Selected by a panel of filmmakers, programmers, and industry professionals this program of top ten shorts feature a diverse group of great cinema and reveal what independent filmmakers are able to accomplish when they set their minds to it.
A great selection of new short films by students including new works from Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver, Concordia University in Montreal and York University in Toronto.
Waiting for Lou (En attendant Lou) / Dir. Katerine Martineau, 2017, Canada, 15 min. (Concordia University, QC)
With assured direction and a stellar lead performance, Waiting for Lou explores the complex relationship between 16-year-old Jess and her eccentric grandmother — and their against-the-odds dream of road-tripping to California.
Nana / Dir. Ali Kellner, 2017, Canada, 5 min.
(Sheridan College, ON)
This sentimental and surprisingly optimistic animated documentary identifies resilience and humanity in the face of atrocity as it deftly realizes the harrowing personal story of a Holocaust survivor.
Away Home / Dir. Jana Stackhouse, 2017, Canada, 21 min (Ryerson University, ON)
A man and his siblings return home to say goodbye to their terminally ill mothe, in this quietly moving family drama fromdirector Jana Stackhouse.
If You Fall / Dir. Tisha Deb Pillai, 2017, Canada, 6 min
(English, Hindi)
(Emily Carr University, BC)
A cautious eight-year-old Lila struggles to find her balance while riding her bicycle, in this endearing, brightly-coloured animation about family love and support.
Meddy / Dir. Ted Sakowsky, 2017, Canada, 26 min
(York University, ON)
This compelling and heart-wrenching drama offers a unique glimpse into the quiet life of Sam, a lonely young gamer, who is forced to face her insecurities and fear of losing her online friends.
Quarters / Dir. FIG House, 2017, Canada, 5 min
(Sheridan College, ON)
In this amusing animation, tenants in a run-down apartment complex are forced to leave their quarters — only to discover unwanted details about their annoying neighbours.
Mustard Seed / Dir. Lina Roessler, 2017, Canada, 8 min
(York University, ON)
Visiting a peaceful, flower-covered field, an old man relives the landscape’s violent
history and his traumatic childhood memories of war, in this affecting and visually arresting work.
Leila / Dir. Aziz Zoromba, 2017, Canada, 11 min, French and Arabic
(Concordia University, QC )
A careful combination of restrained storytelling and striking visuals marks this stylish and suspenseful coming-of-age drama about a Muslim teen’s rebellion against the rules set out by her parents.
Blindsided / Dir. Flytrap Productions, 2017, Canada, 5 min
(Sheridan College, ON)
In this delightfully playful animation, two thieves’ crafty skills are put to the test when the unassuming homeowner unexpectedly returns.
Hold My Hand (Prends ma main) / Dir. Alexandre Lefebvre, 2017, Canada, 22 min, French
(Université du Quebéc à Montréal, QC)
This intimate, inspiring, award-winning documentary follows the daily lives of Chloe (age 11), Alex (17), and Salma (21), all of whom are partially or completely blind.
Generously sponsored by IATSE 856.
