kong blockbuster IP MAN 2 on October 18, and an encore presentation of this year’s closing night film, AU REVOIR TAIPEI, on November 15.


SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE (chronologically by date)
Special presentation | Mon Oct 18, 7:00 pm | Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts IP MAN 2 | Dir. Wilson Yip | Hong Kong 2010 | Toronto Premiere
In 1949 Hong Kong, Wing Chun martial arts master Ip Man struggles to start a new school and finds himself up against corrupt British authorities. Based on the true story of Bruce Lee’s master, and starring Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung.

Opening Night Gala | Tue Nov 9, 7:00 pm | Bloor Cinema GALLANTS | Dir. Clement Sze-Kit Cheng, Derek Chi-kin Kwok | Hong Kong 2010 | Toronto Premiere
In a hilarious homage to action stars of yesteryear, two washed-up masters and an unlikely hero must stand up to a gang of ruthless developers. Presented by Rogers Communications Inc.

Youth Presentation | Wed Nov 10, 11:00 am | NFB Cinema REDRESS REMIX | Dir. Lesley Loksi Chan | Canada 2010
A contemporary look at the controversial 2006 government apology to the Chinese Canadian community for the Head Tax and Exclusion Act of 1923.

Youth Presentation | Wed Nov 10, 1:30 pm | NFB Cinema DAYS OF RAIN | Dir. Andreas Hartmann | Germany/Vietnam 2010 | North American Premiere Thirteen-year old Quynh and his family live in a small village in Vietnam threatened by nearby landmines and relentless flooding. When offered the chance to relocate, they turn to a local fortune-teller to help them with their difficult decision.

Canadian Spotlight | Wed Nov 10, 6:30 pm | Innis Town Hall
HOME | Dir. Desiree Lim | Canada/Japan/Malaysia 2009 | North American Premiere
A documentary-drama project by queer-feminist Canadian Malaysian director Desiree Lim gives voice to the plight of Burmese refugees in Malaysia.

Feature Presentation | Wed Nov 10, 8:30 pm | Innis Town Hall
DOOMAN RIVER | Dir. Zhang Lu | South Korea/France 2010 | Toronto Premiere
Chang-ho and Jeong-Jin live on opposite sides of the Dooman River, which divides China from North Korea. Amid growing tension, the two young boys form an unlikely friendship. Berlin Film Festival Special Mention 2010.

Shorts Presentation | Thu Nov 11, 6:30 pm | Innis Town Hall
ON THE FLIP SIDE: Short films focusing on everything from a ‘playful’ kidnapping to a Fresh Prince dance-off. New work by Paul Wong, Ann Marie Fleming, Howie Shia, Tadaaki Hozumi, Gloria Kim and more …

Feature Presentation | Thu Nov 11, 9:00 pm | Innis Town Hall BI, DON’T BE AFRAID! | Dir. Dang Di Phan | Vietnam/France/Germany 2010 | North American Premiere
Told through the innocent eyes of six-year-old Bi, this family drama takes a frank look at sexual desire and repression in modern-day Vietnam.

Youth Presentation | Fri Nov 12, 1:00 pm | NFB Cinema
DRAWING ON THE ART OF HAND & FOOT: A selection of animation and adventure films that showcases a sensational range of techniques and compelling storytelling.

Gallery Reception | Fri Nov 12, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | A Space Gallery RMB CITY | Dir.Cao Fei (aka China Tracy) | China 2007–2009
Cao Fei (a.k.a. China Tracy) is a guide, philosopher and tourist in Second Life virtual utopia RMB City.

Special Presentation | Fri Nov 12, 7:45 pm | The Royal
SUITE SUITE CHINATOWN This commission by Chinese Toronto-based directors on the theme of “Chinatown” includes new music and a live performance by the Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School stage band.

Centrepiece Presentation | Fri Nov 12, 10:00 pm | The Royal GOLDEN SLUMBER | Dir. Nakamura Yoshihiro | Japan 2010 | Toronto Premiere When an unassuming deliveryman finds himself framed for the assassination of the Japanese prime minister, he must count on the kindness of old friends and a wanted killer to evade the authorities, in this wild adventure based on Kotaro Isaka’s novel. Presented by Kim Orr Barristers P.C.

Spotlight Presentation | Sat Nov 13, 12:00 pm | NFB Cinema KOJI YAMAMURA — MASTERY OF THE FORM: One of the most successful auteur animation filmmakers in Japan today, Yamamura will be in Toronto for a master class and curated program by Michael Fukushima and Marco de Blois.

Feature Presentation | Sat Nov 13, 2:15 pm | Innis Town Hall OXHIDE II | Dir. Liu Jiayin | China 2009 | Toronto Premiere A father, mother, and daughter (the filmmaker) make dumplings together in this brilliant feature film in which simple actions become mesmerizing and meaningful.

Feature Presentation | Sat Nov 13, 5:00 pm | Innis Town Hall THE MOUNTAIN THIEF | Dir. Gerry Balasta | Philippines/USA 2009 | Canadian Premiere In the world’s largest dumpsite town, the lives of scavenger Julio and his young son Ingo take a turn for the worse when Julio is accused of murder. Cast from among real residents of the Payatas dumpsite in the Philippines.

Feature Presentation | Sat Nov 13, 7:15 pm | Innis Town Hall TOILET | Dir. Naoko Ogigami | Japan/Canada 2010 | North American Premiere Three siblings — a nerdy engineer, a brilliant pianist, and an air guitarist — struggle to relate to their estranged Japanese grandmother after the death of their mother. Shot in Toronto and featuring a Canadian cast.


Feature Presentation | Sat Nov 13, 10:00 pm | Innis Town Hall
EIGHTEEN | Dir. Jang Kun-Jae | South Korea 2009 | Toronto Premiere In Seoul, two young lovers are forbidden from seeing one another until they have completed their studies. Tae-Hoon, unable to accept this order, is driven to irrational and increasingly desperate action.

Special Event | Sat Nov 13, 10:00 pm | Rivoli
RICE DREAMS: A night of Asian pop-psychedelia. Visualizations by multimedia artist Jeff Garcia, with live music by Vowls.

Feature Presentation | Sun Nov 14, 2:00 pm | Innis Town Hall DEAR DOCTOR | Dir. Nishikawa Miwa | Japan 2009 | Toronto Premiere A young medical school graduate is assigned to a small mountain village and its beloved long-time doctor. When the doctor goes missing, the truth about his past begins to emerge.

Shorts Presentation | Sun Nov 14, 4:45 pm | Innis Town Hall ONE BIG HAPA FAMILY | Dir. Jeff Chiba Stearns | Canada 2010 | World Premiere Some 95% of Japanese Canadians marry interracially, the highest rate of any ethnicity in Canada. Jeff Chiba Stearns embarks on a journey to discover why. Preceded by Marker by Louise Noguchi. Closing Night Gala | Sun Nov 14, 8:00 pm | The Royal

Encore Presentation | Mon Nov 15, 7:00 pm | Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts AU REVOIR TAIPEI | Dir. Arvin Chen | Taiwan 2010 | Canadian Premiere A lovesick boy, a passive-aggressive bookstore clerk, a jaded mob boss and a flamboyant gangster come together in this brilliant adventure-romance caper. Presented by National Bank.

INFORMATION:
SCREENING AND INDUSTRY SERIES VENUES
Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., at Bathurst
The Royal, 608 College St., at Clinton
Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave., at St. George
National Film Board (NFB) Cinema, 150 John St., at Richmond
Munk School of Global Affairs, 1 Devonshire Place, at Hoskin

Advance sales: start Oct. 13 for all shows
Online sales through www.reelasian.com — click on Buy Tickets
Walk-up sales through T.O. Tix at Yonge-Dundas Square — Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 to 6:30 pm
Charge by phone: 1 888 222 6608. Group sales: 416 703 9333

DURING THE FESTIVAL
Future-day tickets: starts Nov. 10 at Innis Town Hall — from noon until 20 minutes into the last screening
Online sales: through www.reelasian.com (powered by Ticketweb) — until 11:55 pm the day before the show — click on Buy Tickets
Walk-up sales: at Innis Town Hall — until the day before the show — cash only
Charge by phone: 1 888 222 6608 — until 11:55 pm the day before the show
Same-day tickets: available one hour before the screening
Walk-up sales at each venue — cash only

Test Your Box Office Knowledge

Getting pumped for the winter movie season? EZ1 Productions is hosting a FREE movie game where participating must guess which of big budget films will be a box office hits this fall. Once again the game is FREE to play and prizes are available to all players, foreign and domestic. To sign up, or to get more info, just visit the EZ1 Productions website.

Press Release: The Reel Asian International Film Festival

As one film festival in Toronto ends, another is getting ready to begin. Last week The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival offered a sneak peak into a few of the films they will be showcasing this year. The full list of films will be announced in the coming weeks.

THE 14TH ANNUAL TORONTO REEL ASIAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER 9 TO 15, 2010

The 2010 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (Reel Asian) will celebrate its 14th year as Canada’s longest-running and largest showcase dedicated to contemporary cinema by East Asian and Southeast Asian moviemakers from Canada and around the world. From November 9 to 15, 2010, the festival will present more than 50 films and videos from over ten countries, including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, the United States and Canada.

Offering a finely-balanced combination of community mixed with film festival glamour, Reel Asian brings highly-anticipated premieres of award-winning international films as well as a diverse showcase of independent work made by Asian Canadian directors. This year, the festival has been expanded by two days to provide an even larger selection of screenings and events!

Reel Asian strives to develop programming that reflects the cultural diversity of Canada and increases public understanding and appreciation of the artistic, social and cultural contributions of people of Asian heritage through film. Reel Asian is a lively and engaging festival that brings together local talent, international directors, academics, industry, and new audiences. This November, thousands of people will attend Reel Asian for special screenings with directors in attendance, receptions, panels, workshops, live presentations, and more.

The following press release includes key announcements, sneak peeks and festival details.

Reel Asian’s full festival line-up, including the Opening Night Gala film, will be announced at the Official Press Launch on Tuesday, October 12, 2010.


REEL ASIAN HEADS TO RICHMOND HILL!
As part of our initiative to reach new audiences beyond the downtown core, Reel Asian recently presented films such as UP THE YANGTZE (Yung Chang) and LAST TRAIN HOME (Lixin Fan) to hundreds of excited audience members in the 905 area. This fall Reel Asian makes the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts a part of its official program, and will be presenting Hong Kong blockbuster IP MAN 2 on October 18, and a second screening of the closing night film, AU REVOIR TAIPEI, on November 15.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: IP MAN 2 (Dir. Wilson Yip, Hong Kong 2010)
Presented with The Reel Thing at the Richmond Hill Center for the Performing Arts
In 1949 Hong Kong, Wing Chun martial arts master Ip Man struggles to start a new school and comes up against corrupt British authorities. Based on the true story of Bruce Lee’s Master Ip Man, and starring Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung.


CLOSING NIGHT GALA: AU REVOIR TAIPEI (Dir. Arvin Chen, Taiwan 2010, Canadian Premiere, Director in Attendance)
A lovesick boy, a passive-aggressive bookstore clerk, a jaded mob boss, and a flamboyant gangster come together in this brilliant adventure-romance caper. Taiwanese American director Arvin Chen’s debut feature is sweet, absurd, and gleaming with visual style.

SNEAK PEEKS:
BI, DON’T BE AFRAID (Dir. Dang Di Phan, Vietnam/France/Germany 2010)
Winner of SACD Best Screenplay Award at Cannes International Critic’s Week
BI, DON’T BE AFRAID is seen through the eyes of Bi, a precocious six-year-old boy who lives with his parents, his aunt, and his grandfather, who, after a long absence, has suddenly returned with a grave illness. Director Phan contrasts the gradual deterioration in the adults’ lives with the youthful innocence of a perceptive young boy in a remarkably assured directorial debut that heralds the arrival of one of Asia’s most promising new filmmakers.



TOILET (Dir. Naoko Ogigami, Japan/Canada 2010, North American Premiere, Director & Cast in Attendance)
Three siblings, a nerdy engineer, a brilliant pianist and an aspiring air guitarist, struggle to relate to their estranged Japanese grandmother after the death of their mother. Shot in Toronto, the film features an almost all-Canadian cast. Director Ogigami gained both national and international recognition with KAMOME DINER (2006) and MEGANE (2007).

OXHIDE II (Dir. Liu Jiayin, China 2009, Toronto Premiere)
A father, mother, and daughter (the filmmaker) make dumplings together in this brilliant feature film where simple actions become mesmerizing and meaningful.

DOOMAN RIVER (Dir. Zhang Lu, South Korea/France 2010, Toronto Premiere)
Chang-Ho is a 12-year-old boy who befriends a North Korean who has just crossed the border between North Korea and China. Chinese Director Zhang Lu beautifully portrays the complexities of nationalism and humanity from a young boy’s perspective living along one of the most important and least understood borders of our time.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: SUITE SUITE CHINATOWN (with live music)
This exciting new commission of works by Chinese Toronto-based directors (Lesley Loksi Chan, Lillian Chan, Aram Sui Wai Collier, Heather Keung, Howie Shia, and Joyce Wong) on the theme of “Chinatown” will include new music composed by Arthur Yeung and a live performance by a Scarborough youth stage band.

SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: KOJI YAMAMURA – MASTERY OF THE FORM
Oscar-nominated Koji Yamamura (FRANZ KAFKA’S A COUNTRY DOCTOR) is one of the most successful animation filmmakers in Japan today. Yamamura will be in Toronto for a masterclass and programme of his work specially-curated by Michael Fukushima and Marco de Blois.

GALLERY INSTALLATION: RMB City by Cao Fei (aka China Tracy) at A Space, 401 Richmond St. W., November 5 to December 18
RMB CITY is a virtual utopia that boldly illuminates the complexities and contradictions of contemporary China. Using role-play, depictions of iconic architecture and the platform of Second Life, Cao Fei (aka China Tracy) acts as a guide, philosopher, and tourist. Her series of new Chinese fantasy realms are self-contradictory, political, and laden with irony and suspicion. Cao Fei is a young artist who has become internationally acclaimed for her extensive investigation into art in the virtual world. Reel Asian is thrilled to present her first solo show in Canada.

PITCH COMPETITION
Reel Asian's 5th Annual Pitch Competition, So You Think You Can Pitch?, is back for 2010! A collaboration between the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival and Charles Street Video (CSV), the pitch competition features prizes worth a combined value of $28,000. Ten teams of filmmakers will have six minutes to pitch their projects to vie for over $10,000 (emerging category) and $18,000 (professional category) worth of production, post services and artist's fees at CSV. Applications are being accepted until Friday, September 24, 2010 – visit our website www.reelasian.com to apply.



KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

BEFORE THE FESTIVAL
Earlybird Sales Start September 13 for Passes, Galas & Select Shows
Online sales through www.reelasian.com - click "Buy Tickets"
Walk-up sales through T.O. Tix at Yonge-Dundas Square (Tuesday through Saturday 12pm-6pm)
Charge-by-phone: 1 888 222 6608 | Group Sales: 416 703 9333
EARLYBIRD PRICING EXPIRES OCTOBER 12!

Advance Sales Start Oct 13 for All Shows
Online sales through www.reelasian.com - click "Buy Tickets"
Walk-up sales through T.O. Tix at Yonge-Dundas Square (Tuesday through Saturday 12pm-6pm)
Charge-by-phone: 1 888 222 6608 | Group Sales: 416 703 9333

DURING THE FESTIVAL
Future Day Tickets (starting November 9 at Innis Town Hall, open from noon until 20 minutes before the last screening)
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Same Day Tickets (available one hour before the screening)
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TICKETS & PASSES:
Regular Price / Discount Price*
Regular Screenings $12 / $10
Youth Screenings $5 / n/a
Opening Night Gala $20 / $15
Closing Night Gala $15 / $12
Centrepiece Presentation $15 $12
Festival Pass $80 / $65
Industry Pass $45 / $25
4-Pak (no galas or centrepiece, in advance only) $35 / n/a

*Discount applies to students (with valid current ID), seniors over 65 (no ID required), earlybird purchases (before Oct 13) or group sales (by arrangement)

The King's Speech Wins TIFF's People's Choice Award

TORONTO – The 35th Toronto International Film Festival announced its award recipients at a reception at the Intercontinental Toronto Centre Hotel today.

AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN SHORT FILM
The award for Best Canadian Short Film goes to Vincent Biron for Les Fleurs de l'âge,which explores a summer day for a regular group of school kids. The jury remarked: “Director Vincent Biron manages to take a moment of an ordinary childhood summer and render unforgettable art from it. This gem of a film captured the jury’s hearts with its quiet, poignant, but also vivid and wonderfully sympathetic portrayal of ‘a day in the life’ of several children on the cusp of small but revelatory experiences of teenage life. The jury was stunned by the talent and originality we found in the short films selected this year. We hope there will be more venues and increased opportunities for the public to see these incredible films and shall be working toward this end.” The award offers a $10,000 cash prize and is supported by the National Film Board of Canada.

THE SKYY Vodka AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FIRST FEATURE FILM
The SKYY Vodka Award for Best Canadian First Feature Film goes to Deborah Chow for her compelling debut feature The High Cost of Living. Starting with a collision between unlikely characters, Deborah Chow's The High Cost of Living maintains a compelling realism with a strong sense of emotional power. Eliciting inspiring performances from her perfect cast, and with a keen eye for subtle detail, Chow demonstrates exceptional maturity in this superbly directed debut feature. The award carries a cash prize of $15,000.

THE CITY OF TORONTO AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FEATURE FILM
The City of Toronto Award for Best Canadian Feature Film goes to Denis Villeneuve for Incendies. In stories of immigration and war, one generation's quest for closure and forgetting can conflict with the next generation's search for identity. Denis Villeneuve takes a wrenching family drama and successfully navigates it through the brutality of a real life war with a breathtaking level of film making artistry. For its masterful telling of a complex story which spans cultures, continents, and generations, the City of Toronto Award goes to Incendies. Generously sponsored by the City of Toronto, the award carries a cash prize of $30,000.

CANADIAN FILM AWARDS JURY
All three Canadian film awards are selected by a jury of industry professionals. The feature film jury consists of writer/director Ruba Nadda (Cairo Time); filmmaker/producer Nick de Pencier (One Week, Four Wings and a Prayer); journalist and TFO veteran Lucie Amyot; and director Bruce Sweeney (Last Wedding, Excited). The short film jury members are Canadian documentary filmmaker and author Shelley Saywell (In the Name of the Family, Women in War); documentary producer, journalist and author Noah Richler (This Is My Country, What’s Yours); and writer and directorSudz Sutherland (Love, Sex & Eating the Bones, Doomstown).

THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FILM CRITICS AWARDS (FIPRESCI PRIZES)
The Festival welcomed an international FIPRESCI jury for the 19th consecutive year. The jury members consist of jury president Lotfi Ben Khelifa (Tunisia), Madhu Eravankara (India), Janusz Wróblewski (Poland), Necati Sönmez (Turkey),
Pierre Pageau (Canada) and Alice Shih (Canada).

The Prize of the International Critics (FIPRESCI Prize) for the Discovery programme is awarded to Shawn Ku for Beautiful Boy (USA). The jury remarked: “This film shows its audience that in a world of chaos and insanity, humanity is the only key to life.”

The Prize of the International Critics (FIPRESCI Prize) for Special Presentations is awarded to Pierre Thoretton for L'Amour Fou (France). The jury remarked: “This film portrays the poignant, emotional and cinematic expression of the life and times of an internationally renowned artist, exploring his stark loneliness and artistic overtones.”

CADILLAC PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
The Cadillac People's Choice Award is voted on by Festival audiences. This year’s award goes to Tom Hooper’s The King’s Speech (United Kingdom/Australia). The King's Speech tells the story of King George VI. After his brother abdicates, George ‘Bertie’ VI (Colin Firth) reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded nervous stammer and considered unfit to be King, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). The award offers a $15,000 cash prize and custom award, sponsored by Cadillac. Runner-up is Justin Chadwick’s First Grader (United Kingdom).

The Cadillac People's Choice Award presents a free screening of the Cadillac People’s Choice Award-winning film tonight. The screening takes place at 6 p.m. at the Ryerson Theatre. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first served basis beginning at 4 p.m. at Ryerson Theatre. For more information on this screening, visit tiff.net.

Cadillac People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award
The Cadillac People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award goes to Jim Mickle’s Stake Land (USA). In the aftermath of a vampire epidemic, a teen is taken in by a grizzled vampire hunter on a road trip through a post-apocalyptic America, battling both the bloodsuckers and a fundamentalist militia that interprets the plague as the Lord’s work. Runner-up is Michael Dowse’s Fubar II (Canada).

Cadillac People’s Choice Documentary Award
The Cadillac People’s Choice Documentary Award goes to Sturla Gunnarsson’s Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Movie (Canada). At 75 years old, David Suzuki shows no signs of slowing down. In this captivating documentary portrait, the passionate environmentalist's legacy lecture is entwined with candid interviews in which he reflects on his life and shares deeply personal stories, revealing a side previously unseen. Runner-up is Patricio Guzmán’s Nostalgia for the Light (France/Germany/Chile).