Next Wave
#TIFF: SPECIAL SCREENING OF “RYE LANE” AT 2023 TIFF NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL – NEW TRAILER
TIFF is delighted to present a special screening of Searchlight Pictures’ Rye Lane, Raine Allen-Miller’s feature directorial debut, on March 29 at TIFF Bell Lightbox. This advanced screening, presented in partnership with Disney and its platform, is part of a sneak-peek event celebrating the upcoming TIFF Next Wave Film Festival, taking place April 14–16, ahead of the film’s exclusive platform release in Canada on March 31, 2023.
Hailed by critics, earning a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, Rye Lane follows two twenty-somethings, both reeling from bad break-ups, who connect over the course of an eventful day in South London – helping each other deal with their nightmare exes, and potentially restoring their faith in romance. The film, which premiered in January at the 2023 Sundance Festival, features breakout performances from David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah, and was listed as one of “18 Films Directed By Women That We Can’t Wait To See In 2023” by British Vogue. Driven by Allen-Miller’s bold, playful direction, Rye Lane is permeated by a vibrant, energetic style that celebrates Black joy, friendship, and love. This hilarious and heartwarming debut is above all an ode to South London and what it means to find connection in the people, places, and communities that give us strength.
“Those that are youngish and in the know, know that Next Wave Film Festival is TIFF’s hidden gem, a unique showcase of films selected by some of Toronto’s most impressive, young cinephiles – come to connect and be inspired.” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “The Next Wave celebration kicks off on March 29, opening with an exhibition by multimedia artist, kaya joan, followed by the exclusive screening of Raine Allen-Miller’s Sundance hit Rye Lane, the perfect rom-com antidote for the times.”
The March 29th celebration is curated by the TIFF Next Wave Committee, who also take the lead in programming the 12th edition of the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival (April 14–16). Hailing from across the GTA — from Scarborough, to York, to Mississauga — and ranging in age from 15 to 18, the Committee is made up of 12 teen film enthusiasts, many of whom are young creators and filmmakers. The festival is a one-of-a-kind talent incubator in the world, and features a lineup of Canadian and North American premieres, creator Q&As, workshops, and collaborations with leading filmmakers to celebrate new voices in cinema.
This year’s Committee members include Arjun Persaud, Celina Tang, Dev Desai, Ellie Tripp, Faven Tesfamichael, Honora Murphy, Keertan Somasundaram, Maggie Kane, Naiya Forrester, Norah Daudi, Simona Williams, and Tara Sidhu. These passionate young film lovers collaborate to curate TIFF Next Wave’s Official Selection and programming through fresh and timely perspectives for youth audiences in Toronto and across Canada. With the guidance of TIFF staff, the Committee also supports year-round TIFF programming for young audiences and curates a selection of “Next Wave-approved” films at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Alumni of the TIFF Next Wave Committee that have internationally developed their careers include Shiva Baby and Bottoms director Emma Seligman, Ms. Marvel’s star Iman Vellani, and NYC-based film programmer Samah Ali, among others.
Prior to the Rye Lane screening, audiences are invited to the opening of Lost & Found: There are so many worlds exhibition in the TIFF Bell Lightbox atrium from 5pm to 7pm. Curated by the TIFF Next Wave Committee, this free public art exhibition features multi-media works by Afro-Indigenous artist kaya joan, created with found and recycled substrates from around the city, investigating the stories that exist in the in-between spaces held in place. This exhibition will be on display from March 21 to April 30.
Young audiences can continue the celebrations with a Lost & Found themed Opening Night Party to launch the Festival on April 14, featuring a series of events, from the Battle of the Scores musical showdown, special guests’ attendance, and more. The TIFF Bell Lightbox atrium will transform into a time machine, featuring retro sights and sounds, with a variety of interactive activations and fun decor, like dance floors, clothing swaps, rug tufting photo backdrops, and more. tiff.net for more.
#TIFF: 2023 TIFF NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Back for its 12th edition, the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival invites young audiences and cinephiles for a weekend of bold new films and special events, with free movies for anyone under 25*. Hot off the heels of its Berlin premiere, where it won the Crystal Bear for best film in the Berlinale’s Generation 14plus sidebar, Mexican director Sofía Auza’s unconventional coming-of-age feature debut Adolfo will kick-off the Festival as the Opening Night Film. From April 14–16, 2023 audiences hungry for original stories can celebrate rising filmmakers and diverse programming, representing the hope, creativity, and power of the next generation. Additional programming and special guests will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Programmed for youth, by youth, the Next Wave Film Festival offers free Official Selection films for anyone under 25. Tickets are available starting today for TIFF Members and TIFF Under-25 Pass holders, and to the general public on March 17, 2023.
This year’s Official Selection shines a spotlight on nine debut and sophomore features ― from Spain, France, Mexico, Iran, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, USA, and Canada ― that bring an authentic and diverse representation of youth-centric perspectives, without feeding into the “angsty teen” stereotypes. Highlights include: Auza’s North American premiere of Adolfo, which follows two strangers who meet by chance at a bus stop and decide to find a new home for their cactus companion; Pilar Palomero’s Canadian premiere of San Sebastián–winning La Maternal, exploring vulnerability and hardships of teen motherhood and chosen families, featuring many first-time actors; Simon Rieth’s North American premiere of the genre-mixing debut feature Summer Scars, following two brothers bound by a dark secret; So Yun Um’s Canadian premiere of the hybrid documentary-memoir feature debut Liquor Store Dreams, asking personal and resonant questions on reconciliation and generational healing through stories of Korean liquor store owners and their families; Charlotte Regan’s Canadian Premiere of the Sundance-winning hit and feature debut Scrapper, a reconnection story between a precocious girl and her child-like father (Regan was listed as “28 Rising Female Filmmakers to Watch in 2023” by IndieWire); and Zeno Graton’s North American premiere of the debut feature The Lost Boys, exploring questions of masculinity, found family, and freedom when a new detainee enters a youth detention facility.
Some screenings will be followed by in-person Q&As with the directors including: Auza, Um, Holland, and Regan; and more special events to be announced in the following weeks. Select titles will also be available on digital TIFF Bell Lightbox starting April 12.
“Dedicated to increasing access to cinema for young audiences, the Next Wave Committees’ brilliant voices and vision permeate through this year’s festival lineup with powerful stories of love, community, and family, in all its forms,” said Ikoro Huggins-Warner, Senior Coordinator, Youth Impact. “Look no further than the Opening Night Film, Adolfo, a heartwarming journey of unlikely friendship formed over the course of one fateful, fleeting night. Punctuated by bold, refreshing direction, like so many of the incredible films in this year’s selection, Adolfo finds its honesty in overcoming struggles together, and discovering connection and resilience in unexpected places.”
TIFF Bell Lightbox will be transformed into a retro time machine, promising interactive activations at the Opening Night Party with basement slumber party vibes, dance floors, and a clothing swap. Young audiences can revel in the weekend festivities: Battle of the Scores, a live musical showdown where four bands settle the score; Young Creators Co-Lab, presented by the City of Toronto, a full day of connective and engaging industry talks and workshop for emerging filmmakers and creatives; Young Creators Showcase of short films by emerging filmmakers from across Canada; and Lost & Found: There are so many worlds, a free public art exhibition featuring multi-media works by artist kaya joan and curated by the TIFF Next Wave Committee. Complete festival details, schedules, and ticket information are all available at tiff.net/nextwave.
Ranging in age from 15 to 18, the TIFF Next Wave Committee is made up of 12 teen film enthusiasts, many of whom are young creators and filmmakers from across the Greater Toronto Area. With the guidance of TIFF staff, the Committee is charged with planning major teen-oriented events year-round at TIFF Bell Lightbox, including the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival, a one-of-a-kind talent incubator.
“I am beyond excited to share this incredible lineup of films that young people wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to with our audience. We care deeply about amplifying diverse and innovative creators at TIFF Next Wave, and so celebrating these unique films that explore underrepresented themes and stories is going to be such a joy,” said Ellie Tripp, TIFF Next Wave Committee Member. “Beyond the film lineup, this year’s festival is centered around the theme of Lost & Found ― an exploration of world-building, futurity, and how the stories we carry with us as young people inform our relationship to place.”
TIFF Members and TIFF Under-25 Free Pass Holders receive access to year-round TIFF benefits including free access to more than 300 Cinematheque screenings. To learn more and join as a TIFF Member, visit tiff.net/under25.
*Free tickets are limited to 2 tickets per film screening for anyone under 25
2023 TIFF NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL LINEUP
TIFF Next Wave Presents: Rye Lane
March 29, 7pm
Celebrate the upcoming TIFF Next Wave Film Festival with this advance screening of Raine Allen-Miller’s funny and touching debut film, Rye Lane. Prior to the screening, audiences are invited to attend the opening reception of Lost & Found: There are so many worlds exhibition at 5pm.
Lost & Found: There are so many worlds by kaya joan
March 21 to April 30
Lost & Found: There are so many worlds features multi-media works by kaya joan created on found and recycled substrates from around the city, investigating the stories that exist in the in-between spaces held in place. The works in this exhibition reach into the infinities that stretch between past, present, and future to explore multiplicities of being in relation. Audiences are also invited to join a collective collage-making workshop facilitated by kaya joan on April 1. For more information on kaya joan and the event visit: tiff.net/events/art-exhibition-lost-and-found.
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival Official Selection
April 14–16
Films marked with an asterisk (*) will be available to rent on digital TIFF Bell Lightbox starting April 12.
Adolfo dir. Sofía Auza *
Mexico/USA | 2022 | Spanish | North American Premiere
Egghead & Twinkie dir. Sarah Kambe Holland
USA | 2022 | English | Canadian Premiere
La Maternal dir. Pilar Palomero
Spain | 2022 | Spanish | Canadian Premiere
Liquor Store Dreams dir. So Yun Um
USA | 2022 | English, Korean | Canadian Premiere
Scrapper dir. Charlotte Regan
United Kingdom | 2022 | English | Canadian Premiere
Summer Scars dir. Simon Rieth
France | 2022 | French | North American Premiere
Summer With Hope dir. Sadaf Foroughi *
Canada/Iran | 2022 | Persian
The Lost Boys dir. Zeno Graton
Belgium | 2023 | French | North American Premiere
The Ordinaries dir. Sophie Linnenbaum *
Germany | 2022 | German | Toronto Premiere
Battle of the Scores & Opening Night Party
April 14, 8:30pm
Discover the next wave of movie and music talent as four up-and-coming bands score a short film for one big prize. Visit @TIFF_NET on Instagram in April to see the films, hear the scores, and cast your vote. The final showdown will take place at TIFF Bell Lightbox on April 14, during the TIFF Next Wave Opening Night Party, featuring retro sights and sounds, with a variety of interactive Lost & Found activations.
Young Creators Co-Lab
April 15, 9am – 3pm
The Young Creators Co-Lab, presented by the City of Toronto, is a gathering space for young and emerging artists in Toronto to connect with industry professionals and learn about all things film. The Co-Lab offers a full day of connective and engaging programming for filmmakers and creatives. Session topics include Screenwriting for Film & Television with Vera Santamaria (How to Be Indie, Bojack Horseman, PEN15), a deep dive into the writing process and the keys to being a great storyteller; an IndustryTok panel with content creators discussing their process from ideation to production, and TikTok’s growing influence as a platform for innovative storytelling; and a series of breakout sessions with industry professionals discussing their experience navigating the film landscape, and advice for young students and graduates about various Pathways into the Industry.
Young Creators Showcase
April 16, 7:30pm
Celebrating the work of young and emerging filmmakers, this shorts programme touches on themes of belonging, family, and finding connection in the people and communities closest to us. From animation to documentary, these 13 films by the next wave of Canadian filmmaking talent feature a dynamic mix of voices, visions, and methods of storytelling. They showcase daring new ways youth are engaging in film to create honest, intersectional stories about their experiences.
Castaway dir. Shamiso Chigwende
Canada | 2021 | English | Canadian Premiere
Execution Triptych dir. Giran Findlay
Canada | 2022 | English
Hoa dir. Tram Anh Nguyen
Vietnam/Canada | 2022 | Vietnamese
In the Whiteness dir. Niya Ahmed Abdullahi
Canada | 2022 | English, Harari | Canadian Premiere
Inside Groove dir. Elizabeth Wei Yun Albrecht
Canada | 2022 | English | Canadian Premiere
Late Bloomer dir. Emma Cheuk
Canada | 2022 | English | Toronto Premiere
majboor-e-mamool (What Will You Do When I’m Gone?) dir. Haaris Qadri
Canada | 2022 | Urdu, English
Ms. Butterworth’s Cherry Pie dir. Cameron Lightly
Canada | 2021 | English | North American Premiere
On the Cosmic Shore dir. Luvleen Hunjan
Canada, India | 2022 | Punjabi | International Premiere
Ozigwan (Tail of Serpent) dir. Cole Forrest
Canada | 2021 | English, Anishinaabemowin | World Premiere
Bawang Merah Bawang Putih (Shallots and Garlic) dir. Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto
Canada/Indonesia | 2021 | Bahasa Indonesia, English
The Mess We’re In dir. Jamie Lam
Canada | 2022 | English, Cantonese | Toronto Premiere
The Year Long Boulder dir. Brielle LeBlanc
Canada | 2022 | English | Toronto Premiere
Additional information is available at tiff.net/nextwave.
#TIFF: TIFF NEXT WAVE 2021
TIFF NEXT WAVE 2021 kicks-off later this week, running Friday, February 12-15, 2021. Celebrating youth-oriented films and programming, the Festival adapts to a virtual format this year, allowing for safe, pyjama-comfort enjoyment right from home!
In addition to an In Conversation With… Finn Wolfhard, there also will be an Opening Night Party. The Young Creators Co-Lab which allows young Filmmakers a chance to connect with professional Filmmakers for tips. There also will be several new films to screen including TIFF ’20 breakout hit BEANS by Tracey Deer. Did you know also that Emma Seligman, who directed acclaimed TIFF ’20 selection SHIVA BABY is TIFF Next Wave alumni? You can see that Film’s star Rachel Sennot in Next Wave selection, TAHARA.
Our Justin Waldman (@DubsReviews) got to preview some of the most-anticipated titles of the Festival and here are some of his thoughts.
DEATH OF NINTENDO
Death of Nintendo has a lot right going for it, including ’90s nostalgia. The Movie focuses on a group of teenage boys living in Manila, taking place before the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, with a heavy dose of Nintendo throwback, as this group comes into their own identity.
The Film focuses on Paolo (Noel Comia Jr), Kachi (John Vincent Servilla), and Gilligan (Jiggerfelip Sementilla) who are all friends trying to come into their own. At once, they are escaping their own individual issues whether they be problems at home, heartbreak, or not being satisfied with what they have. Everyone is trying to overcome their own personal issues/demons. Their greatest escape is playing Nintendo and being able to escape into their own world, something we might know a thing or two about right now.
Death of Nintendo has some excellent performances from its trio of leads. The universally relatable story by Valerie Castillo Martinez and direction from Raya Martin help these stories excel. The future looks bright for everyone featured here. Death of Nintendo does fall into some coming of age tropes, but the high points are definitely worth the journey.
DEATH OF NINTENDO premieres at TIFF Next Wave Friday, February 12, 2021.
COCOON
Leonie Krippendroff’s Berlin-set Feature Cocoon takes place in the summer of ’18 with themes of exploration, discovery, and change. The Film boasts some fantastic performances from its Cast. This is a beautiful story of self-discovery.
Nora (Lena Urzendowsky) follows her sister Jule (Lena Klenke) around, along with her friend Aylin (Elina Vildanova). Nora endures a horrific accident in school. Retreating to the bathroom in complete embarrassment, she meets Romy (Jella Hasse) and discovers that she feels for Romy, realizing she isn’t interested in boys and vying for their attention, like Jule and Aylin.
Cocoon is metaphoric of the awakening Nora goes through, but also applies to the breakout performances in this Film. There is something so genuine and captivating about Urzendowsky and Hasse’s work that transcends the screen.
COCOON premieres at TIFF Next Wave Saturday, February 13, 2021.
TAHARA
There are a lot of uncomfortable things that occur in this directorial Feature debut from Olivia Peace and first Screenplay by Jess Zeidman. However, Tahara handles some serious subject matter with a bit of levity and comedy, making it a bit tragic, comedic, yet undeniably brilliant.
Tahara takes place in Rochester, NY at a funeral service/Hebrew school. It revolves around a few friends, love interests and classmates as they mourn the passing of their fellow classmate. The Film focuses on Hannah (Rachel Sennott) and Carrie (Madeline Grey DeFreece) as they explore their sexual abilities with each other, so Hannah can make a move on Tristan (Daniel Taveras). Carrie and Hannah realize there might be more to their friendship than initially thought, and things become awkward between them.
Both Sennott and DeFreece deliver fantastic performances with a great, emotion-filled comedic punch. Their chemistry also breaks the tension of the backdrop of the story, losing a classmate at such a young age. Zeidman’s Script delivers, with Peace’s direction focused. This is a must-see!
TAHARA premieres at TIFF Next Wave Friday, February 12, 2021.
Just announced, Rachel Sennott will appear on TIFF‘s Instagram Live 7:30 PM ET February 12, 2021, discussing her career and her Comedy. More details here.
More on TIFF NEXT WAVE including tickets, here.
(Photo credit: TIFF)
#FIRSTLOOK: “LOVE, SIMON” TO PREMIERE AT TIFF’S NEXT WAVE FESTIVAL
Premiering at TIFF’s NEXT WAVE Film Festival next month, LOVE, SIMON is setting Twitter on-fire we are told. Check out the Trailer for the Coming-of-Age story starring up-and-comer Nick Robinson. We’re getting total The Edge of Seventeen vibes.
Synopsis:
Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it’s a little more complicated: he’s yet to tell his family or friends he’s gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Dawson’s Creek, Brothers & Sisters), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.
See the Trailer:
More details on the Premiere here.
20th Century Fox Canada release LOVE, SIMON Friday, March 16, 2018.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)
#SPOTTED: FERDIA WALSH-PEELO IN TORONTO FOR “SING STREET”
It seems as though everything was taking place in Toronto this weekend! While attention was focused on the NBA All-Star Weekend, TIFF also was hosting the Next Wave Film Festival for young Movie Lovers!
Closing Night Gala SING STREET marked the end of the Festival, programmed for youth by youth. The well-reviewed Sundance hit is about an Irish teen who leaves his hometown to start a band in London during the 80s. The autobiographical Musical Comedy by Writer/Director John Carney, stars Ferdia Walsh-Peelo who is being touted as a big breakout star and a Musician in his own right. In addition to introducing his Film tonight at TIFF Bell Lightbox, Walsh-Peelo also did a Q&A, performing selections from Sing Street acoustically. He tells me outside Gabby’s, he’s used to performing with the five-piece band from the Film, so tonight was a bit unique doing it on his own.
See our Snap with Walsh-Peelo who has been in town on the coldest weekend ever to promote his Film!
See the Trailer:
Elevation Pictures release SING STREET, release date to be announced.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#TIFF: NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL 2016 RUNS THIS WEEKEND!
Taking place between Friday, February 12 and Sunday, February 14, the NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL gives Toronto’s youth something fun an exciting to experience. And the coolest part – it’s curated and programmed by their own peers! The Festival, held at TIFF Bell Lightbox promises amazing guests and Q&A sessions, industry workshops and panels, a 24-Hour Film Challenge and a Battle of the Scores!
We had the pleasure of speaking to one of the Festival’s Programmers, 17-year-old Macy Armstrong and together over tea at CANTEEN we chat about some of our fondest memories of TIFF and what to expect from this year’s NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL. I learned that after being canvassed by a Teacher last year for an opportunity to work with the City’s most important Film institution, she would then go through a round of questions and essays. Eventually, the Arts School student was plucked and placed among an exclusive group of young, taste-making Film experts.
Armstrong describes for us the spirit of Next Wave and why we need a Festival for young Movie Lovers. “There’s a group of us, all in high school, and we get to program and watch all Films at the Festival. We think about what would be beneficial and valuable for our generation to watch.”, she says. She brings up an interesting point adding,”A lot of times Films are made about teenagers, but not for teenagers. We want Movies that can be enjoyed by teenagers and also about teenagers.”.
On the selection process of Films that screen at Next Wave, Armstrong reveals “We’d see a Film or two a day. After each Film, we wrote down and articulated our thoughts on it. We’d have a casual conversation about what we thought of each Film in relation to our message about teenagers. From that, our top Films emerged.”.
When she was selected to join the panel of Programmers for the Festival, Armstrong already had been attending TIFF for four years already. Like me, we share a similar adoration for the greatest Film Festival in the world. “I’m obsessed with TIFF”, she admits. “I have a James Franco obsession. He was doing an interview and art installation in partnership with TIFF, so I went to that. I remember I brought him some Fan Art”. “He wanted to buy it and it became a thing. I also made a painting of 127 Hours – my favourite Movie.”.
We both agree that we miss a certain Canadian heartthrob. “I remember waiting in line and saw Ryan Gosling wave at me. That was so exciting!”. I forgot to share with her the time I was getting groceries on Christmas Eve at the grocery story under my old condo and ran into him there!
Armstrong highlights three absolute Must-Sees at Next Wave.
“I really love SONGS MY BROTHER TAUGHT ME. It is so beautiful and intimate, covering some universal themes of how environment shapes us and the relationships you develop in those communities.”
“You meet interesting characters in TAKIN’ PLACE. It is another film about community and a genuine Film.”
“FLOCKING is a fictional story about a girl who accuses someone of sexual assault. It addresses how we treat accusations.”.
For those interested, the SPACE JAM LIVE READ (coinciding with NBA All Star Weekend in Toronto!) takes place Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 1:00 PM with names of voice talent just being announced. More here.
Many also are talking about Elevation Pictures’ SING STREET, for which Actor Ferdia Walsh-Peelo will be visiting!
With the Oscars coming up, we both peg the same choice for Best Picture. “ROOM is the most emotional rollercoaster. I read somewhere that it is an exercise for your tear ducts”, says Armstrong. AGREE. 
Learn more about TIFF‘s NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL including synopses and schedule right here.
Tickets are free.
Our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/TIFF)
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