TIFF is thrilled to reintroduce its national film outreach programme, Film Circuit, now one full year into its relaunch with an exciting slate of Festival favourites coming to venues across the country in 2024. Continuing its rich tradition of bringing the best of Canadian and international films and artists to communities across the nation, Film Circuit has expanded its outreach to 100+ locations since relaunching in 2022, after a two-year hiatus. The programme offers transformative film experiences in rural, remote, and underserved communities with the generous support of Major Supporter Telefilm Canada, and Supporters Ontario Creates and Ontario Arts Council.
âWe are delighted to join our expanding community of film enthusiasts across the nation in commemorating cinema and presenting our curated programme with the generous backing of Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, and the Ontario Arts Council,â stated Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. âIâd also extend my gratitude to our distributors and our steadfast Film Circuit collaborators.â
Now in its 33rd year, Film Circuit engages domestic grassroots networks and community partners â comprising independent cinemas, art galleries, museums, libraries, performing arts theatres, community centres, film clubs, and more â to expand and enrich the breadth of film offerings available to their audience. With a rotating slate of films featuring crowd-pleasers and arthouse hits, Film Circuit offers a unique forum for film-lovers across Canada to gather in person and discover new voices and perspectives.
Film Circuit not only extends the theatrical life of films beyond their initial release, but also champions independent films operating outside the traditional distribution model by working with emerging and local filmmakers to facilitate access for Circuit locations who otherwise would not have an opportunity to see the films. TIFF Peopleâs Choice award-winning films such as Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe and Solo; The Queen of My Dreams; and Rojek, Canadaâs submission for Best International Feature Film, are a few of the Canadian films that will be featured on screens coast-to coast-to-coast. Film Circuit groups will also have a chance to catch some of the most talked about international films and hidden gems, including Anatomy of a Fall, Past Lives, Monster, A Difficult Year, and The Persian Version.
âFilm Circuit is a shining example of meeting audiences where they are,â said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO, Telefilm Canada. âTelefilm Canada is proud to partner with TIFF to showcase some of Canadaâs most notable new releases to over 100 locations across our vast country, reaching new communities like Fogo Island, Yellowknife, Qualicum Beach and Invermere. This program highlights the invaluable collaboration of working with local cinemas, distributors and industry partners.â
New Film Circuit location highlights:
Film Circuit is also reintroducing its guest touring programme this year, inviting filmmakers and industry guests to travel across the country to introduce their films and participate in Q&A sessions with Film Circuit audiences. Last season, Canadian filmmaker Chandler Levack toured her award-winning and Canadaâs Top Ten film I Like Movies in a six-city stop in Ontario, where it played on 25 screens. Past guests include Deepa Mehta, Michael McGowan, Gordon Pinsent, Ruba Nadda, Don McKellar, Sturla Gunnarsson, Maxime Giroux, and Jennifer Baichwal, to name a few.
FILM CIRCUIT PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
A Difficult Year | Sphère Films
The latest from writer-directors Olivier Nakache and Ăric Toledano (Câest la vie!, TIFF â17) is a puckish comedy about finding a reason for being â even when the world seems to be falling apart. Featuring winning performances from Pio MarmaĂŻ, Jonathan Cohen, NoĂŠmie Merlant, and Mathieu Amalric, A Difficult Year is social satire that goes down easy.
TIFF 2023 â Official Selection, Special Presentations
Anatomy of a Fall | Elevation Pictures
Winner of this yearâs Palme dâOr and starring German actor Sandra HĂźller, Justine Trietâs Anatomy of a Fall is a riveting portrait of a complex woman put on trial for the murder of her spouse. Also starring Samuel Theis, Swann Arlaud, and Milo Machado Graner.
TIFF 2023 â Official Selection, Special Presentations
Cannes Film Festival 2023 â Winner of 3 awards, including Palme dâOr and Queer Palme
Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe | Amazon Studios
This heartfelt documentary from director Robert McCallum, celebrates the life and work of Ernie Coombs, the iconic Canadian childrenâs television personality who encouraged generations of kids to be their best selves. Featuring Judith Lawrence, Chris Coombs, Cathie LeFort, Nina Keogh, Susan Marcus, Jim Parker, Stu Gilchrist, Bruce McCulloch, Eric McCormack, and more.
TIFF 2023 â Official Selection, TIFF Docs programme
BlackBerry | Elevation Pictures
The latest from Canadian writer-director Matt Johnson tells the story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the worldâs first smartphone.
Aitamaakoâtamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun | Independent
This sports documentary, directed by Nuxalk filmmaker Banchi Hanuse, is an intimate and thrilling portrait of a young Siksika woman and the deep bonds between her father and family in the golden plains of Blackfoot Territory as she prepares for one of the most dangerous horse races in the world⌠bareback.
âOntario Creates is proud to be a long-time supporter of Film Circuit, sharing TIFFâs goals to bring thought-provoking, innovative, and entertaining content to communities across Canada. The film and television industry makes a significant impact on Ontarioâs economy every year, contributing $3.15B in 2022. You can experience first-hand the wealth of Ontarioâs on-screen and behind-the-scenes talent through this yearâs Film Circuit selections. Film Circuit is TIFFâs year-round film outreach program, bringing the best of Canadian and international films and artists to communities all across Canada. Congratulations to TIFF for another stellar edition of Canadaâs largest film club!â âKaren Thorne-Stone, President and CEO, Ontario Creates
âThe Ontario Arts Council is delighted to support the Toronto International Film Festivalâs Film Circuit. This important outreach program offers Ontarians across the province a chance to see films from Canadian and international artists that may not otherwise reach their local cinemas. It also offers a valuable opportunity for Ontario filmmakers to make personal and professional connections through their work.â âRita Davies, Chair of the Board of Directors, Ontario Arts Council
The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (Reel Asian), Canada’s premier pan-Asian festival, today announced its 2023 programming lineup, which will open with Canadian filmmaker Fawzia Mirzaâs debut feature The Queen of My Dreams. From November 8 to 19, 2023, the Festival will take audiences on a cinematic journey, transcending borders and bringing the world closer together. This yearâs lineup consists of 15 features and 57 shorts from Canada, India, Iran, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the United States. Reel Asian will also present three thoughtful and creative multimedia experiences through their RA:X programme and welcome a number of esteemed industry professionals for their Reel Ideas conference. For the full programming lineup and ticket information visit reelasian.com.
âThe continued success and popularity of Asian cinema in Hollywood has brought our collective stories and experiences to the forefront, leading to significant growth in our communityâs industry both abroad and in Canada,â said Deanna Wong, Executive Director, Reel Asian. âWeâre so proud to welcome audiences back to the festival, which aims to bridge cultural divides, inspire meaningful conversations, and celebrate Asian voices. There is a need for our stories now more than ever and we hope to continue offering a bigger and better festival each year.â
Below highlights Reel Asianâs programming. For the full Festival programme and schedule, please visit reelasian.com or view the 2023 Programme Guide here.
FEATURES
[*] indicates expected attendance
THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS (Opening Night)
Dir. Fawzia Mirza * | Canada 2023 | 97 min. | Urdu, English
When Azra, a queer Muslim grad student, hears of her fatherâs sudden death, she flies back to her ancestral home in Karachi, Pakistan for the funeral, where she is received by her conservative mother, Mariam, perpetually disappointed by Azraâs choices. As a self-assured Azra wrestles with Karachiâs customs and norms, we time travel back to Mariamâs own life in the city 30 years ago, a remarkably different era in Pakistanâs political and cultural history.
Official Selection at TIFF 2023
WED, NOV 8 ⢠7:30 PM ⢠HOT DOCS TED ROGERS CINEMA
THE TASTE OF MANGO
Dir. Chloe Abrahams | United Kingdom 2023 | 73 min. | English
Chloe Abrahamsâ debut feature, is an enveloping, hypnotic, urgently personal meditation on family, memory, identity, violence, and love. At its centre are three extraordinary women: the directorâs mother, Rozana; her grandmother, Jean; and the director herself. What emerges is a delicately layered, personal and collective portrait of coping with physical and sexual violence, the damage of grief and estrangement, and the possibilities of hope, joy, healing, and reconciliation.
THURS, NOV 9 ⢠5:30 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
OKIKU AND THE WORLD ăăăăŽăăă
Dir. Junji Sakamoto ćŤăć㎟ | Japan 2023 | 90 min. | Japanese with English subtitles
Set near the end of the Edo period, the film presents a fresh take on the time and on samurai culture. Okiku (Haru Kuroki) is the daughter of a fallen samurai. The two of them now live in a tenement far from luxury. One day, she meets Chuji (Kanichiro) and love blooms. The problem is that Chuji is a manure man who collects excrement to sell to farmers. Despite the downfall of samurais, there is still a social gap between them.
THURS, NOV 9 ⢠8 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
SMALL FRY
Dir. Joongha Park * | South Korea 2023 | 95 min. | Korean with English subtitles
Ho-jun, a flailing actor, has found relative success as a social media influencer, hawking fishing hacks. He preps his live stream at his preferred fishing spot, only to be disrupted by an obnoxious stranger, Director Nam, a hotshot independent film director about to shoot his first feature. Heâs invited rising actress Hee-jin for a quiet pondside chat to convince her that his film will be a star-making breakout roleâonly Hee-jin isnât sure about Director Namâs film, or his ulterior motives. As the day progresses, links between Ho-jun, Director Nam, and Hee-jin entwine and unravel to reveal each characterâs ambition, pettiness, and pathos as they try to reel in their respective dreams.
FRI, NOV 10 ⢠5:30 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
IN FLAMES
Dir. Zarrar Kahn * | Canada, Pakistan 2023 | 98 min | Urdu with English subtitles
Mariam, a medical student, is dealing with her grandfatherâs passing, her grieving mother, and preparing for upcoming exams. When an estranged and suspiciously helpful uncle re-enters their lives and promises support with their property and finances, Mariam senses trouble. At school, she meets a charming fellow student who presents a tempting option of marriage and financial security, a supposed avenue of freedom and autonomy. When Mariam begins to feel haunted by the presence of men around her and the spirits of those long gone, escape starts to seem elusive.
Official Selection at Cannes 2023 and TIFF 2023
FRI, NOV 10 ⢠8 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
RIVER ăŞăăźăćľăăŞăă§ă
Dir. Junta Yamaguchi | Japan 2023 | 82 min. Japanese with English subtitles
From the team behind Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes (Reel Asian Official Selection,2021) comes Junta Yamaguchiâs latest time loop comedy. Set in a quaint inn along the Kibune river near Kyoto, staff and guests find themselves stuck in a continuous two-minute time loop. Mikoto, a waitress, returns to the river bank after each loop, plunging into a relentless cycle of perplexing scenarios. Her coworkers, the cook, and the mystified guests all grapple with mounting confusion. Despair and disorientation engulf those at the inn, as the uncanny sensation of repeatedly returning to the same moment leads to a frantic quest for answers.
FRI, NOV 10 ⢠8 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
WE WILL BE BRAVE
Dir. Chrisann Hessing * | Canada 2023 | 78 min. | English
The Good Guise is an artist collective in Toronto formed to spark conversations around healthy masculinity. From photography and beat-boxing to poetry and martial arts, these talented artists share their unique lived experiences with inspiring confidence and welcome others to join in their mission of finding radical alternatives to shame and punishment. As each of them grapple with upheavals in their personal lives, their resolve is further tested by a dire lack of resources and the burden of racialized discrimination.
SAT, NOV 11 ⢠12 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
STARRING JERRY AS HIMSELF
Dir. Law Chen | USA 2023 | 75 min. | Mandarin, English
A genre-bending mystery that shakes up notions of traditional storytelling. Jerry Hsu is a loving father of three, a recent divorcĂŠ, and has been keeping a secret. The Taiwanese immigrant and Orlando resident has been accused by the Chinese police of being an accomplice in an international money-laundering scheme. In an effort to clear his name, Jerry agrees to help the police with busting the operation. Hiding his role in the investigation from his family, Jerryâs world begins to unravel with each step he takes deeper into the conspiracy.
SAT, NOV 11 ⢠2:30 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
Q
Dir. Jude Chehab * | USA, Lebanon 2023 | 93 min. | Arabic, English
Jude Chehab, a Lebanese American cinematographer and filmmaker, has always known her mother and grandmother to be women devoted to their Muslim faith. During a trip to Lebanon, Chehab is propelled by a curiosity to understand the quest for love, acceptance, and meaning that brought three generations of women in her family to pledge loyalty to a secretive matriarchal religious order operating clandestinely in the country.
Best New Documentary Director Award, Tribeca Film Festival 2023
SAT, NOV 11 ⢠5 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
TIGER STRIPES
Dir. Amanda Nell Eu | Malaysia 2023 | 95 min. | Malay with English subtitles
Free-spirited 12-year-old Zaffan is the first of her friends to get her period and experience the body-changing horrors that come with puberty and menstruation. Set in a kampong, or a Malaysian village, structured around patriarchy and religious expectations, she tries to conceal her pubescent traits out of fear of ostracization. Panic spreads in the village when a monster or demonic spirit is rumoured to be roaming the surrounding jungle. Exposed by her peers, Zaffan eventually learns to embrace herself in the face of exclusion and cultural condemnation.
Criticsâ Week Grand Prize, Cannes 2023
Selected to represent Malaysia at the 96th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category
SAT, NOV 11 ⢠7:30 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
TERRESTRIAL VERSES
Dir. Alireza Khatami * and Ali Asgari | Iran 2023 | 77 min. | Persian with English subtitles
A job interview, a childrenâs clothing store, a government registry office. These are just some of the everyday sites for which the characters of Terrestrial Verses must navigate cultural, religious, and institutional constraints imposed on them. Featuring dynamic and fine-tuned performances, the 11 vignettes with conversations (and confrontations) between onscreen citizens and o!screen interrogators are striking in their ability to feel absurd and regrettably real at the same time, a place where the mundane and the menace coexist. Through these stories, we see how citizens respond to and resist these restraints until the final vignetteâs staggering conclusion.
Official Selection at Cannes 2023, Un Certain Regard
SUN, NOV 12 ⢠2:30 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
SEAGRASS
Dir. Meredith Hama-Brown * | Canada 2023 | 115 min. | English
Judith, a Japanese Canadian woman, and her reluctant white husband attend a week-long coupleâs retreat on a coastal British Columbia island, their two daughters in tow. With Judith grieving the recent loss of her mother and her connection to her Japanese Canadian identity, the coupleâs disconnect grows as she finds herself infatuated with another, seemingly perfect, interracial couple at the retreat. The parentsâ rift impresses upon their daughters, as Emmy, the fearful younger sister, becomes increasingly anxious, while the eldest, Stephanie, cautiously navigates the preteen social dynamics of day camp.
FIPRESCI Prize, TIFF 2023
SUN, NOV 12 ⢠5 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
MUSTACHE
Dir. Imran J. Khan * | USA 2023 | 83 min. | Urdu, English
When 13-year-old Ilyasâs parents yank him out of his comfortable Islamic private school and force him to adjust to life in public school, he develops a plan to change their minds. After a staged fondness for non-halal food and explicit music fails to sufficiently scandalize his parents, Ilyas asks his whip-smart former classmate, Yasmeen, to help devise a more foolproof plan. However, underneath those faux concerns, what really preoccupies prepubescent Ilyas is his wispy, dark mustache growing much sooner than that of his peers, prompting a self-loathing born and reinforced by the taunting and teasing of classmates.
Audience Award, Narrative Feature, SXSW 2023
SUN, NOV 12 ⢠7:30 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
RELICS OF LOVE AND WAR
Dir. Keith Lock * | Canada 2023 | 40 min. | English
The venerated Chinese Canadian filmmaker Keith Lock narrates the story of how his mother married his father in Australia, who was training with other Chinese Canadian veteran volunteers for the top secret suicide mission, Operation Oblivion. This incredible story is set against the backdrop of the Second World War, a time when Chinese Canadians could not vote, swim in pools, or hire white women for their businesses.
TUES, NOV 14 ⢠7 PM ⢠INNIS TOWN HALL
BABY QUEEN
Dir. Lei Yuan Bin | Singapore 2023 | 62 min. | Mandarin, Malay, Teochew, English
A tender and joyful relationship between Singaporean drag queen Opera Tang and her 90-year-old grandmother, who makes many of her performance costumes. The film follows the rhythm of Opera Tangâs day-to-day activities and conversations with chosen family, loved ones, and community, capturing the struggles and joys of being queer through the quiet notation of the personal.
WED, NOV 15 ⢠7 PM ⢠INNIS TOWN HALL
SHORTS
This yearâs Shorts programming includes:
S-EXPRESS MALAYSIA: MADE BY MALAYSIA: Initiated in 2002, S-Express has become an annual showcase from Southeast Asia. This year, Reel Asian presents S-Express Malaysia, programmed by Chong Lee Yow of Mini Film Festival, featuring five films depicting oneâs ability to (un)trap themselves from limitations set upon them, be it bodily, mind, or soul, to achieve relief and victory. FRI, NOV 10 ⢠5:30 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
LETâS BE FRIENDS: These shorts look at the soft to even slightly off-kilter bonds we find in one another, the realms we exist in, and ultimately, ourselves, despite ongoing changeâno friendship bracelets required. SAT, NOV 11 ⢠12 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
UNSUNG VOICES 12: Six fearless emerging filmmakers embarked on a summer-long filmmaking journey online. Reel Asian is proud to present their world premiere here in the 12th edition of Reel Asianâs filmmaking program. SAT, NOV 11 ⢠2:30 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
EMERGENCE: Thereâs no need to be certain about whatâs next as this collection of shorts places us in a position to face specific pivotal moments of reckoning. Whether feeling stuck or turbulent in the chaos of transition, can we remain gentle to ourselves? SAT, NOV 11 ⢠5 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
UNDER THE INFLUENCE: More to the situation than what it seems, these shorts choose to examine, tease, and redefine the forces that pull us to make a decision. SAT, NOV 11 ⢠7:30 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
HERE WE ARE: With societal, political, and magical forces at play beyond our control, this programme brings together a variety of filmmaking approaches to reflect on what can remain in troubling times, and along with it, agency to construct the narrative. SUN, NOV 12 ⢠2:30 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
THE STRANGE, THE ODD AND THE FAMILIAR: Hmm ⌠this doesnât seem right?! This programme asks us to sit with the discomforting feelings that arise when we begin to confront the unknown in what we believe to know. SUN, NOV 12 ⢠5 PM ⢠TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
RA:X
Storytelling beyond the screen. RA:X is Reel Asianâs programming section with interactive elements and innovative storytelling tools that seek to engage audiences in new and exciting ways. All exhibitions and accompanying events are free.
MULTIMEDIA EXHIBITION AND PROGRAM â PIGEONHOLE
Visit the Pigeonhole, nest and rest from the festival chaos, listen to collaborative pigeon music, watch raw footage, compose your own ditties, and collage a flock of desired futures together with other attendees. This immersive multimedia installation is inspired by artist Emmie Tsumuraâs evolving relationship with a motley crew of pigeons who visit her kitchen windowsill to eat snacks and hang out on toy keyboards. NOV 8â19, BACHIR/YEREX PRESENTATION SPACE, 401 RICHMOND ST, 4TH FLOOR, VARIOUS TIMES
INTERACTIVE WALK AND TALK â EIGHTY THOUSAND STEPS
As a child, Crystal Chan loved when her âPawpawâ (âgrandmotherâ in Chinese) shared life lessons through fables as the two took walks together. Now Crystal realizes Pawpaw was sharing her journey as a child refugee, hiding tragedy behind adventure. Listeners gradually learn about the heartbreaking contrast between real violence and a childâs interpretation of it. As the listener walks to the store or through a park, theyâre forced to examine their steps and stories next to a refugeeâs. THURS, NOV 16, THE COMMONS AT 401 RICHMOND ST, 4TH FLOOR, VARIOUS TIMES
MINI SYMPOSIUM AND EXHIBITION â THE SARI-SARI XCHANGE
A project that seeks to amplify Asian representation in the creative emerging media industries in Canada, particularly through a community-building residency program that engages artists with digital and extended reality (XR) technologies. There will be a mini-symposium in the morning around issues and accessibility of XR technology, and a public exhibition of works-in-progress will follow in the afternoon. FRI, NOV 17, THE COMMONS AT 401 RICHMOND ST, 4TH FLOOR, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT â FIRST FILMS
In the inaugural First Films event, three award-winning Asian Canadian filmmakers will present and discuss the first films theyâve ever made. The program celebrates their earnest creation, irrational confidence, and the miracle of early- (or pre-)career filmmaking. FRI, NOV 17 ⢠7 PM ⢠INNIS TOWN HALL
HERE I AM, Dir. Sami Khan, 2010, 10 min.
Sami Khanâs most recent film The Last Out, co-directed with Michael Gassert, won the 2023 Emmy for Outstanding Business and Economics Documentary.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON, Dir. Renuka Jeyapalan, 1999, 5 min.
Renuka Jeyapalanâs debut short Big Girl won the TIFF 2005 Best Canadian Short Film Award and she also directed episodes of Kim’s Convenience, Workin’ Moms, Murdoch Mysteries, Ginny and Georgia, among others. Renukaâs acclaimed feature Stay the Night screened at 2022 Reel Asian.
HACKING âTIL MY LEGS FALL OFF, Dir. Joyce Wong, 2004, 8 min.
Joyce Wongâs directing credits include the popular shows Workinâ Moms, Baroness von Sketch, and Run the Burbs and she directed the critically acclaimed feature Wexford Plaza (2016).
WEE ASIAN
Free selection of wholesome shorts for all ages and generations to come together, in a relaxed drop-in screening environment. Attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in fun and simple art activities post-screening. SAT, NOV 18 ⢠10:30 AM â 3 PM ⢠INNIS TOWN HALL
This yearâs Wee Asian short film lineup includes:
MON AMI â Canada
EID MUBARAK â USA, Pakistan
GORO GORO â USA
HI ADING â Canada
EVERYWHERE â Hong Kong
SPIRIT OF THE FOREST â India
THE OLD YOUNG CROW (äťćăŤăŠăš) â Japan
HAIR UNIVERSE (ÝÜľŕŽÚżŕ¨
ઍ) â South Korea
DANCE ON! NONOKO! â USA, Taiwan
REEL IDEAS
The Reel Ideas conference unites industry professionals, including screenwriters, producers, filmmakers, and performers, to engage in candid discussions about the challenges and successes of starting from scratch, all while drawing inspiration from our roots. Paving a new pathway for todayâs storytellers and advocates, celebrating their contributions and giving them their well-deserved recognition.
This year, Reel Ideas presents From the Ground Up, learning from our origins, creative journeys, and the path to forging unique trajectories.
HOW TO FAIL AS A POPSTAR: THE CLUMSY ART OF FINDING YOURSELF (screening and panel)
Discover the comedically honest and heartwarming story of the CBC Gem original short-form series How to Fail as a Popstar. Unravel the creative evolution of the series, which was adapted from Vivek Shraya’s hit play and subsequent book, tracing its journey from page to stage to screen. Vivek and the creative team will join for an insightful conversation about adapting for ďŹlm, the realities of the music industry, and the power of oneâs intersecting identities.
Panelists: Vivek Shraya (creator/artist), Vanessa Matsui (director), Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves (actor)
THURS, NOV 16 ⢠7 PM ⢠HOT DOCS TED ROGERS CINEMA
JOURNEY BACK: EXPLORING ORIGIN IN FILMMAKING AND CREATING CHARACTER OUT OF âHOMEâ
There is a profound connection filmmakers forge when revisiting their roots through a cinematic lens. This in-depth conversation explores how filmmakers turn places into their own dynamic character, and unpacks the emotive pull of returning, despite its tensions and contradictions.
Panelists: Fawzia Mirza (director/writer), Zarrar Kahn (director/screenwriter)
THURS, NOV 9 ⢠2:30 PM ⢠FESTIVAL LOUNGE (401 RICHMOND ST W SUITE 440)
BUILDING FORCES: THE DIRECTOR PRODUCER RELATIONSHIP
The producer/director relationship is a partnership constantly in flux. What is required for these roles to work harmoniously? Panelists will explore the vital but tumultuous collaboration behind every successful film.
TUES NOV 14 ⢠1 PM ⢠FESTIVAL LOUNGE (401 RICHMOND ST W SUITE 440)
TO THE WRITERS’ ROOM: CANADIAN TV WRITERS ON CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION AND RESISTING TOKENISM (Online YouTube Live Roundtable)
Step into the thrilling world of TV writing as talented writers share their insights into crafting a successful series, advancing careers in the writers’ room, and promoting diversity in showrunning. Explore their creative processes, approach to pitching, and how they navigate tokenism and stereotypes while fostering collaborative writersâ rooms.
Panelists: Rob Michaels (writer/director/comedian), LĂŠa Geronimo (writer/director), additional TBA
WED, NOV 15 ⢠4:30 PM ⢠ONLINE YOUTUBE LIVE ROUNDTABLE
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PITCH?
A fun and exciting way to support emerging filmmakers, as the five finalists pitch their projects to esteemed jurors for a chance to win an amazing prize package toward kick-starting or finishing their film. Cheer on a new generation of filmmakers, and let the future of Asian Canadian cinema inspire!
SUN, NOV 19 ⢠5 PM ⢠CSI ANNEX
For more information, visit reelasian.com.
The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of government partners Canada Council for the Arts, Telefilm Canada, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Province of Ontario, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Creates, and Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund; and the support of Premier Partners Crave and Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada.
About Reel Asian
The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (Reel Asian) is a unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from the Asian diaspora. As Canadaâs largest pan-Asian film festival, Reel AsianÂŽ provides a public forum for Asian media artists and their work, and fuels the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada. This yearâs festival runs November 8â19, 2023, showcasing special projects featuring prominent artists, content creators, up-and-coming filmmakers and will also include the âReel Ideasâ program for creative minds in the industry to connect online. Works presented at Reel Asian include films, videos, and presentations by artists in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world.
The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) is pleased to announce the full lineup for this yearâs Festival taking place from October 26 to November 5, 2023. WIFF is back and bigger than ever with an impressive slate of 186 feature films from 46 countries and over 300 screenings. The Festival will open with Tran Anh Hungâs delectable drama The Pot-au-Feu, starring Juliette Binoche and close with Sean Menardâs nostalgic 299 Queen Street West. Also, Hugh Welchmanâs groundbreaking new film The Peasants will be spotlighted as the WIFF Centerpiece Film. Visit WindsorFilmFest.ca for the complete lineup.
Other highlights include Cord Jeffersonâs satirical American Fiction (TIFF 2023 Peopleâs Choice Award), Justine Trietâs courtroom drama Anatomy of a Fall (Cannes 2023 Palme dâOr), Rudy Valdezâs Carlos documenting the legendary musician Carlos Santana, local filmmaker Nicholas Shieldsâ thriller Depraved Mind; Jonathan Glazerâs haunting historical drama The Zone of Interest (Cannes 2023 Grand Prix); and the highly anticipated films Priscilla directed by Sofia Coppola and Foe directed by Garth Davis and starring Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal.
âItâs a great year for film and a great year for WIFF. Weâre thrilled to be sharing our largest selection of programming yet, with outstanding films from all over the world,â says Vincent Georgie, Executive Director and Chief Programmer of WIFF. âIn addition to bringing some of the biggest films of 2023 to our audiences, we are delighted to be highlighting some fan favourites alongside some incredible Canadian discoveries.â
This year, WIFF will return to Middle Earth for a Lord of the Rings marathon to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). Other anniversary titles to be showcased include Rosemaryâs Baby (1968) in addition to the Midnight Madness selections Twilight (2008) and The Room (2003) hosted by pop culture expert, Tanner Zipchen.
The Midnight Madness slate also includes the controversial parody film, The Peopleâs Joker directed by Vera Drew (who will be in attendance) and Larry Charles’ uproarious musical-comedy Dicks: The Musical.
The opening weekend of the festival will focus on the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film.The nominees for the prize were announced on September 14 and will be screened twice at the Festival. The director of the chosen film, selected by an independent jury of industry professionals, will receive a cash prize of $25,000 and the winner will be announced on October 29. Nominees include Blackberry directed by Matt Johnson, The Dishwasher directed by Francis Leclerc, Frontiers directed Guy Ădoin, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person directed by Ariane Louis-Seize, Irenaâs Vow directed by Louise Archambault, My Motherâs Men directed by Anik Jean, The Nature of Love directed by Monia Chokri, One Summer directed by Louise Archambault, Seven Veils directed by Atom Egoyan and Solo directed by Sophie Dupuis.
BY THE NUMBERS
186 feature films
38 short films
46 countries represented
54 Francophone feature films
45 TIFF 2023 selections
19 Hot Docs 2023 selections
19 films in WIFFâs Local 2023 programme
201 minutes â Length of longest film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2 minutes 28 seconds â Length of shortest film Journey of a Thousand Miles directed by Prasanna Marathan
The 2023 festival is proudly presented by the Toldo Foundation.
Tickets are available online now at WindsorFilmFest.ca.
Apple Original Films, Paramount Pictures and Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of Martin Scorsese‘s KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON. This received a rousing response in Cannes already.
Screenings take place as follows:
TORONTOÂ – Wednesday, October 18th at 7:00 PM, Scotiabank Theatre TorontoÂ
MONTREAL (ENG) – Wednesday, October 18th at 7:00 PM, CinĂŠma Banque Scotia MontrĂŠal
VANCOUVER – Wednesday, October 18th at 7:00 PM, TBC
EDMONTON – Wednesday, October 18th at 7:00 PM, Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton
WINNIPEG – Wednesday, October 18th at 7:00 PM, Scotiabank Theatre Winnipeg
Synopsis:
At the turn of the 20th century, oil brought a fortune to the Osage Nation, who became some of the richest people in the world overnight. The wealth of these Native Americans immediately attracted white interlopers, who manipulated, extorted and stole as much Osage money as they could before resorting to murder. Based on a true story and told through the improbable romance of Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), âKillers of the Flower Moonâ is an epic western crime saga, where real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal. Also starring Robert De Niro and Jesse Plemons, âKillers of the Flower Moonâ is directed by Academy Award winner Martin Scorsese from a screenplay by Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese, based on David Grannâs bestselling book.
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Indicate on the comments there your city. You can Re-Tweet via our X account for another shot!
We are thrilled to give Readers in select cities a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of Martin Scorsese’s KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON!
â MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) October 2, 2023
Details: https://t.co/O9FkG9oZeR pic.twitter.com/oXFH3bNjCa
Rules and regulations here.
KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON arrives in theatres October 20, 2023.
(Photo/video credit: Apple Original Films)
By George Kozera
We first meet Sophia (Magalie Lepine Blondeau) and Xavier (Francis-William Rheaume) at a dinner party with some close friends. The topics and conversations around the dining room table ooze with intelligentsia and witty banter. Once back home, this couple, who have been together for ten years without the âbenefitâ of marriage, retreat to separate adjoining bedrooms where Sophia asks Xavier if he was sexually attracted to one of the guests at the party who just happened to be single. The next day, Sophia goes alone to meet with a contractor they both hired at the chalet they purchased north of Montreal to determine how much work the house requires and meets Sylvain (Pierre-Yves Cardinal, best known for his role in Xavier Dolanâs âTom at the Farmâ). Sylvain is smoking hot with enough testosterone to fuel a small country. Before one can say âMon Dieuâ, they embark on a highly-charged sexual liaison.
Nominated for the Un Certain Regard Award at this yearâs Cannes festival, THE NATURE OF LOVE succinctly tackles many fascinating topics. What makes for a perfect relationship: brains (which Xavier has in spades but is as sexual as a neutered puppy) or brawn (Sylvain may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but he is incredibly attentive in every other way). How does either gender deal with their mid-life crises. When and what makes a long-term relationship burdensome.
Director Monia Chokri seems inspired by the films of fellow Quebec Oscar winner Denys Arcand and seamlessly merges the witty repartee alongside unbridled passion and romanticism. She also elicits magnetic performances from the Movieâs three leads and the look and feel of the movie is inspired. But for reasons that would reveal key plotlines, I found THE NATURE OF LOVE somewhat polarizing and not completely credible. I do suggest itâs almost essential viewing and I would LOVE to talk about it afterwards!
THE NATURE OF LOVE screens at TIFF ’23:
Thursday, Sept.14, 4PM, Scotiabank
Friday, Sept. 15, 9:15PM, Scotiabank
By Amanda Gilmore
The latest from Writer-Director Kaouther Ben Hania, who was the Co-Winner of the Cannes â23 Golden Eye Award, tells a heartbreaking story through a hybrid Documentary and Drama model.
It tells the true story of Olfa Hamrouni and her four daughters. Documenting the story of how her two eldest daughters, Ghofrane and Rahma, disappeared in 2015 (aged 16 and 15) and how that shaped and emotionally affected the lives of Olfa and her two youngest daughters, Eya and Tayssir (aged 10 and 12).
Olfaâs story could be told through as a whole Documentary or Drama but this hybrid model adds a layer of cinematic dynamism. Ben Hania patiently allows Olfa and her youngest daughters as they tell their story to the Actors, who play Olfa and her eldest daughters. The stories Olfa, Eya and Tayssir share with the Actors give an unflinching glimpse into the pain they live with. We watch as they confront their grief in a different way through this process and uncover how theyâve moved forward, yet in some regards remained, still since the disappearance.
Four Daughters is a captivating portrait of the pain that accompanies familial love. An honest look at the kind of love that never fades no matter the decisions they make.
Four Daughters screens at TIFF â23:
Wednesday, September 13 at 2 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox
Thursday, September 14 at 9:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
By George Kozera
Winner of the Palme d’Or this year at the Cannes Film Festival, Co-Writer and Director. Justine Triet‘s, ANATOMY OF A FALL makes its Canadian Premiere at TIFF and this auspicious movie deserves a plethora of critical and awards laden attention. Sandra HĂźller plays Sandra, a successful German Novelist on trial for the murder of her husband Samuel (Samuel Theis). Living in a chalet not far from Grenoble with her husband and their visually impaired 11-year- old son Daniel (Mio Machado Graner), the Movie opens with Sandra being interviewed by a graduate student when an instrumental version of 50 Cent‘s PIMP begins to loudly blast from the husband’s office in attic. Unable to continue the interview, the graduate student leaves followed by Daniel taking the dog for a walk. When he returns he finds his father dead on the ground, lying in a pool of blood. Did Samuel fall..did he jumpâŚwas he pushed by Susan? When the autopsy is incondusive, Sandra is arrested and along with an old friend of hers who happens to be a lawyer, Vincent (Swann Artaud), it is decided to go the suicide route as their legal defense.
ANATOMY OF A FALL is the fourth legal drama I’ve seen from France in eight months and the country’s courtroom proceedings fascinate me to no ends. Prosecutors and defense lawyers seem to be less concerned with justice than they are with winning and think nothing of regaling the jurors with conjectures, outlandish theories, distortions of facts and, in this movie, blatant homophobia. The prosecutor (expertly played by Antione Reinartz) is the most hissable villain I have seen on screen in recent history. Triet directs the court sequences with Hitchcockian assurance, but her masterpiece moment occurs when the court hears (and the audience sees) a 15-minute recording, taped in secret by Samuel, of him and Sandra in an intense argument that literally had me palpitating. It is up there with one of the most powerful moments I’d ever seen captured on celluloid.
I am uncertain if France will choose ANATOMY OF A FALL as its submission for Oscar consideration for 2023; there may be just too much English spoken in this Movie. But let’s start a hype campaign and have Sandra HĂźller‘s name on the Best Actress list of nominees. Whereas the Actress may currently be best known for her role in “Toni Erdmann“, her performance here is superb. Sublime. Astonishing. As are Mio Machado Graner and Snoop the dog.
ANATOMY OF A FALL SCREENS at TIFF ’23:
Thursday Sept.7-Royal Alexandra Theatre-5pm
Friday Sept.8-Scotiabank -4pm
Today we get a new Trailer for THE DELINQUENTS, getting an October 27, 2023 release via Mongrel Media and Mubi following its TIFF ’23 premiere.
Global film distributor, streaming service and production company MUBI and Canadian distributor Mongrel Media have announced that Rodrigo Morenoâs (El Custodio) critically-acclaimed The Delinquents will open theatrically in Canada on October 27 following the filmâs North American premiere at TIFF.
Starring Daniel ElĂas, Esteban Bigliardi, Margarita Molfino and GermĂĄn De Silva, The Delinquents received its World Premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2023Cannes Film Festival, where now on Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 95%.
Beguiling and unpredictable, Cannes Un Certain Regard breakout THE DELINQUENTS reinvents the heist film as a free-flowing adventure like no other.
Buenos Aires bank employee MorĂĄn (Daniel EliĂĄs) dreams up a scheme to liberate himself from corporate monotony: heâll steal enough money to support a modest retirement, then confess and serve prison time while his co-worker holds on to the cash.
Soon under pressure by a company investigator, accomplice RomĂĄn (Esteban Bigliardi) heads to a remote rural idyll to hide the funds. There, he encounters a mysterious woman who will transform his life forever.
The latest from Argentinian writer-director Rodrigo Moreno, THE DELINQUENTS melds the existential and the playful to explore the nature of freedom itself. Suffused with timeless beauty, this cinematic discovery is at turns surreal, relatable, funny, romantic, surprising, restorative â and above all â a delight.
THE DELINQUENTS WILL BE IN CINEMAS IN CANADA FROM OCTOBER 27, 2023.
We cannot wait to see this but are thrilled we finally get a teaser for MAY DECEMBER, which premiere at Cannes to raves.
LOGLINE:
Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple (Julianne Moore, Charles Melton) buckles under the pressure when an actress (Natalie Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past.
DIRECTOR: Todd Haynes
SCREENPLAY BY: Samy Burch
STORY BY: Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik
PRODUCERS: Natalie Portman, Sophie Mas, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon, Grant S. Johnson, Tyler W. Konney, Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell
EXEC. PRODUCERS: Madeleine K. Rudin, Thomas K. Richards, Lee Broda, Jeff Rice, Jonathan Montepare, Samy Burch, Alex Brown, Thorsten Schumacher, Claire Taylor
KEY CAST: Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, Charles Melton
Opens New York Film Festival on September 29, 2023
In Select Theatres November 17, 2023
On Netflix December 1, 2023 (US & Canada)
I think many of you will share in the sentiment that we are thankful just to have a Film Festival amidst what have been very trying times as the world navigates the SAG-AFTRA strike. While things look quieter this year, Team Mr. Will as every year, is ready to bring their A-Game and you can expect some amazing coverage, whether it be reviews, talent sightings and red carpets.
David Baldwin (missing sadly in the banner photo), Amanda Gilmore, George Kozera, Nicholas Porteous, Justin Waldman and myself share our top five films (sometimes in no specific order) we are most excited about at the Festival this year!
Be sure to bookmark this page for all our TIFF ’23 updates daily!
I have been attending TIFF physically/virtually since 2010, and I will not mince words â it is my favourite time of the year. Sure, TIFF â23 is going to be way different without many of the Actors and Writers in town to promote, but their fighting for their rights and the very future of their professions is much, much, MUCH more important than seeing them here in Toronto (I just hope the strikes are resolved before TIFF â24!). That said, the focus of the Festival has rightly shifted to the movies and there are plenty of surefire bangers that are going to be unmissable over these 11 days. There is a little bit of something for everyone and getting to be amongst the first audiences in the world to see the films together at Roy Thomson Hall, the Princess of Wales, the Royal Alexandra Theatre (or the RAT as the Midnight Madness crew calls it), the TIFF Bell Lightbox and the Scotiabank is a genuinely thrilling prospect. So get hyped fam, and come say hi if you see me. Iâll be the guy with glasses and bleary eyes who has not seen proper daylight for a week.
Although TIFF ’23 is missing some of my most anticipated films of the year (Maestro, The Killer, Poor Things), there are still plenty of titles I’m eagerly awaiting. Everyone I know who’s seen Fair Play has told me it’s a must-see. I love a Thriller about gender and power dynamics so I’m all in! The plot of Fingernails has piqued my interest more than any other title in the line-up this year. Plus I’m a huge fan of Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed and Jeremy Allen White. Out of all the films I missed at Cannes, The Delinquents is the one I’m most upset about. Everyone I know has raved about it, and this is my second chance! Out of all the films with actors working as Directors and stars, Woman of the Hour is the one that stands out for me. A Crime-Mystery-Thriller coming from Anna Kendrick just feels right. As a huge fan of ’21s Drive My Car, I cannot wait to see Evil Does Not Exist. I know Ryusuke Hamaguchi won’t disappoint. Happy TIFF everyone!
1. The Zone of Interest
2. The Boy and the Heron
3. Fingernails
4. Dream Scenario
5. Anatomy of a Fall
This year’s TIFF is decidedly low-key and the lineup is somewhat lacking in obvious heavy-hitters or *guaranteed* masterpieces, so a couple of unexpected gambles have found their way to the top of my most anticipated list! The first couple are generally safe bets–Jonathan Glazer doesn’t make movies often, but when he does they always leave an impact. The Zone of Interest is his vision of the holocaust and I’ve heard it’s on another level. The Boy and the Heron is reportedly Hayao Miyazaki‘s final film–the culmination of an unparalleled animated oeuvre. I’m not alone in my excitement–despite an abundance of screenings, I’m still searching for tickets! Fingernails is a compelling question mark. The first English-language film from Christos Nikou, a close disciple of Yorgos Lanthimos, with Riz Ahmed, Jessie Buckley, Jeremy Allen White, and a tantalizingly bizarre premise about an institute that investigates the authenticity of romantic relationships. I’m a sucker for this kind of weird, wild stuff. Speaking of weird, wild stuff–Dream Scenario, the A24 Nicolas Cage movie about a university professor who unwittingly appears in everyone’s–literally everyone’s–dreams. Sold. Anatomy of a Fall won the Palme d’Or and features Sandra Huller, who I last saw in Toni Erdmann. Here, she’s on trial for allegedly murdering her husband. Am I excited by that description? Of course! Case CLOSED!
There is never an order to top five or ten lists I make. I donât like putting things in an order itâs too much pressure and life needs less pressure and a little more chaos. So let the chaos begin!
Special mentions: The Holdovers, Dream Scenario, Wildcat, Knox Goes Away, Woman of the Hour
Thereâs a lot at TIFF this year that is exciting and deserving of the spotlight. While some of the more high profile titles may be missing due to the ongoing SAG-AGTRA/WGA strike (which I FULLY support) there are still plenty of exciting and buzzy titles to be had at this years festival. Directorial debuts, new features from some great Directors, Nicolas Cage doing Nicolas Cage things, Fathers directing daughters, and so much more so strap yourself in for a King Street that may actually be walkable and the 2023 edition of TIFF!
Many of this year’s selections whetted my appetite, but these five had me salivating with anticipation!
NEXT GOAL WINS
Starring Michael Fassbender, in a rare comedic role, I’m sure this movie will be funny and heartfelt, and you’ll find me in the line-up!
THE ZONE OF INTEREST
After its rapturous reception at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Director Jonathan Glazer‘s THE ZONE OF INTEREST addresses subject matter that while harrowing and numbing, is important to me. The horrors of Auschwitz should never be forgotten.
SING SING/RUSTIN
Colman Domingo is the reason these two movies are my perfect double bill this year at TIFF. I cannot wait especially to see what Director George C. Wolfe brings to the screen as I have been mesmerized by his work on Broadway and his coup de grace as Director of the screen version of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
MONSTER
Director Kore-eda Hirokazu wowed us a TIFF ’18 with “Shoplifters“. It was the benchmark of excellence I wanted throughout that year. All I know is that it won the Queer Palme Award at Cannes and it’s Hirokazu. I need nothing more!
I love a good messy story and FAIR PLAY has the looks of everything I love. This Erotic Thriller by Writer/Director Chloe Domont garnered raves at Sundance, exploring what happens when a couple who work together (Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich) are up for a promotion and the aftermath of that when one gets the job. DADDIO from Writer/Director Christy Hall, explores an unlikely connection struck between cab driver (Sean Penn) and a woman (Dakota Johnson) boarding a taxi from JFK Airport. SING SING features a showstopping performance from amazing Primetime Emmy and 2023 TIFF Tribute Award winner Colman Domingo as a prisoner who escapes his grim reality in a theatre troupe. And if all the buzz we’ve heard about it in advance of the Fest is true, we’re ready for a huge treat! Shot right here in Toronto, we were so intrigued by Cate Blanchett-produced FINGERNAILS, which explores whether a couple really has true love after a test tells them so. Kate Winslet can do no wrong in my books and we’re excited to see her as Lee Miller, who went from fashion model to American Photojournalist, capturing iconic photographs during World War II, changing our perception of the world.
Happy TIFF!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com