Featured in the festival’s Wavelengths selection, Andrea Bussmann’s Fausto shows audiences why this particular programme is so important for a well-rounded TIFF experience.

Part documentary, part avant-garde ghost story, Bussmann’s feature is mostly comprised of stories from the inhabitants of Mexico’s Oaxaca coast;  stories of interactions with ghosts, spirits and other supernatural beings, creatures that haunted their ancestors as they staved off colonial powers.  These stories are frequently fascinating while the narration holds a particularly powerful voice.  Images of Mexico are also breathtaking, if not expertly shot.  The film is a bit slow to start, but once the viewer realizes what they are in for, Fausto is smooth sailing from there.

My only complaint is that the stories are presented in an interview format.  With such rich material, the filmmaker really should have considered a different approach.  However, this will not hinder your enjoyment.

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Fausto screens at TIFF on: 

Sunday, September 9 at 2:45 p.m. @ Jackman Hall (AGO)
Monday, September 10 at 4:15 p.m. @ Scotiabank Theatre (press and industry)
Tuesday, September 11 at 7:45 p.m. @ TIFF Bell Lightbox
Saturday, September 15 at 9:00 p.m. @ Jackman Hall (AGO)

Rating: PG
Language: Spanish, Arabic, English, French
Subtitled
Runtime: 70 minutes

For more information on the festival, visit the official TIFF webpage here.

Buy tickets here.

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