Worldwide Short Film Festival 2009 Day 4 - Friday June 19/09

Day 4 was all Cumberland, all day! I caught 2 programs Official Selection 11: Tech-Neurological and Official Selection 12 90-Minute Makeover. I always wonder what the process is like for putting the films together in groups, I enjoy looking at the different themes and it's a big factor in deciding what to head out to. Official Selection 11: Tech-Neurological is a great example of where the theme really matched the films shown, in theme and in spirit with short films that used or were even creations in response to technology. Official Selection 12 90-Minute Makeover wasn't quite as comfortable as a fit, but the films were did have a central theme of studying identity and often the about challenging perceptions and prejudices which is an interesting subject, but not quite as uplifting as makeovers tend to be.

Official Selection 11: Tech-Neurological

My Name is Dominic / Tous les enfants s'appellent Dominique
Dir: Nicolas Silhol
Cast: Lou Bus Lot, Violaine Fumeau
France, 20 minutes

A sensitive touch was used with this short film that brings up the question of how well do people really know their children. Is a white lie normal, or something more? Who makes that call? The true highlight was the gracefully transition of how we can be influenced by an outside opinion to question what we never would have before. A fascinating look at relationships, behaviour and parenting.

Cutecutecute
Dir: Clemens Kogler
Animated
Austria, 2 minutes

Bizarre and hilarious short film that showed rather cutting images through animation with a strong critical commentary but with a happy dappy sing-along style soundtrack. Reminded me a little of something out of Funky Forest.

Sand / Zand
Dir: Joost Van Ginkel
Cast: Jack Wouterse, Veerle Witkop
The Netherlands, 22 minutes

A stand out in the program, although only loosely ties to tech this is a beautiful but harrowing short of a father/daughter relationship. Sensitive with stellar performances the screen brings the world of a sand truck driver together with a visitation from his daughter. Rough elegance shows the rough but true love of family.

The Website is Down: Sales Guy Vs Web Dude
Dir: Joshua Weinberg
Animated
USA, 11 minutes

This one really fits in with as a tech category film. I originally came across this film last year after Devindra Hardawar twittered about it and have watched it many times since, it's a great one if you need a bit of a gigglefest. Anyone who has been involved a tech support call (for either side) can appreciated the humour and realism of what really happens when we pick up that phone. You can watch it online, however ironically it is a little NSFW (Not Safe For Work) - depending on where you work, that is.

Highlights from the Q&A with The Website is Down: Sales Guy Vs Web Dude director Joshua Weinberg:
-A lot of the jokes came from chatting with buddies over years so he knew they would have longevity to them
-Although he isn't a IT Help Desk Survivor (great term!), he has worked in IT for a many years and a lot of the film is based on things that actually happen, for example how solving the problem does not actually solve the problem
-Was not concerned that watching a computer screen not keeping peoples attention, but that is one reason why they would change from program to program. The voices are also sped up to make it shorter overall.


Joshua Weinberg director of The Website is Down, Sylvain Lavigne director of Crap / Simonac and Angie Driscoll, Festival Programmer

Crap / Simonac
Dir: Sylvain Lavigne
Cast: Sylvain Lavigne, René-Pierre Bélanger, Anaïs Favron
Canada, 11 minutes

A crime-comedy on the inadvertent misadventures of Guy on a one night stay at his sisters. A seemingly innocent morning turns into a disaster. Some days it may be better not to answer the phone!

Highlights from the Q&A Crap / Simonac Director Sylvain Lavigne:
-Decision to make the film available online immediately was because friends where impatient to see it.
-The film is meant to be funny, and it is also meant to be violent. It's all about the character who is in the wrong place at the wrong time.
-It is being developed and expanded to 6 1/2 hrs for a 13 episode TV series.

Tolibu Dibu Dauchyu
Dir: Boris Despodov
Documentary
Bulgaria, 5 minutes

Great short film showing the access, influence, and reactions to pop culture. Who knew a Music Idol audition of an interesting phonetic translation would end up being the #1 Bulgarian hit? The joy and love of the new rendition of the song is a welcome change of our current YouTube world.

See the Original "Ken Lee" performed by Valentina Hasan on YouTube
and the Extended Version of the Pop Hit

Official Selection 12 90-Minute Makeover

Buddies
Dir: Louis-Alexandre Martin
Fiction
Canada, 8 minutes

A great study challenging perceptions, and through the use of a puppet we hear a story we might not have heard, or rather listened to, otherwise.

Everyday People
Dir: Edna Hughes
Documentary
UK, 5 minutes

Fantastic idea using interviews with 'everyday people' with famous names like George Lucas, Julia Roberts, Tom Jones and Michael Douglas. It poses and interesting question about identity and individuality if every time your introduce yourself people automatically think of someone else.

Sound-Shadows / Lydskygger
Dir: Julie Engaas
Documentary
Norway, 7 minutes

I found this film a fascinating experience as it through audio shares the perspective of someone who is blind. Often the descriptions are visually interpreted in interesting ways but I kept thinking what an odd choice to 'show' us the story as well as tell it. Do we need to be visually engaged to 'get' it or to keep our attention? I kept wondering what it would be like just to listen to the story, but then - it wouldn't be a film. Engaging and questioning it did keep me thinking.


Tim Reckart director of Token Hunchback with Myrocia Watamaniuk, Senior Programmer

Token Hunchback
Dir: Tim Reckart
Animated
USA, 7 minutes

Stop motion animated short that follows the actor, who happens to be a hunchback, as he talks in between takes about the limitations and stereotypes of the roles he receives. There is an interesting idea there and some cutting commentary but still faces the challenge of using stereotype to comment on stereotypes.

Highlights from the Q&A with Token Hunchback director Tim Reckart:
-the idea came from a comment made about the commercial within the film that featured a hunchback, and that comment was if he was worried that anyone would be offended which is how he started looking into it.
-all the voices are from non-actors and friends of the director from Harvard and the role of the director in the film is actually the directors voice.


Myrocia Watamaniuk, Senior Programmer with Cedric Prevost director of Alter Ego

Alter Ego
Dir: Cedric Prevost
Cast: Christine Farenc, Jeremy Azencott
France, 20 minutes

Fascinating exploration on preconceptions and stereotypes using an online dating site as a starting point for 2 unlikely strangers to meet. Who do we show our real selves to, or share our real dreams with? What constitutes a lie - changing, embellishing or omitting information? What does it take to take a step and trust someone? All of these ideas are explored and more in 20 minutes with our two leads the cultured Ester (Christine Farenc) and young Nadir (Jeremy Azencott) whose authentic performances push back and forth on judgment, conformity and the possibility of love. Engaging and memorable, a truly beautiful film.

Highlights from the Q&A Alter Ego director Cedric Prevost:
-inspiration for the film came from 2 themes: the possibility of finding love on the net and changing identity
-both actors are previous students of the director, who has been a drama teacher for 9 years
-the process of the film involved creating a script which was given to the actors to read once, and then they filmed improvisations. Another script was written, rehearsed and then filmed on location. Overall, it was 15 days over 2 months.
-the location ended up working out perfectly as the was really bad weather and rain, but when the rain cleared up no one was in the park allowing for almost always having actors being in the shot

The Worldwide Short Film Festival runs from June 16-21, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Coverage

Pre-festival Coverage
June 9, 2008

Daily Coverage
Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 1 - June 10/08
Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 2 - June 11/08
Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 3 - June 12/08
Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 4 - June 13/08
Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 5 - June 14/08
Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 6 - June 15/08

Post-festival Coverage
Awards
Wrap Up

The Worldwide Short Film Festival ran from June 10-15/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Worldwide Short Film Festival 08 - Wrap Up

After a festival is over I like to make note of some of the stand out films. This is usually not to hard when looking at 10 to even 25 films. But after seeing 90 shorts at the Worldwide Short Film Festival it feels completely different because there are so many films. Add to that it only represents about a third of the films overall it feels near impossible. But, I'm always up for a challenge so here goes!

The Shortest of the Short: Definitive moments that prove that shorter is better! Object (Day 5), 100% (Day 2) and Le Grand Content (Day 4)

Comedic flair: Martians Go Home!, Ascension, Rocket Science (all Day 6), Shanghai Dragon (Day 3) and No Coke (Day 4). There is nothing like having a good giggle and these shorts all provided that.

Unclassifiable artistic works of wonder: Odin's Shield Maiden, L'Astronaute (both Day 3) and Mammal (Day 4) all had rich and expressive visual style that was captivating.

The wacky and the bizarre: Terminus (Day 2) and Deathtic 4 (Day 3) both showed ideas I've never seen before. They are both inventive and beautifully executed.

Quintessentially Canadian: Ironically Frozen City from Day 4, which was actually American.

Favourite Program: This is a tough call. In terms of the quality of film, nothing shone as bright as the Thai Spotlight on Day 5. The vivid colours in Norasinghavatar and Sanctuary of the Sea will be with me for a long time, and the quiet beauty of both Silencio and Lumious Sound were superbly crafted. I also throughly enjoyed the Sci-Fi: Out There program on Day 6 because it was bizarre and it made me laugh, a lot.

Most Enthusiastic Crowd: The crowd for Genius Party on Day 3. Animation fans were out in full form and crowd was really pumped that Shinichiro Watanabe was there. Quite a night!

Still has me thinking: Teenage Girl, Null-Null (both on Day 2) and Home Team (Day 3) all pushed the boundries of my comfort zone and have had quite the lasting effect.

The films that caught my heart: I didn't expect to get choked up at all during this festival but there were so many truly human stories that got me. Bravo to the following:
Day 1: Situation Frank
Day 2: Frankie, Tomboy
Day 3: Manon on the Asphalt, Wrestling, Dennis, Baby Blue
Day 5: Can You Wave Bye-Bye

Wasn't expecting: To be able to continue to enjoy the films and share them with others after the fest! Here are a few that are online:
Le Grand Content
Rocket Science
Terminus

The Worldwide Short Film Festival ran from June 10-15/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 - Awards

Picking the 17 films for awards out of 268 short films is no small feat. The audience did their part after each screening, getting to choose 2 films per program for the Audience Award. The ballots have been casted and counted, here are the 2008 Award Winners for the Worldwide Short Film Festival. Congratulations to all the award winners and honourable mentions!

Audience Award
Winner: Out of Spjald / VÆk Fra Spjald - Thomas Glud, Lars Wass

Best Animated Short
Winner: Jay White for Boar Attack
Honourable Mention: Rune Christensen for Down the Road

Best Canadian Short Film
Winner: Sarah Galea-Davis for Can You Say Bye-Bye (see Day 5)

Best Cinematography in a Canadian Short
Winner: Brendan Steacy for The Answer Key
Honourable Mention: Geneviève Perron for L'Astronaute (see Day 3)

Best Comedy
Winner: Rob Meyer for Aquarium
Honourable Mention: Dmitry Povolotsky for Pal/Secam

Best Documentary
Winner: Bartosz Blaschke for Zietek

Best Emerging Canadian Filmmaker
Audrey Cummings for Burgeon and Fade

Best Experimental Short
Winner: François Bégin and Miryam Bouchard for Roastbeef
Honourable Mention: Jean-Gabriel Periot for Under Twilight

Best Live-Action Short
Winner: Oliver Pont for Manon on the Asphalt / Manon sur le bitume
Honourable Mention: Asaf Korman for Death of Shula

Best Performance in a Live-Action Short
Winner: Yosef Corman-Korman in Death of Shula
Honourable Mention: Kim Kold in Dennis (See Day 3)
Honourable Mention: Chloe Jager Berger in Tomboy

Screenplay Giveaway Prize
Winner: Kris Elgstrand for Big Head

The Worldwide Short Film Festival ran from June 10-15/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 6 - Sunday June 15/08

Sunday was the final day of the Worldwide Short Film Festival. Dare I say it was too 'short'? In six days they packed in a wealth of fantastic short films. Program of the day for me was about getting spacey with Sci-Fi: Out There. I'm going to put myself 'out there' and say this was one of the best programs I saw during the festival. Creative ideas, freaky stories and humorous to boot.

Homework / Le devoir
Dir: Ariane Lippens
7 minutes, Belgium

Completely bizarre film with a high creep factor and themes of captivity and survival. Freaky!

Primitive Technology
Dir: Bo Price
13 minutes, USA

This short takes a low budget idea to literally combat the techno-savvy world. From recruiting new members to device creation this has a tone of a DIY reality show with challenges as well as the unavoidable personal dynamics. A wild ride.

Rocket Science
Dir: Sam Morrison
15 minutes, UK

Fabulous short film that recreates the film noir feel in a black and white animated environment. Killer dialogue throughout this hilarious short, I was in stitches for most of the film. One of my favourites of the festival by far.


Dani Moreno director Martians go Home! with festival programmer Andrew David Long

Martians Go Home!
Dir: Dani Moreno
20 minutes, Spain

In this 80's themed science fiction tale of two friends and a historical music diva who was taken away by martians. What would it take to contact her, or the martians themselves? A very tongue-in-cheek film blends various scifi trends and cultural references to make a fantastic and funny journey. "Mollycoddles".

There was a lovely Q&A with Martians Go Home! director Dani Moreno where he discussed the rich 80's style that was visually achieved in the film. When asked about why he created a film with both martians and zombies, he shared that Ed Wood is on of his favourite directors who has his own way to make cinema.

Ascension
Dir: Stephen Irwin
14 minutes, Australia

Historical rituals meet the realm of the beyond in this campy short film that will keep you guessing and laughing throughout.

The Worldwide Short Film Festival runs from June 10-15/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 5 - Saturday June 14/08

I love the festivals signature small box for programs. Shorter *is* better!

Saturday at the Worldwide Short Film Festival was all about creatures and Thailand, although not at the same time. The programs I attended were Official Selection 4: All Creatures Great and Small along with the highly anticipated Thai Spotlight, a series of commissioned works by renowned Thai directors in honour of the King of Thailand's 80th birthday.

Official Selection 4: All Creatures Great and Small
From the familiar doggies in our lives to the more bizarre and almost indescribable, this program shines a light on mysterious creatures as well as the human condition. Here are the highlights.

Silent Snow
Dir: Jan van der Berg
14 minutes, Netherlands

This short documentary explores the heartbreaking environmental concerns in Greenland, to no fault of their own. Beautiful imagery of the land and its people drive the aching nature of this issue.


Jörn Staeger, director Journey to the Forest

Journey to the Forest / Reise Zum Wald
Dir: Jörn Staeger
7 minutes, Germany

Many environments are explored in this short film, seeing trees and plants in a variety of locations from urban to forest. It was interesting to see a live action film with so few people in it, and when we do see them are they doing harm or good to the trees around them?

During the Q&A with director Jörn Staeger he shared that technology used for the film is not a new technique but based on the gyroscope and he build the camera for the purpose of the film. Ninety percent of the footage shown was taken with that camera as he walked around or moved the camera through the air.

Dog Altogether
Dir: Paddy Considine
17 minutes, UK

Well crafted short film starring Peter Mullan (Boy A, True North) and Olivia Coleman (Hot Fuzz) following a man with an inner rage that perpetually causes him trouble. Powerful and heartbreaking with astounding performances.

The Object
Dir: Leslie Ali
6 minutes, UK

This is one of the most bizarre films I've seen in this festival (and that is a compliment) about a noisemaking, breathing shiny silver box that wins over everyones heart. This film was a lot of fun and completely absurd at the same time.

Can You Wave Bye-Bye
Dir: Sarah Galea-Davis
17 minutes, Canada

Beautiful short film showing a reluctant mother and her new baby. With minimal dialogue but a wealth of expression we follow along on this emotional journey.


Sarah Galea-Davis director Can You Wave Bye-Bye and Virginie Gourmel director Stagman discuss how their films are similar, yet different.

Stagman
Dir: Virginie Gourmel
23 minutes, Belgium

What would it like be like if you lived it with the face of a stag? How would you, or would you, interact with other people? This short film traces the steps of stagman and the few others that come into his world.

Q&A with director Virginie Gourmel was great, she said they had a month of rehearsal time and during shooting there was 1 hour of makeup for the lead actor whom every day had a new mask created.

Thai Spotlight
This was one of the strongest programs I've seen in the festival so far. The range of the styles and stories in the films is vast, with a strong current of the love for the King. Here are the highlights.

The Sanctuary of the Sea / Ta-Le Khong Koi
Dir: Pornsak Sukongkarankui
15 minutes, Thailand

Beautiful short that follows a young girl as she withdraws from daily life and places herself into the fables and stories from comics. Visually stunning with beautiful colours and an impressive flair of creativity.

Luminous Sounds / Seang-Sawang
Dir: Pen-ek Ratanaruang
25 minutes, Thailand

Astounding portrait of a blind piano player, showing him as he plays as well as in frank interview discussing his life. Beautifully shot capturing rare and candid moments with ease and grace. Pen-ek Ratanaruang does not disappoint, this is one of the festivals best.

Norasinghavatar
Dir: Wisit Sasanatieng
15 minutes, Thailand

Vivid with colour and intensity this compelling story of humans and gods played by actors in traditional masks. Glorious and alive.

Silencio / Seang-Ngeab
Dir: Sivaroj Kongsakul
15 minutes, Thailand

Touching film following a man as he collects and replays sounds. Gracefully captures distance and intimacy by way of human non-interaction. Stunning.

The Worldwide Short Film Festival runs from June 10-15/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 4 - Friday June 13/08

Friday was all about the food! Program for the day was Official Selection 12: Watch What You Eat. With this great program it was easy to get your fill of film, and we sure did! I attended with screening with my sister Jamie who is always a lovely film going companion. Many of the giggles throughout the program were us, especially during Le Grand Content and No Coke.

Le Grand Content
Dir: Clemens Kogler and Karoline Szmit
4 minutes, Austria

Fantastic short film that combines random ideas through pie charts, graphs and patterns. A quirky and funny delight.

The Frozen City
Dir: Alex Perez
21 minutes, USA

The thought of enjoying a Slurpee in the winter may sound odd, but it isn't in Winnipeg - The Slurpee capital of the world! I had moments during the film wondering if they were pulling my leg on this one, but it's a fact. Through the documentary we hear stories from many Slurpee connousiours and the lengths they will go to enjoy this tasty beverage.

Key Lime Pie
Dir: Trevor Jimenez
4 minutes, Canada

I had seen Key Lime Pie during Toronto After Dark Film Festival 07 (see my thoughts here), and it was wild to see it in a different setting. It is an impressive animated short film.

Mammal
Dir: Astrid Rieger
7 minutes, Germany

This wild short was one of my favourites of the program. It starts off feeling off kilter, but once you just accept what you are seeing for what it is it becomes one wild ride. Creative and instinctual, it gives way to abandoning manners and just going for what you want.


Festival programmer Angie Driscoll with Two Words director Chris Ross and cinematographer Ben Lichty

Two Words
Dir: Chris Ross
9 minutes, Canada

Two sisters struggle communicating with each other in this tale that pushes perceptions and judgements in a dark comedic way.

Director Chris Ross and Cinematographer Ben Lichty were in attendance for a Q&A and when asked about casting and the script, the film was written specifically for two women, whom are non-actors. In terms of the idea, Chris Ross mentioned that she likes stories from a limited perspective. Trivia: over 400 radishes were used during the filming!


Festival programmer Angie Driscoll, Nancy Jean Tucker director of Kentucky Kingdom

Kentucky Kingdom
Dir: Nancy Jean Tucker
6 minutes, USA

This animated and experimental short shows a series images and stories that provide just enough information for you to add in your own thoughts and ideas to complete the picture.

Director Nancy Jean Tucker was in attendance for a Q&A and shared that the narrative is loose so you can have multiple theories on it and the viewer can project onto it. Regarding themes, she wanted to convey a sense of loss and environmentalism. The soft style of the film was intentional, and both rotoscoping and the use of Flash were part of the process.

No Coke
Dir: Jørn Utkilen
7 minutes, UK

Brilliant short film 'based on true events' about a pop machine and persistence. Hilarious in every way.

The Worldwide Short Film Festival runs from June 10-15/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 3 - Thursday June 12/08

Thursday I had the chance to yet again to see three of the programs for the Worldwide Short Film Festival, which included two Official Selections 5: A Brief History of Our Time and 7: This Sporting Life as well as the Japanese Spotlight Genius Party showcasing an anthology of Japanese animation by STUDIO 4°C. Director Shinichiro Watanabe was in attendance, which made for a very exciting screening.

Official Selection 5: A Brief History of Our Time
This selection of shorts brought together difference moments in history, time or even space be they real, fictional or futuristic. This program also had a very shy crowd who didn't want to ask questions. Thankfully, festival programmer Angie Driscoll had more than a few up her sleeve which provided the audience with a great Q&A after the screening.


Christian Laurence, director of L'Astronaute with festival programmer Angie Driscoll

L'Astronaute
Dir: Christian Laurence
22 minutes, France/Canada

Highly stylized in a classic science fiction way, this film presents the reaction when an astronaut is found. Or is it just a suit? The interest in the astronaut spirals beyond the people who found the suit to a handful of people until more and more what to see the talk of the town. The reasons are all different and there are multiple levels of intrigue and desire. Extremely compelling short film.

The Q&A with director Christian Laurence was great and he was adept at answering a question with a question, but also very open different interpretations of the film*. On the subject of the astronaut, and if there was any other object that was in the running for that role, the response was that it had started with something else but was drawn to the mirrored helmet, and how when people looked at it they could see themselves in it which had a narcissitic element to it. Also, that nothing was too bizarre to include in the film, as the film is pretty wacky.

* It's strange, sometimes I find it annoying in a Q&A when people don't answer the question, because sometimes you want answers! For some reason, here it was perfect. Perhaps because you could tell he careed what people thought and was very friendly.


Vasho Pekar, director of Renaissance for the Modern Lucifer with festival programmer Angie Driscoll

Renaissance for the Modern Lucifer
Dir: Vasho Pekar
10 minutes, Canada

Fascinating animation that step by step and brick by brick shows creation in a new light. The short flows from ethereal to visceral and beyond.

Q&A with Vasho Pekar started with attributing that it the majority of the films were done by him as the director, writer, producer, editor and animator. On the choice of re-working the creation story he shared that was obsessed with the idea of binaries: good/evil, god/devil and wanted to show a different perspective.


Souvenirs from Asia director, Joyce Wong and cinematographer Maya Bankovic

Souvenirs From Asia
Dir: Joyce Wong
11 minutes, Canada

I had the opportunity to catch Souvenirs From Asia during Toronto International Reel Asian Film Festival 07 (see my thoughts here) and it lovely to revisit it here. It is a fantastic short exploring cultural identity, knowledge and acceptance.

The Q&A after the screening with the director Joyce Wong and cinematographer Maya Bankovic was great. When asked about worrying if people laugh at the wrong moments, Joyce Wong responded not to be afraid to laugh, in fact everyone is suppose to laugh. The intent was to make it comedic so that people will talk about the issues involved such as politics, cultural identity and adoption.

Odin's Shield Maiden
Dir: Guy Maddin
5 minutes, Canada

Glorious and textural in true Maddin style, this short film expressing longing, beauty and grief all at the waters edge.

Official Selection 7: This Sporting Life
I never would have associated sporting with hunting, hiking or boats (I'm urban through and through) but they play a strong role is this program along with wrestling, a bodybuilder and number of different recreational activities.

Wrestling / Bredrabylta
Dir: Grimur Hakonarson
21 minutes, Iceland

Spectacular short film that centred on friends Denni and Einar, two Icelandic wrestlers, while off the mat. As they fill their mostly mundane lives and have few vices, but both share the love of the rhythmic motion. I loved the stoic shots that felt like an analogy for persistence. Impressive in its tonal shift from rigid to tender, it won me over instantly.


Mirabelle Kirkland (left), director of Home Team / Les Couillus

Home Team / Les Couillus
Dir: Mirabelle Kirkland
18 minutes, France

This was a challenge film to sit though. A satire based on a fictional support group for men that is actually a program where they learn to ‘control’ their partners. I’m not a fan of satire, and I don’t believe I am the target audience so I felt like I was sitting through instructions for how to control your partner. As I did hear laughter throughout I believe I was in the minority and I would be interested to hear other reactions to the film, especially from men.

The director Mirabelle Kirkland was present during the screening, which was excellent as it provided some clarity on the film and its message. It’s a film against domestic violence. In terms of the concept, she was intrigued by the fact that almost all of the information out there on the issue only shows women and often in horrific situations as oppose to the men. When asked about the reaction to the film, she said that they do get laughter, but it often ends abruptly. Also that men tend to laugh during the first half, and then women during the second. During test screenings, the film went over a lot better when the credits at the beginning included the director's name, so that you knew it was directed by a woman.


Pierre-Antoine Fournier, director of Déraciné

Déraciné
Dir: Pierre-Antoine Fournier
14 minutes, Canada

In this film we follow a teenage boy as he struggles with a complicated home life. Beautifully shot, we often seem the images go from fuzzy to clear as they hone in on the subjects, like an actor walking into his light on stage. Brilliant effect not only visually but it hints to us that not everything may be as clear as we think it is.

Director Pierre-Antoine Fournier was present for a Q&A after the film. Here are the highlights: On the subject matter and keeping it from feeling like a melodramatic after school special, he said that that it is a thin line to cross. With the cinematography, he found that sometimes it would have them turn off some of the lights to it didn’t look too' beautiful.

Waving / Wellen
Dir: Daniel Burkhardt
3 minutes, Germany

Hypnotic experimental short tells a rolling tale through back and forth movement of two figures on a beach.

Dennis
Dir: Mads Matthiesen
18 minutes, Denmark

This film was one of the highlights of the program. Dennis is a extremely fit bodybuilder yet despite his amazing physique is self conscious and lonely is his self sheltered life. This films shows his attempt to break free.


Shinichiro Watanabe (left), director of Baby Blue

Japanese Spotlight: Genius Party
Canadian premiere of the anthology of Japanese animation by STUDIO 4°C, including works from numerous first time as well as established directors such as Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Beboy, Samurai Champloo). He introduced the screening and provided some background on the program. This series provided the opportunity for the artists to have free reign with the direction of their work, which was a new experience for them. Sometimes for this project, they were a little too free with the creative direction therefore some of the shorts may be a little hard to understand. He suggests when watching to keep this quote from Bruce Lee in mind “Don’t think, just feel." It was a true delight that he was present, and won over the crowd instantly.

Shanghai Dragon
Dir: Shoji Kawamori
19 minutes, Japan

Fantastic fun short that follows a little bean of a underdog kid who just tries to keep to himself and his drawings. Little does he know that the entire universe may depend on him! Pulling from many genres this film had the audience in stitches throughout.

Deathtic 4
Dir: Shinji Kimura
11 minutes, Japan

Who knew there would be zombies here? Not me! But one little zombie is trying to do good in a world full of crazy zombie creatures including the zombie police! A wacky and bizarre world but with a beautiful narrative this was one of the best of the program. It may have included the oddest line of the festival “You stink. Can I touch you? Can I lick you?”

Door Bell
Dir: Yoji Fukuyama
13 minutes, Japan

Oh my, this type of film is one of the reason I can shy away from animation – it’s too scary! Ok, there were no zombies or anything like that, but there were … gulp. Doubles. Dopplegangers. Things that shouldn’t be able to happen … do! Things being visable to only you, or even worse – no one being able to see you. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I’m surprised I didn’t run screaming from the theatre! Maybe it was because I was too scared to move.

Happy Machine
Dir: Masaaki Yuawa
15 minutes, Japan

This cute short follows a baby as it’s left to its own devices and tromps through the world creatively fending for itself. Delightful and innovative, it was a refreshing change of pace from some of the heavier subjects included in the program.

Baby Blue
Dir: Shinichiro Watanabe
15 minutes, Japan

Touching short with a rekindling friendship as a teenage boy and girl spend a day and “not worry about tomorrow”. A beautiful story with superb animation brings the Genius Party series to a close on a sweet note.

Q&A with Shinichiro Watanabe shares that the inspiration for Baby Blue was because of the numerous complicated stories in the program he decided to put in something that was more understandable to get people back on track. On the whole, the short was inspired by high school experiences although he didn’t do all the things in the short as if he did he’d be locked up. The theme of the story was inferred at the beginning and begins with the letters l o and v.

The Worldwide Short Film Festival runs from June 10-15/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 2 - Wednesday June 11/08

It was as simple as a 1, a 2 and a 3 on Wednesday with seeing Official Selection 1: I Have A Dream, 2: Crime & Punishment and 3: Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me Kill Me. Oddly, I ended up in Cumberland 4 all day for these three programs catching a total of 23 films. Numerous filmmakers were in attendance for Q&A's which is one of the unique and exciting things about the festival experience. Huge kudos to the festival programmers whom always had fantastic questions to get the ball rolling.

Official Selection 1: I Have A Dream
The films in this program had characters who were all driven or centred on achieving a goal. Here are the highlights.


Randall Okita, director of Machine with Wishbone

Machine with Wishbone
Dir: Randall Okita
6 minutes, Canada

Visually fascinating short that was driven by small machines with methodical yet life like quality. The interplay between the movement and the music was stunning, creating beautiful rhythmic patterns.

During the Q&A with the director, Randall Okita, we found out that although the images could appear as animation all of the machines are hand made and move on there own, therefore the visuals were actually live action.


Darren Thornton, director of Frankie

Frankie
Dir: Darren Thornton
12 minutes, Ireland

This stellar short is the tale of a 15 year old boy who is determined to be a good father for his expectant child. Honest and brash while still being earnest and touching, it explores the desire to be become a better person. Phenomenal acting but they young lead, Ryan Andrews, who was 14 at the time of shooting.

The Q&A with director Darren Thornton was great. He said the story stared with the idea of a young boy with a simulated doll. The casting process took a fair amount of time as he wanted someone who wasn't an actor however found Ryan Andrews at a Drama Club in Dublin. When asked about the subtitles in the film (all the dialogue is in English, but accented), he said he was happy with how it turned out as even screenings in Ireland the audience struggled with understanding all of it and it was better to understand the dialogue as it is important later, and have the actor go at his own pace.


Belinda Oldford, director of Come Again in Spring

Come Again in Spring
Dir: Belinda Oldford
12 minutes, Canada

Interesting animated short film plays with the idea of trying to outwit the Grim Reaper when he comes across your doorstep. I enjoyed the animation style that felt layered as well as playing with perspective and point of view.

During the Q&A with director Belinda Oldford, she was asked about the how did she make the doom and gloom meet with lightness and her response was that she doesn't think of it in that sense but that we love life, but that death is a part of life. The film is based on a CBC radio-play.

Alone and Anonymous / Solitário Anônimo
Dir: Debora Diniz
18 minutes, Brazil

This documentary was a challenge to watch as it chronicles the attempt of one man who wants to remain alone and anonymous and die of starvation. He is hospitalized and force fed, yet remains calm and driven in his desire. Overall it was a powerful and compelling film, even though I find it hard to watch anything where someone has their will be forced. I wish the filmmaker could have been there as I am curious to hear the backstory of the film as their is footage throughout this journey.

Official Selection 2: Crime & Punishment
A rare screening with no directors in attendance, for this set of films about fleeing or creating law and responsibility. Here are the highlights.

100% / Cent pour cent
Dir: Christian Bahier
1 minute, France

I love films like this, short and sweet at a precise 1 minute we see a selection of images from footage during the 2007 French election but only when quoting percentages. The power of the hard fact of a percentage and the conviction in the candidates voices is wild.

Terminus
Dir: Trevor Cawood
8 minutes, Canada

Bizarre and compelling short of a man confronted by a stalking concrete monolith. Successful in its creepy and unsettling in tone brings this brilliant idea to execution. One of the best shorts so far.

Official Selection 3: Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me Kill Me
Love and relationships have turbulant times ahead, hold on to your hats for this selection of shorts. Actually, take your hat off if it would block the vision of person behind you. Here are the highlights.

Closer / Arpop
Dir: Aitor Echeverria
7 minutes, Spain

Racy movement based piece exploring bodies in motion. Shown in black and white giving high contrast that creates a curious and playful tone.


Greg Atkins, director of Teenage Girl with festival programmer Angie Driscoll

Teenage Girl
Dir: Greg Atkins
17 minutes, Canada

This short film took some time to grow on me and then afterwards I realized I had come at it from a completely biased angle. Bad me! I think that means that it delivered on its intention as it does challenge your judgment of seeing a man with a teenaged girl. Creative film style gently balances shifting points of view and perspective of the situation and characters allowing the viewer to bring their own beliefs into the film. Very impressive.

During the Q&A with director Greg Atkins, he discussed using projections and slides and how in the film the projections were not done post but actually are tiny slides with black tape around the body and that he loves working with slides and altering technology. With reference to working with actors as opposed to starring in his own work he said that they just had to connect with themselves individually which worked out well.


Kelly Harms, director of Cursing Hanley with festival programmer Angie Driscoll

Cursing Hanley
Dir: Kelly Harms
17 minutes, Canada

I have to admit my first thought when watching the film was "That's Jim Allodi!". Cursing Hanley is a funny comedy of errors where everything that can go wrong does go wrong. What's surprizing is that although you'd think you'd see the gags coming, you don't. The acting is great and it was one of the first times I've seen a tarot reading in a film that felt like a true representation of the situation at hand.

The Q&A following the screening was with screenwriter David Bradley Halls and producer Kerry Young. When asked about what the experience with the CFC as the response was that it was easier than working on other films, and the development process was longer but the access was great. Overall, a highly recommended experience.


Gauta Johnsen, director of Null-Null with festival programmer Angie Driscoll

Null-Null
Dir: Gaute Johnsen
4 minutes, Norway

Tension runs amok in this short that challenges the viewers from start to finish. It will definitely make you rethink how you think about things.

The Q&A with director Gaute Johnsen revolved mostly around the plot of the film so I can't reveal it here. He did explain the title of the film, which would be like in football (soccer for us Canucks) nil-nil, as in a draw.

Mr. Mustache
Dir: Ørjan Jenson
7 minutes, Norway

This delightful documentary shows a series of men with moustaches explaining the nature, history, benefits and challenges of the moustache. Quite a interesting group of unique individuals, this film really speaks volumes about choice of appearance.


Joe Cobden, co-director and star of Sigh with festival programmer Angie Driscoll

Sigh Dir: Ben Steiger Levine & Joe Cobden
5 minutes, Canada

Delightful and quirky film that shows that movement can truly express more than words alone. Wonderful performances brought the screen alive.

Q&A with co-director and star Joe Cobden who talked about the process of the film and said they wanted a playfullness on set and it to be built on fun, sweetness and sighing.

All three programs repeat on Saturday June 14, 2008. See full schedule for more details.

The Worldwide Short Film Festival runs from June 10-15/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Day 1 - Tuesday June 10/08

The Worldwide Short Film Festival started off with a bang with a packed house at the Bloor on a warm Tuesday night for the Opening Night Gala presentation of Award Winners from Around the World. The festival will be presenting 268 films from 31 countries over the next six days and what better way to start than with a delightful selection of short films.


Slawko Klymyiw, Canadian Film Centre (CFC) Executive Director

Paradise
Dir: Jesse Rosensweeet
Canada, 8 minutes

Toys that go through the motions of an ideal life while zooming around on pegs. A witty play on automation and what happens when, gasp!, independent thoughts and ideas emerge. Funny and charming, this audience pleaser was a rocking short to start the night.

The Pearce Sisters
Dir: Luis Cook
UK, 9 minutes

In this animated short, two lone sisters by the sea live a mundane existence amongst the fish, flies and birds. Or do they?

Peter and Ben
Dir: Pinny Grylls
UK, 10 minutes

Peter and Ben is a brilliant short documentary that shares the lovely tale of two oddballs that have left their flock. I saw this short during Hot Docs 08 and it was even more fun the second time round. Pure joy.

Situation Frank
Dir: Patrik Eklund
Sweden, 27 minutes

The surprizing touching short is set during a dark period in the life of Frank. It shows us many life truths be they sad or funny, and adeptly expresses the nature of friendship. I would not have expected to enjoy it so much considering the dark comedic nature, but it is an exhilarating short film that astonishes the audience from moment to moment.

Tony Zear / Torny Zoreil
Dir: Valentine Potier
France, 20 minutes

Fascinating idea brings out the most of this short about a family, and complete subculture of people will really big ears. How does this affect their daily life or romantic life, and what measure do they take to adapt the world around them? I enjoyed the world that was created and the inventiveness of the art design, but wanted connect more to the main character and story.

Gravity
Dir: Nicolas Provost
Belgium, 6 minutes

A series of quick cut screen kisses from classic films is a brilliant idea but the effect of the quickness was a little jarring. The short was sometimes silent and sometimes not which led to more confusion. I did find that some of the pairing images, especially when contrasted either with colour vs black and white images or playing with gender combinations worked wonderfully.

This program, Gala: Award Winners From Around the World repeats Sunday June 15/08 at 9:30PM. See full schedule here.



The Worldwide Short Film Festival runs from June 10-15/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Worldwide Short Film Festival 2008 Preview

The time has finally come! The Worldwide Short Film Festival runs this week starting tomorrow, Tuesday June 10/08. I'm stunned that it was 1 year ago that I was there seeing Elif Isikozlu's beautiful and haunting BLUE. How quickly time passes, but that can only mean it's time to see more great (short) film! The calibre of the festival is high again this year which should be no surprize considering that it is one of the three festivals in Canada where the award winning shorts become eligible for even more awards: Genies and Academy Awards (Best Live-Action Short and Best Animated Short). With 268 films from 31 countries it sure is a festival to be reckoned with.

The festival begins with the Opening Night Gala screening is Awards Winners from Around the World. This program includes the sweet short Peter and Ben (see my thoughts here) and five other award winning shorts. It's destined to be a fantastic night!

There are 12 Official Selections programs which come together in subject matter such as A Brief History of Our Time, This Sporting Life and Watch What You Eat. These programs feature films from Canada and the World and include selections from varying formats such as animated, documentary, experimental and fiction.

If you are feeling patriotic, check out the CFC 20th Anniversary program which features exclusively Canadian shorts created as part of the Short Dramatic Film Program in 2007. Feeling like you want to travel, yet not leave Toronto? Check out these international selections: Thai Spotlight, The Neu Europe and the film school spotlight on Buenos Aires Universidad del Cine.

If you are all about animation, the choice is simple. Check out the Japanese animation spotlight Genius Party double bill featuring the first and second anthology by STUDIO 4°C. The news is that director Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo) will be at the festival for the Canadian premiere of his film Baby Blue and also will be interviewed as part of the festival's symposium series: STUDIO4ºC – Animation in Translation.

Those who like there films more than a little crazy and out there, check out the Midnight Mania screenings Creepy and Freaky. But it doesn't stop there! Keep up the momentum with program Sci-Fi Out There for all of us space cadets, alien seekers and those fascinated with the beyond.

With all of theses choices, the most challenging thing about the festival will be to decide what to see. Who wouldn't want to see it all?.

For more information, check out the Worldwide Short Film Festival website, Program Descriptions, Film Schedule, Symposium Details, Location Information, Box Office Information or Purchase Tickets online.

The Worldwide Short Film Festival runs from June 10-15/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.