Once again, in my capacity as the Toronto Youth Shorts Film Festival Youth Outreach Coordinator, I had the opportunity to attend last week's York Finish Line screening for their third year students, and they certainly did not disappoint. While all the films clocked in at under 10 minutes, they varied widely in form from alternative and experimental fare, to fictional narratives and documentaries, eliciting tears, laughs, introspection, and gasps. Many of the films were deeply touching and stand among some of the best short film's I've seen, though two films in particular caught my attention.

The first came early in the screening with Ashlee Mitchell's Rhonda. A beautiful film named for the director's deceased mother, lovingly pieced together combining present day interviews with home video footage to create a careful tapestry of Rhonda's life as seen through her relationships with friends and family. While also leading the viewer on a daughter's quest to investigate her mother's identity.

The second film that stood out was Adrian Kieda's Seeing the Future. As someone whose eyesight recently, and dramatically declined, this documentary revealing the profitability of the eye care industry and the advances in natural eye healing was especially exciting. Though I immediately pulled my glasses off my face, the film never lost my attention. Finally, when Keida presented his significantly improved prescription after following his natural eye healing regimen, I was filled with hope for the potential improvement in my own eyes! Especially if it allows me to watch more great films!

- Lauren Coughlan

The team and I have been attending a number of student screenings the past couple of weeks, including those at York U, Ryerson, Humber, and U of T.  There are a number of gems in the pack and I certainly hope we see more when we comb through our submissions pile (shameless plug though not really shameless since this is our blog: submissions deadline is next Friday!)

The most enjoyable entries in the fiction spectrum for me were those made by filmmakers who know how to direct actors.  After five years of programming a short film festival by independent filmmakers and students, I find that the most awkward pieces of work us due to a neglect in the casting process.  I know I spout this mantra quite often when giving tips on the T24 Project but it’s true.  Directors need to cast actors for more than their look and actors need to know how to tone it down.  A 1920x1080 frame is not a lot of space and one can easily become too showy in such a tight frame.  Co-stars need to have chemistry and directors need to facilitate that by having scenes shot in a way where they are not constantly segregated from each other through the back and forth angle.  One standout for me at Humber’s FMTV screening yesterday was “Something Like This” for they bypassed all the missteps I noted above.  Unfortunately the programme doesn’t include the filmmakers’ names so I can’t tell you who directed it but if you’re the director and you’re reading this – kudos to you!

I’m going to be at York’s 4th Year Finish Line on Thursday but I did check out some shorts in the 2nd Year lineup and was impressed with a number of docs, particularly Colony Walk by Connor Johnstone and Interlude by Alannah Smith.  Here we have simple stories that people can connect to due to some solid direction by the filmmakers, who were smart enough to employ more than just a talking head to do all the work for them.

One highlight at the U of T Film Festival is At The Kids’ Table, a foodie doc that acts as a follow up to the award-winning These Are The People In Your Neighbourhood.  Working with the Madeleine Collective, Bazuin once again captures the heart and essence of a group of children as they explore a new community.  Court by Madeleine Russo was also another fan favourite.  Though these films were docs, the directors employed charismatic subjects, which is just as important as the talent of an actor for a fictional narrative.

Speaking of good child-like qualities in films, Sonia Beckwith-Cole’s The Lion at Home, shown at the Augmented Cinema Film Festival (a showcase for OCADU students and alumni) is hilarious.  We mean, HI-LAR-I-OUS!  Sometimes simple just works so well.

-Henry

TIFF Kids brings a range of films, exhibits, and workshops to entertain kids and parents.

TIFF continues to engage with children through the various events and programs they hold year-round. As technology evolves, children are becoming active users and TIFF provides an excellent platform for them to utilize their creativity and curiosity in a cinematic atmosphere.

The TIFF Kids International Film Festival takes place April 8-12 and offers a range of Canadian and international films that children can enjoy and relate to. Check out the trailer to view their excellent line up of films

The digiPlaySpace is another example of how TIFF engages and teaches children about emerging media technologies. The fun and interactive environment allows them to learn and share their artistic experience with family and friends.

It is great for kids to learn more about cinema and be interested in actively involving in some way. It contributes to their imagination and provides them with different perceptions. I hope that TIFF continues to extend their kids programming and I look forward to seeing what next year will bring.

- Michelle