#FIRSTLOOK: 2020 VAUGHAN FILM FESTIVAL

Now in its eighth year, the VAUGHAN FILM FESTIVAL presented by QuadReal Property Group, takes-on a new format this year. The Festival this year will focus on Short Films in the live action, animated and documentary genres, from 12 different countries being showcased every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between September 4 to 27, 2020. In addition, for the first time ever it will use a Drive-In venue at Interchange Park for a retro and contact-free vibe. Proceeds from the Festival this year will go to the NIA Centre for the Arts which supports an appreciation of Arts across the Afro-Diaspora to artistic youth.

Each night of the Festival, Short Films are divided by three groupings, INTERNATIONAL PG-13, INTERNATIONAL 14A and INTERNATIONAL 18A, which is that we got to preview, which was a selection of darker and quirkier material. Highlights include:

Shawn Christensen‘s CURFEW – this Oscar-wining Short Film is about a man named Richard at his lowest of lows, asked to babysit his niece.

Jeremy Comte‘s FAUVE – This Short Film was short-listed for an Oscar and is a gorgeously-shot Drama about two boys playing a game in a surface mine. Things go horribly wrong when one of them gets trapped and sinks.

Alexandre Gougeon’s I AM THE WOLF – balances out the mix with a bit of Non-Fiction. This Short Film centers on Boxer Arthur Biyarslanov who navigates the pressure to succeed for his adopted country and his family.

I Am The Wolf- Short Documentary from Patrick Holmes on Vimeo.

We will say sonically, the sound of these Films was amazing as we tuned-in from our car. We much prefer when the audio isn’t broadcast through speakers as well as there often is a jarring delay and echo when you open your window at the Drive-In. This wasn’t an issue at all here.

Other Films to premiere include:

Amy Jo Johnson‘s LINES – a woman visits a Dermatologist and begins questioning her age and appearance.

Matt & Drew Taylor‘s RON TAYLOR: DR. BASEBALL – centers on Dr. Ron Taylor‘s decision to go to medical school after a successful baseball career, as told by his two sons.

Josh Zuckerman‘s A REAL ADVENTURE – a son visits his father in prison, forced to confront some issues in their strained relationship.

Joewi Verhoeven‘s SINGER NOT THE SONG – A Songwriter discovers that songs playing on the radio are under the name of a deceased Artist.

See the complete list of Short Films here.

Some images of the Festivities, which we enjoyed in the 2020 Honda Accord Touring 2.0.

Attendees are encouraged to wear face coverings, wash hands at available restrooms/concessions and remain within their cars during the screenings. A concession stand is available on-site.

Full schedule and tickets can be found online here and must be purchased in advance.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Vaughan Film Festival)