Hot Docs 2019: ‘For Sama’
For Sama (DIR. Waad al-Kateab, Edward Watts) For Sama is one of the heaviest documentaries I’ve ever seen – a true battle about staying hopeful in hopeless circumstances.
Festival Coverage
Hot Docs 2019: ‘Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies’
Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies (DIR. Larry Weinstein) Larry Weinstein’s Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies is a multi-faceted historical study of the use of propaganda for political gain.
Canadian Film Fest ’19: ‘Honey Bee’
Documentarian Rama Rau (The Market, League of Exotique Dancers) takes a break from documentary filmmaking to make Honey Bee, a coming-of-age drama for mature audiences.
Canadian Film Fest ’19: Nowhere
Nowhere is difficult to discuss without skimming spoilers, especially since the film deserves to stay a secret for new audiences. What I can safely share is that this thriller is comparable to last year’s winner Searching. But, while both movies are about a parent trying to find their missing child, each movie has its own efficient approach.
Canadian Film Fest ’19: Nose to Tail
In the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district, high-end restaurants hold their own against competition and stress, or so we assume. This facade, however, becomes too much for Daniel, a well-versed chef with a bad reputation and unhealthy work ethic. Over the span of a day in Nose to Tail, Daniel’s life spins out of control as his attitude costs him his staff and his family, and possibly the last chance he’ll get in the business.
Wylie Writes @ What The Film Festival ’19
In a city oversaturated by film festivals, it is nearly impossible to find a festival that isn’t somehow derivative of others. While many festivals have something to offer to a small, niche audience, it often seems like it’s all been done. And yet, occasionally, you find something wholly unique; something that suggests that, not only is there no similar festival in Toronto, it may well be the only festival of its kind in the world….
Wylie Writes @ TAAFI ’19
The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (February 15-17) is an essential stop for movie goers who indulge in worldwide animation.
Wylie Writes @ The 2018 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (Nov. 8 -16) has ended yet another successful run, continuing to offer filmmakers and storytellers an integral platform to connect with audiences. I was fortunate enough to catch a couple of the feature films programmed at this year’s Reel Asian Film Festival but, unfortunately, I was left feeling underwhelmed by my selections.
Toronto After Dark 2018: ‘Extracurricular’, ‘Lifechanger’, ‘Nightmare Cinema’, and ‘You Might Be the Killer’
Extracurricular (DIR. Ray Xue) As the Canadian pop-punk band Sum 41 once sang, “motivation, such an aggravation.” That seemed to be Ray Xue’s complaint as well when he was directing Extracurricular, which is the only way to explain why anything in this film happened. Long time readers may recognize the number one rule of TAD: if a film is having its world premiere here, it will be terrible. This is not a knock against any of…
Toronto After Dark 2018: Shorts After Dark
One thing that differentiates Toronto After Dark from a lot of other horror festivals is their affinity and respect for short films. In an age of streaming and general new media, short films are the future of genre cinema and it is always important to give them a venue, since most of them will never see the inside of a cinema.