Friday, July 10, 2009

TORONTO CASTING FILM INTENSIVE AUDITIONS (AUGUST 4 & 5, 2009)


THE INDUSTRY IS PICKING UP. BE READY. THIS WORKSHOP IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND BE SEEN BY 4 TOP CASTING DIRECTORS.

In this intensive and challenging two-day workshop, you'll have the opportunity to work (two) audition scenes on camera, of your choosing. However, if choosing your own sides seems a little daunting, don't worry, we also have a whole selection of sides for you to choose from.

Well known Canadian acting coach Marc Baur, will team up with with one of Toronto's finest acting coaches, Janet Laine, and together they'll see one of your audition sides, giving you two opportunities to work it on camera.

After diner, you'll work your audition side on camera again, only this time before a panel of two prominent Casting Directors - Tina Gerussi and Robin Cooks Associate, Millie Tom. If time allows, a question and answer session will close each day.

Next day, you will repeat the first days format, only you will work your other audition side. Janet and Marc will again work your auditions, however after diner, your Casting Director panel be new. This time you will work out with two different prominent Casting Directors - Marsha Chesley and Lisa Parasyn.

This workshop is very intensive. Each day gives you almost ten hours of instruction, which is actually like giving you the equivalent of a three or four day workshop.

Your work will be recorded on camera and you will get a DVD of all your work done with each casting director panel.

Who Should Attend?

This class is designed for the working actor, or at least those who are serious about honing their audition skills and enlarging their presence in the Canadian film industry.

Workshop Format

Tuesday, August 4th

Start - 12:00 noon
Meet and greet - and experience a short open and fun instrumental warm-up, lead by Marc Baur

On Camera Audition Workout (Acting Coaches) - 12:30 pm
Work one of your audition scenes twice, with acting coaches Janet Laine and Marc Baur.

*There will be plenty of breaks scheduled through the day.

Diner - 5:30 pm

On camera Audition Workout - (Casting Directors) - 6:30 pm
Work your audition scene with casting directors Tina Gerussi and Millie Tom.

Finish - 10:30 pm

Wednesday, August 5th

Start - 12:00 noon

Meet and greet - and experience a short open and fun instrumental warm-up, lead by Marc Baur

On Camera Audition Workout (Acting Coaches) - 12:30 pm
Work your other audition scene twice, with acting coaches Janet Laine and Marc Baur

*There will be plenty of breaks scheduled through the day.

Diner - 5:30 pm

On camera Audition Workout - (Casting Directors) - 6:30 pm
Work your other audition scene with casting directors Marsha Chesley and Lisa Parasyn.

Finish - 10:30 pm

Workshop Specifics

Workshop is from 12 noon to 10:30 pm on Tuesday, August 4tn and Wednesday, August 5th.

Cost of the workshop is $395, with $50 discount. $445, without discount. No additional taxes charged.

Official Website:
http://www.baurstudio.com/TORONTO.html

Saturday, July 4, 2009

"IN THE SPOTLIGHT" THIS WEEK


Let's congratulate and support the following member of Spotlight Nation for their accomplishments:


STEVEN TOCHER



Steven Tocher just finished a short film for a competition. He has kindly asked us all for some support in voting for his film.


Why Satan Hates the Church
http://www.ekklesiadetroit.com/contest/?p=43













*We'd love to hear about any and all accomplishments produced by Spotlight Nation members. Post on the walls/discussion boards on Facebook and you can be "In The Spotlight" for our next newsletter*

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

IRON ROAD SCREENING @ THE ROYAL (JULY 21, 2009)


A Canada/China co-production starring SUN LI, PETER O'TOOLE, SAM NEILL, and LUKE MACFARLANE

Directed by DAVID WU
Written by BARRY PEARSON and RAYMOND STOREY

Also starring Tony Leung Ka Fai, Kenneth Mitchell, Ian Tracey, Gao Yun Xiang, Charlotte Sullivan, Serge Houde, and Zhang Nai Hua.

A story of disguise and forbidden love, set against the building of the railroad.

Iron Road Wins Four Awards
At the Leo Awards, held by the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Foundation of British Columbia:
Best Cinematography in a Feature Length Drama -- Attila Szalay
Best Production Design in a Feature Length Drama -- Linda Del Rosario
Best Costume Design in a Feature Length Drama -- Maya Mani
Best Make-Up in a Feature Length Drama -- Joanne Kinchella

Iron Road Wins Audience Favourite Award at the Dominican Film Festival

Sun Li awarded Best Actress, miniseries, for Iron Road at the Roma FictionFest, July 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
http://www.ironroadthemovie.com

EVENT LISTING:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109163217526

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

THE SECOND CITY PRESENTS: PERSONAL PUBLICITY SEMINAR (JUNE 28, 2009)


The Second City presents a revolutionary new seminar from the award-winning publicists of the 2008 SCTV reunion and the Canadian Comedy Awards…

PERSONAL PUBLICITY

This Sunday, June 28th, 10am to 5pm @ the Second City (King St. & Blue Jays Way)

The Shehori Brothers teach everything you’ll need to know about promoting your shows, events, – and most of all, your career – like a professional publicist

Full money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the value of this seminar

Hiring a publicist for even one event will cost between several hundred and a couple of thousand dollars – with no guarantees whatsoever. The Personal Publicity seminar will give you literally all the tools needed to easily do the job yourself and obtain the results you’re looking for. Whether you are an actor, a comedian, a musician, or an entertainment producer/promoter of any genre, the methods taught in this seminar will work for you.

The Shehori Brothers – the official publicists for Second City Toronto – will, in plain and simple terms, share their proven publicity methods and secrets on how to obtain significant media attention for yourself and your endeavors. In addition, they’ll teach you to think about your career in a new way that will move you quickly and confidently towards your goals.

Among other things, the seminar will:
- Guide you, step by step, on the dos and don’ts of creating memorable press releases & eye-popping press kits

- Teach how to make your shows stand out and appear more attractive to newspapers, radio, TV and web

- Teach how to optimize your show’s success + be nominated for national awards

- Increase your media profile in Toronto, Canada, the U.S., or elsewhere

- Help you with getting an agent, or help your current agents get you more work

- Help you with obtaining government grants and garnering a U.S. Work Visa


PLUS:
- Everyone in attendance will receive a publicity booklet, which includes:

- Entertainment media list (over 250 media contacts)

- Numerous sample press releases & templates

- Key Industry contacts for photography, poster services, editors, videographers, graphic designers, etc…

Between them, the Shehori Brothers have garnered a Gemini Award nomination, a Dora nomination, plus 14 Canadian Comedy Award nominations (and 2 wins!) as writers, directors and producers. Working alongside the creators of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical The Drowsy Chaperone, the brothers co-produced the critically acclaimed production An Awkward Evening with Martin & Johnson. More recently, they’ve penned 12 national award shows, written for The Huffington Post, and served as senior writers for The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos. They’re now begun working as creative consultants for Just for Laughs Toronto 2009.

Personal Publicity – Sunday, June 28th, 10am to 5pm

The Mainstage Theatre of the Second City

51 Mercer St. at Blue Jays Way, next to Wayne Gretzky’s
Registration: $185 + GST (total: $194.25). By phone at 1-888-340-7270,

online at www.SecondCityRegistration.com, or by e-mail at training.to@secondcity.com

There Will be Refreshments

For additional information, pop by www.SweatEquity.ca

“The Shehori Brothers are highly respected in the industry as publicists & writers/producers of live theatre and television. And in addition to working with established artists, they take a lot of time to help up-and-comers with their careers. Besides being talented, they're generous as well, which I find a rare combination in this business."
Richard Ouzounian – Theatre Critic: The Toronto Star & Variety

"Daniel and Steven Shehori have the business and art of comedy in their blood. They are devoted advocates of young aspiring comedians, writers and actors, and they have the innate ability to understand what it takes to promote, produce and develop a career in the entertainment biz. They have done an extraordinary job publicizing the Second City and the 8-year run of the Tim Sims Theatre."
Andrew Alexander – SCTV Producer, Proprietor & Executive Producer of the Second City

"The Shehori brothers are tireless, knowledgeable and above all universally respected in the Canadian entertainment industry. Having them in your corner gives you a lot better chance of surviving the ridiculously tough battle that is Canadian show business."
Steve Patterson – Host of CBC’S The Debaters

“Over the past 5 years the Canadian Comedy Awards has had the pleasure of working with Daniel and Steven Shehori. From assisting in PR and media launches to the planning of live events, and of course serving on committees due to their reputation as top-flight live show producers and comedy writers; working with them has not only been professionally rewarding but a great experience.”
Tim Progosh – Founder: The Canadian Comedy Awards

“Daniel and Steven have an exceptional grasp of the industry and have always steered my company in the right direction. I’ve had the Shehoris work on a number of productions for me, including shows for Louis C.K. (which was voted top show in Toronto in 2008), as well Paula Poundstone and Debra Digiovanni. They are the link between selling out and not.”
Jake Labow – Jake Labow Productions

“I've had the fortune of working with and for the Shehori Brothers. In every instance they’ve proved themselves to be absolute professionals and up to the task. It's a two-pronged attack that never ceases to amaze those who work with them.”
Craig Lauzon – Cast Member & Writer: The Royal Canadian Air Farce

“Daniel and Steven Shehori taught us so much about comedy event production and promotion! Laughing Like Crazy, our signature comedy fundraiser has been a huge success – 5 years running. We owe much of that success to the direction and guidance of the Shehori Brothers.”
Ellen Ostofsky - Director of Fundraising & Special Projects: Mood Disorders Association of Ontario

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Daniel & Steven on numerous levels. If it is a show I need to promote, or a script I need to punch up, the first people I always think of are the Shehori Brothers. Their shared wealth of knowledge on the entertainment industry is an invaluable resource for students and professionals alike.
Carlie Baxter – Jordan and Associates Talent Agency

“I've dealt with many people in entertainment. Writers, directors, producers, agents, network executives, and talent. Well, Daniel and Steven possess a rare combination of skills that elude most of them. They're brilliantly creative in generating fresh ideas and amazingly savvy in making them come to life. Thinking. Doing. And now they're going to teach people? Good for them. Better for us.”
Ron Tite – Vice President, Creative Director: Sharpe Blackmore euro RSCG

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

TORONTO FILM RACE 2009 SCREENINGS (JUNE 26, 2009)


This past weekend as part of the Toronto Film Race 2009, local filmmakers were challenged to write, shoot and edit an original short film (4 minutes max) in just 24 hours based on the following assignment:


Theme:
Payback
Surprise Element: Spraying perfume / cologne

Come check out the world premiere of the films this Friday and vote for your favorites! Tickets are $9 (cash only) and are available at the door on the night of the screening. For more information, check out http://www.filmracing.com/Cities/toronto.htm.

The screening line-ups are below:
======================================
Friday, June 26th, 2009 (7PM - 9PM)
======================================
''Maxwell'' by High Tide Productions (Fayez Bilal)
''The Crystal Ball'' by Dynamic Duo (Mikey Singer)
''Haute Piss'' by SACKit2me (Andrew Black)
''Payback's A Bitch'' by Cheekie Bitches (Brittiny Stephenson, Christina Kopsky-Abbott)
''SprayBack'' by Lambda Lambda Lambda (Quentin Matheson)
''Snip'' by Workshed Productions (Jay Clarke)
''Whats Yours'' by Triple Entendre (Aaron Mirkin)
''Breakdown'' by Edelweiss (Greg Isaacs)
''Unfinished'' by ADC/VALLEY PRODUCTIONS (AILEEN DELA CUESTA)
''Back At Ya'' by Humblemedia Productions (Andrew Fraser)
''A Lethal Case of Nut Rash'' by Team Neo Nova (Gregory Andreychuk)
''Harsh Lights of Day'' by Just kill dixie monday Josh (Dixie Kesebi)
''Sticky Stallion'' by The Jive Media (Keaton Evans)
''Egg cellent'' by Defective Pictures (Mitchell Gibson)
''Payback's A Bitch'' by Goedist Films (Sean Grounds)
*We will also be screening a selection of top films from other cities on the 2009 Film Racing Tour.

======================================
Friday, June 26th, 2009 (9:30PM - 11:30PM)
======================================
''Roomies'' by Hockeybag Films (Mark Cannataro)
''Karmaza'' by It Turns My Milk Into Funny... (Remington North)
''Scents & Sensibility'' by M&N Productions (Matthew McGrath)
''555 2625'' by $115 USD (Noah Taylor)
''Horsefeathers'' by JJC (Colin Sharp)
''The 9th Day'' by Follow me satan films (Brandon Pitt)
''Puppy Love'' by Woodstockonian (Matt Power)
''Misunderstanding'' by PJ² (Jory Lyons)
''The Witchy Witches'' by J.A.Jones (Julie Jones)
''Payoff'' by Vrevolution (Vlad Lunin)
''A Lotta Luck'' by Think Orange Productions (Pritesh Gandhi)
''X-change'' by ON AIR (Irada Selimkhanova)
''Shwatarded'' by Anterockstar (Amanda Henry)
''God's Acre'' by Arcilesi Films (Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi)
''SprayBack'' by No Dice Films (Ryan Orprecio)
*We will also be screening a selection of top films from other cities on the 2009 Film Racing Tour.

Event Listing:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=63499633543#/event.php?eid=94405053068

Monday, June 15, 2009

DOC/NOW FESTIVAL SCREENINGS - RYERSON GRADUATES @ NFB (JUNE 22 & 23, 2009)


ABOUT
Doc/Now is a two-week festival in June 2009 that showcases the thesis work of 33 artists in the Documentary Media MFA Program in the School of Image Arts. The festival consists of exhibitions at Gallery 1313, Lennox Contemporary, Ryerson Gallery and Toronto Image Works; film screenings at the NFB's John Spotton Theatre; and a panel discussion among artists working in film, photography, and new media.

Doc/Now is a two-week arts festival celebrating the work of Documentary Media artists from June 11 - 23, 2009.

The festival showcases the thesis work of graduating students in the Documentary Media MFA Program at Ryerson University in Toronto.

With four exhibitions at prominent galleries throughout the city, six days of film screenings, and site-specific installations, Doc/Now reflects the program's innovative approach to documentary in photography, film and new media.

The artists in Doc/Now expand, challenge and experiment with the documentary form and tackle contemporary political, social and cultural issues.

Join us at the NFB John Spotton Theatre on Monday June 22 and Tuesday June 23 -- both evenings feature two unique film programs starting at 6 and 8:45 pm!

FILM SCREENINGS

John Spotton Theatre, National Film Board of Canada

June 22 - Lifelines: Present, Past, and Future

Lifelines / Program One: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Lifelines / Program Two: 8:45-11 p.m.

Reception for Artists: 7:30 p.m.

Lifelines / Program One: 6:00 p.m.

Mélanie Saumure: Fragments de Corps
Sadia Mir: i was here before
Estelle Hébert: Passing Lines
Inger Whist: Bowl Tolling

Reception: 7:30 p.m.

Lifelines / Program Two: 8:45 p.m.

Ernie Kestler: Grains of Salt
Kate Schneider: The Valley of Dry Bones
Elaine Brodie: To Have and To Hold: Collecting and the Heart's Desire

June 23 - Interrogations: Biology, Social Codes, and Civility

Interrogations/Program One: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Interrogations/Program Two: 8:45 -11 p.m.

Reception for Artists: 7:30 p.m.

Interrogations/Program One: 6:00 p.m.

Lyndall Musselman: Remember Who's Emma: Punk, Politics, and Place
Jermaine Bagnall: After K
Marie Wustner: Punchlines, Progress, and the Right to Remix

Reception 7:30 p.m.

Interrogations/Program Two: 8:45 p.m.

Mike Sage: Survival of the Fabulous
Graham Runciman: Dream House
Christine Engel: Beyond the Closet
Joanne Loton: Women Will Come: Feminists Redefining Pornography

Doc/Now
http://www.documentarynow.ca

► THE BABY FORMULA HITS AMC (JUNE 19, 2009)


Check out this hilarious mocumentary about the first women in the world to conceive using 'female sperm', then join us for a "Meet The Cast" party on June 20th at Slacks (movie ticket stubs from any screening on June 19th or 20th will ensure entry)....

Veteran stunt coordinator-turned-director ALISON REID makes her feature film directorial debut with THE BABY FORMULA, hitting the AMC (Yonge & Dundas) June 19th after emerging from a huge audience and critical success on the world film festival circuit!!!

SCREENINGS EVERYDAY!! ( June 19th through to July 30th) ****times of screenings to be announced soon!!!***

“A genuinely laugh out loud, funny and moving film” The Hour

“It’s funny, rueful, absurd, angry, hysterical, deadly serious, and entertaining as hell. Sort of like life.” The Montreal Gazette

THE BABY FORMULA is a hilarious comedy about the first two women in the world to conceive using “female sperm” made from each other’s stem cells. (Yes this process of making sperm from stem cells has been successful in mice in real life! It’s being developed as a fertility treatment for men with low sperm counts.) Although the story starts out being about the science, it ends up being about love, acceptance and family.

Athena and Lilith are two women in love who are desperate to have their own biological child. They take a chance on an experimental scientific process and make sperm from their own stem cells. Pregnant with humour and unexpected twists, their journey tailspins out of control when their families discover there is no father.


Check out the trailer:
http://www.thebabyformulamovie.com/


THE CAST
Angela Vint
Megan Fahlenbock
Rosemary Dunsmore
Michael Hanrahan
Hal Eisen
Roger Dunn
Dmitry Chepovetsky
Jessica Booker
Alison Reid
RD Reid
Matt Baram
Maggie Cassella
Sarain Boylan

KEY CREW
Executive Producers - Paul Zimic, David J. Woods
Director/Producer - Alison Reid
Writer - Richard Beattie
Producers - Stephen Adams, James Mou
Director of Photography - Brian Harper
Editor - Mark Arcieri
Supervising Sound Editor - Mike Welker
Composer - Robert Carli and Charlie Finlay
Music Producer - Tim Thorney
Costume Designers - Leslie Kavanagh
Melanie Jennings
Production Desginer - Bob Sher

For more info., visit the facebook event page:
http://www.facebook.com/s.php?q=MCC+toronto&init=s%3Agroup&k=200000010&n=-1&sid=3aa318988b727f9115da6cff0b56c84e#/event.php?eid=102434172800&ref=mf

LIFT PRESENTS ANIMATING ANALOGUE - SCREENINGS AND PANEL (JUNE 19, 2009)


ANIMATING ANALOGUE
Screening and Panel
Part of the Strategies of the Medium Series

Friday, June 19, 2009
Starts at 7:00PM
Cinecycle, 129 Spadina Avenue (down the alley)
Suggested donation: Members $5, Non-Members $8

In this program LIFT reflects on current practices in film-based animation using professional animation stands, representing a wide range of styles and techniques. These animation stands - on which nearly all animation was produced pre-Flash and CGI - are remarkably versatile and complex machines. With a current complement of three Oxberry stands, both 16mm and 35mm, LIFT has remarkable resources available to filmmakers wishing to explore the world of animation. The screening will be followed by a brief panel discussion featuring Canadian artists who work with film-based animation.

This program introduces and complements the upcoming season of creative and technical workshops devoted to film-based animation - http://www.lift.on.ca/mt/workshops.html

Panel discussion after the screening, featuring Jonathan Amitay and Chris Gehman moderated by Ellen Besen.

EVENT LISTING:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/event.php?eid=115293364895

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

LUMINATO AND BRAVO!FACT PRESENT CONTEMPORARY COMMUNICATION SHORTS (JUNE 14, 2009)



Sunday, June 14, 2009 6:00pm
/ FREE

National Film Board Mediatheque, 150 John Street, Toronto

CTV’s Bravo!FACT is thrilled to announce that Luminato will be presenting a screening of some of the best shorts from across the country – all dealing with some aspect of communication – produced with grants awarded by CTV’s Bravo!FACT (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent).

Featured filmmakers and artists include:
Simon Davidson, Alexandria Mitchell, Kurt Evans, Matthew MacCaul, Michael Daingerfield, Missy Christensen, Ryan Drescher, Wendy Russell, Sandra Sawatzky, Bryan Wright, Kirk Miles, Paul Chambers, Sean Ling, Vern Reynolds-Braun, Corey Lee, Simone-Elise Girard, Vincent Gale, John Gould, Justine Ricard, Mark Morgenstern, Aline Blanc, Hannah Dorozio, Lael Stellick, Mateo Guez, Alicia Perez-Cromwell, Mizé Bettencourt, Daniel Kash, Hayley Tyson, Jessica Steen, Kathryn Greenwood, Adam & Dave, Rebecca Addelman, Geoffrey Pugen, Andrya Duff, Nadia Belerique, Steeve Paquet, Nathaniel G. Moore, Sharon Katz, Don McKellar, Gülçin Santricioglu, Beste Bereket, Ryan Keller, Darryl Hinds, Jim Annan, Lauren Ash, Marty Adams and Scott Montgomery.


Seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. And it's FREE!!!

http://www.bravofact.com/announcements/events.asp?eventID=54

MONGREL MEDIA PROUDLY PRESENTS O'HORTEN (JUNE 5, 2009)


Odd Horten has driven the same train route every day for so long that the rest of his life has become a routine of comfortable rituals. But the time has come for the 67-year-old engineer to retire after forty years of dutiful service. His orderly, solitary existence is about to give way to a future of perplexing questions. How could Horten get himself in such an awkward situation when he should be celebrating his retirement? Will Horten ever travel by plane? Will he finally sell his prized boat? How does Horten end up in a pair of women’s red high-heeled shoes? Will he survive a nighttime drive with a blindfolded man at the wheel? The only thing for certain is that Horten is first in line for some absurd adventures and quirky encounters. And maybe even a new dog and an old love!

- Official Norway Selection
- Best Foreign Language Film
- Academy Awards

Date:
Friday, June 5, 2009

Where:
Cumberland 4 Cinemas
http://www.toronto.com/movies/listing/100100

Showtimes: 1:30 PM | 4:45 PM | 7:30 PM | 10:00 PM

O' Horten - Official Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ong76I3aJm4

MONGREL MEDIA PROUDLY PRESENTS WATERLIFE (JUNE 5, 2009)


Waterlife follows the cascade of the Great Lakes from Lake Superior to the Atlantic Ocean, telling the story of the last huge supply of fresh water on Earth. Filled with fascinating characters and stunning imagery, Waterlife is a cinematic poem about the beauty of water and the dangers of taking it for granted. Narrated by Gord Downie, lead vocalist of The Tragically Hip and Waterkeeper’s Trustee of Lake Ontario. Featuring music by Sam Roberts, Sufjan Stevens, Sigur Ros, Robbie Robertson and Brian Eno.

“Beautifully shot and entirely absorbing!”
– Robert Bell EXCLAIM!

“Gorgeous imagery and ethereal soundtrack”
– Jason Anderson, THE TORONTO STAR

“One of the most stunning films about the environmental crisis I’ve ever seen.”
-Agnes Varnum, DOC IT OUT

Date:
Friday, June 5, 2009

Running Time: 1h49m

Genre: Documentary

Film by: Kevin McMahon

Where:
Cineplex Odeon Varsity and Varsity VIP
http://www.cineplex.com/Theatres/TheatreDetails/A21F8D00/Cineplex_Odeon_Varsity_and_Varsity_VIP.aspx?date=2009-6-5

Showtimes: 1:10pm | 3:50pm | 6:50pm | 9:40pm

Canada Square
http://www.cineplex.com/Theatres/TheatreDetails/A21F8D00/Cineplex_Odeon_Varsity_and_Varsity_VIP.aspx?date=2009-6-5

Showtimes: 4:20pm | 6:50pm | 9:30pm

Waterlife - Official Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWTu_fXgaqM

Our Waterlife
http://campaigns.hellocoolworld.com/index.cfm?campaign_id=12

Waterlife - NFB
http://waterlife.nfb.ca

Monday, June 1, 2009

TOKYO! @ THE ROYAL (JUNE 5 - 11, 2009)


TOKYO!

a film by Michel Gondry, Leos Carax and Bong Joon-Ho
- starts Friday June 5th

"Mutants abound as each episode trips the light fantastic." - Village Voice

In TOKYO!, three of the world's greatest filmmakers come together for an omnibus triptych examining the nature of one unforgettable city as it's shaped by the disparate people who live, work (and even run amok!) inside one enormous, constantly evolving, densely populated Japanese megalopolis - the ravishing and inimitable Tokyo. Triptych, rhapsody, psychogeography, omnibus, urban valentine, freak show, mindwalk and many other things, TOKYO! is a fantasy in three movements that will make you see one of the world's greatest cities - if not any city - in unpredictable new ways.

Michel Gondry’s (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND) segment, “Interior Design” tells the story about a couple of Japanese artists who move to Tokyo in order to make names for themselves. It works out for one better than it does the other, until a transformation takes place that changes everything.

Léos Carax’s (POLA X) hilarious segment, “Merde” reunites him with his Les Amants du Pont Neuf star, Denis Lavant, playing a man who emerges from the sewer system of Tokyo to play with a bunch of grenades that he’s found.

Bong Joon-ho’s (THE HOST) segment, “Shaking Tokyo” feels like it could have been written by Haruki Murakami. Teruyuki Kagawa (Tokyo Sonata) plays a recluse who hasn’t left his apt. in over a decade. Empty pizza boxes and read books are stacked perfectly around him. In all the years he’s hid himself away, he’s never looked a single delivery person in the eye. One day he accidentally exchanges glances with a pizza delivery girl, an earthquake strikes Tokyo, and he’s forced to consider the way he’s living.

"TOKYO! is a must-see for the Gondry segment, and a strange, diverting pleasure for the rest."
- Philadephia Inquirer

"A fun jaunt around the city and a quick tour of the preoccupations of three leading directors? Now there's a bargain." - L.A Times


Watch The Trailer:
http://www.tokyothemovie.com/index.html

co-presented with Over The Top Festival.

EVENT LISTING:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=93310296986

Friday, May 29, 2009

MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS @ THE ROYAL (MAY 29 - JUNE 4, 2009)


MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS
- directed by Carl Bessai
- starts May 29th
starring Babz Chula, Camille Sullivan, Gabrielle Rose, Tiffany Lyndall-Knight, Tantoo Cardinal, Tinsel Korey and Ben Cotton

WATCH THE TRAILER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoYLdgiN6-k

"Bessai and his cast manage to balance the emotional heart of the movie with light and clever comedy. The performances are universally outstanding, this is some of the best acting you'll find. Mothers and Daughters is Bessai's most enjoyable movie, and a welcome breath of fresh air in the midst of the blockbusters." - Jesse Wente, cbc
http://www.cbc.ca/metromorning/2009/05/mothers_and_daughters_runs_143.html

"Three mother/daughter narratives are tightly woven in this drama/mock-doc hybrid about love, rejection and reunification." - Now Magazine

SYNOPSIS
MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS is a comedic drama that blends elements of narrative and documentary film. It follows three mother/daughter pairs as they unknowingly approach a pivotal moment in their lives. The film explores the hilarious, the ridiculous, and the complicated dynamics of mother/daughter relationships. These three mother/ daughter pairs offer a diverse glimpse into the needs, the denials, and the inescapable love that these women feel towards each other. Ultimately, it is a celebration of these inexplicable, universal bonds.

"With MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS, Bessai has created a film that is entirely fresh yet openly referential to iconic filmmakers and movements: Robert Altman, John Cassavetes, Mike Leigh and the Dogme95 set can all be sensed." - Toronto Film Festival

"a handful of really terrific performances." - Toronto Sun

Screening Times:
Friday May 29 @ 7pm and 9:15pm
Saturday May 30 @ 7pm and 9:15pm
Sunday May 31 @ 4:30pm, 7pm and 9:15pm
Monday June 1 @ 9:15pm
Tuesday June 2 @ 7pm and 9:15pm
Wednesday June 3 @ 7pm and 9:15pm
Thursday June 4 @9:15pm

EVENT LISTING:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=86946071169

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

CUONG NGO'S 'THE GOLDEN PIN' - YORK SCREENING (JUNE 4, 2009)



Event Listing: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=80568328228


What: The Golden Pin Screening at the Finish Line Screening at York University

When: at 7pm sharp, Thursday, June 4th, 2009

Where: Price Family Cinema in the Accolade East Building on York University campus (at the corner of Fine Arts Road and Ian Macdonald Blvd.) Main university address is 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, phone number 416-736-2100

How to get there: http://www.yorku.ca/perform/whereweare.htm

No tickets are required to purchase, so you can take as many friends as you want.

The After Party:
Nirvana
434 College St. (at Bathurst)
Phone: 416-927-8885
From: 0930PM To: 0200AM

"The Golden Pin" won the Colin Campbell Award for Best Canadian Short recently at the Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film & Video Festival.

Check out the film's website at: http://www.thegoldenpin.com

Friday, May 8, 2009

CHAOS FOR HIRE WORLD PREMIERE (MAY 13, 2009)


Chaos for Hire is a short comedy by two Ryerson University 4th year students, Daniel Tahmizian and Abe Sanjakdar.

Synopsis:
Lee (Steve Carey) and Booker (Jeff Elliott) are two amatuer hitmen who can't seem to catch a break until Lee's cousin Jevan (Daniel Reininghaus) offers them a job that seems too good to be true. The job is a young woman. The man who wants her dead is Bill Hopper (Paco Paquito Hernaci), just another white collar unhappy with his job, his marriage, his life. When Lee and Booker show up at her apartment she's not there at all, but instead they find 7 armed men. In this short comedy of errors we watch as everything goes wrong in a situation in which each character finds themselves out of their element.

Come out to support local Ryerson University student filmmakers!!

Run Time: 26 minutes

Tickets are only $5 at door to help the filmmakers


Directors: Daniel Tahmizian & Abe Sanjakdar
Screenplay by: Daniel Tahmizian & Abe Sanjakdar
Executive Producers: Daniel Tahmizian & Abe Sanjakdar

Cast:
Lee - Steve Carey
Booker - Jeff Elliott
Jevan - Daniel Reininghaus
Bill Hopper - Paco Paquito Hernaci
Fraiser - Dave Schokking
Cherry - Natalie Gonzalez
News Anchor - Booker Laporte

EVENT LISTING:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=78878009513

Monday, May 4, 2009

HOTDOCS! AT THE ROYAL


HOTDOCS! at The Royal

Celebrating 16 years of bringing the world's finest documentaries to Toronto, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival runs until Sunday, May 10, offering 11 days of over 170 films from 39 countries.

Hot Docs welcomes over 100 filmmakers with film's in this year's Festival, who will be on on hand at a number of screenings to introduce their work and take questions from the audience. Some of these filmmakers will also be discussing their work as part of Hot Docs Talks.

http://www.hotdocs.ca. The Hot Docs Daily is your source for Festival highlights, special features and Q&As, Programmer Picks, Festival photos and more. For information on all of this year's films, including venues and screening times, visit Hot Docs' Online Schedule at http://schedule.hotdocs.ca. Happy Hot Docs!


Friday, May 01
7:30 PM Laughology
10:00 PM Clubland

Saturday, May 02
7:00 PM Ganesh: Boy Wonder
9:45 PM Invisible City

Sunday, May 03
1:00 PM Waban-aki: People From Where The Sun Rises
4:00 PM Zombie Girl: The Movie
6:45 PM Hard Name
9:30 PM Love at the Starlite Motel

Monday, May 04
7:30 PM About Face: The Story of Gwendellin Bradshaw
9:45 PM René

Tuesday, May 05
7:30 PM Antoine
10:00 PM Video: DigiBeta Jazz Baroness

Wednesday, May 06
7:30 PM Forgetting Dad
10:00 PM Grandmother's Flower

Thursday, May 07
7:30 PM 65_Redroses
10:00 PM Bloody Mondays & Strawberry Pies

Friday, May 08
7:30 PM Fierce Light: When Spirit Meets Action
10:00 PM Tiger Next Door

Saturday, May 09
2:00 PM 65_Redroses 71
4:30 PM Ashes Of American Flags
7:15 PM Love at the Starlite Motel
9:45pm Cat Ladies

Sunday, May 10
1:30 PM Prom Night in Mississippi
4:00 PM RiseUp
6:30 PM Poetry in Motion
9:30 PM Soulwax - Part of the Weekend Never Dies

Thursday, April 30, 2009

THE LAST NEW YEAR @ THE ROYAL (MAY 17 - 19, 2009)


THE LAST NEW YEAR @ The Royal

EVENT LISTING: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=78944698183

Toronto Premier Screenings:
MAY 17, 18, & 19
THE ROYAL @ 7PM
608 College (at Clinton St.), Toronto, ON
The Filmmakers and Cast will be in attendance with a Q & A after each screening.

TICKETS: $10
To reserve your tickets email mattdrappel@thenightingalecompany.com with the date and number you would like to purchase.
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The Last New Year has been selected as Golden Ace Award Winner at the 2009 Las Vegas International Film Festival.

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REVIEW BY GREGOR CRAIGIE, CBC RADIO - JANUARY 30, 2009
“Great… a very thoughtful film.”

http://www.thelastnewyear.com/files/CBC%20On%20The%20Island%20interview.mp3

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REVIEW BY MICHAEL D. REID, TIMES COLONIST - JANUARY 29, 2009
“John Cassavetes died 20 years ago, but the American independent film pioneer’s influence is unmistakable in The Last New Year, Garfield Lindsay Miller’s absorbing ensemble drama…”

http://www.thelastnewyear.com/files/TCreview.pdf

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THUMBNAIL SYNOPSIS
A young man’s mysterious disappearance tests the frayed relationships among his nine closest friends. Reunited for their annual night of fun and debauchery, the group must unravel the secrets behind his absence to save the tradition and their friendships from disaster.


FILM SYNOPSIS
The Last New Year is the story of the “Fools and Bastards Club,” a diverse group of twenty-somethings who share one thing in common – each other. In high school, ten friends made a pact that every New Year’s Eve they would reunite to celebrate. After eight years what had started as a simple house party developed into a sacred tradition, and, although the friends had grown apart, the annual event always brought them back together.

But this New Year’s Eve things are different. One of the group’s core members, Rich, has mysteriously disappeared leaving his girlfriend, Penny, his best friend, William and the rest of the group clueless as to what happened, where he is, or if he is even still alive. Most assume he’s dead and, despite the shadow of their loss and the mystery that surrounds his disappearance, the group valiantly attempts to keep the party going. For many, the stress is too much to bear and old friendships, once unquestionable, are put to the test. As the friends begin spiraling into anger and blame, it soon becomes clear that this may be the club’s last official meeting.

At the center of the drama are Penny and William and a secret love affair that could easily tear “The Fools and Bastards” apart for good. When they learn their secret may be linked to their friend’s disappearance, they must decide what is more important: keeping the truth to themselves or keeping the group together.

----------

The Last New Year is a feature film by Garfield Lindsay Miller. The film stars: Casey Austin, Margaret Evans, Philip Graeme, Andrew Hachey, Kate Hewlett, Mike McPhaden, James Murray, Mayko Ngyen, Aaron Webber, and Kris Holden-Reid.

Director - GARFIELD LINDSAY MILLER
Writers - GARFIELD LINDSAY MILLER & CASEY AUSTIN
Producer - ALYSON RICHARDS
Executive Producer - DEBBIE NIGHTINGALE
Director of Photography - PASHA PATRIKI
Editor - DEV SINGH
Production Designer - CHRIS GOTZAMANIS
Music Supervisor - NICK BLASKO

With Music by:
The Be Good Tanyas
The Black Angels
The Cape May
The Constantines
The Golden Dogs
Jason Collett
Jets Overhead
Jon and Roy
Land of Talk
Scandalnavia
Tegan & Sara
and
Wintersleep

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

RAINDANCE CANADA ♦ SHORT, SHARP CLASSES FOR FILMMAKERS (MAY 20 - JUNE 17, 2009)


Coming Up At Raindance

A series of fun and informative events!

We’re happy to announce a series of informative and exciting evening events!

Wednesday May 20, 2009 Navigating Film Fesivals
Wednesday May 27, 2009 The Essentials Of Entertainment Law
Wednesday June 3, 2009 The Art Of Action
Wednesday June 10, 2009 Sound Effects On A Budget
Wednesday June 17, 2009 The Triple Threat: Camera, Editing, and Production

Pay for 4 and get the 5th FREE
Receive the Filmmakers Foundation Certificate

Filmmakers Foundation Certificate

Short, Sharp Classes for Filmmakers

A unique series of Raindance Canada sponsored Wednesday evening classes beginning May 20, 2009

For more information on the upcoming courses this May & June:
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=63499633543&topic=7554

Friday, April 24, 2009

STUDENT FILM SHOWCASE (MAY 27, 2009)

Screening
Price:
$8.00
Start time:
May 27 2009 7:30pm

Event description:

The Student Film Showcase is an annual event showcasing the finest student films from universities and colleges across the country. The Showcase presents a diverse and exciting range of student work including animation, documentary, fiction and experimental films, representing the talent of Canada's future generation of filmmakers.

Each year, the programme of student films is chosen by TIFFG programmers. A jury comprised of film industry professionals selects award winners. The Student Film Showcase fosters opportunities for student filmmakers from Film School Consortium schools to not only exhibit their work, but make important contacts and develop career-enhancing relationships with peers and industry professionals.

We hope that you will join us at this year’s showcase!

TICKETS $8
On sale April 6, 2009

Box Office
2 Carlton Street, West Mezzanine
(College subway station)

Hours of operation
Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 7:00pm

Phone us at 416-968-FILM
Toll-free at 1-877-968-FILM

MORE INFO:
http://tiffg.ca/studentfilmshowcase/default.aspx

Location:

AMC Yonge & Dundas
10 Dundas Street East, Toronto

ADRIFT IN TOKYO @ AMC YONGE & DUNDAS (MAY 1 - 14)


ADRIFT IN TOKYO will start its theatrical run in Toronto on May 1st with a Japanese w/ English subtitles copy at the AMC Yonge & Dundas theatre.

The film will only be showing for two weeks, then it will move on to Vancouver, so if you want to see it on the big screen before its DVD release, it now or never! Don’t put it off!
Of course, it’s the 1st week-end box-office that counts, so please put a cinema date on your agenda for May 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

Adrift in Tokyo - Joe Odagiri comedy - trailer NYAFF 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avc3R9KERHI

Event listing
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=74552718912&ref=ts

Synopsis
Leading a lazy life, Fumiya has been a university student for 8 years and owes money to loan sharks. One day, a man named Fukuhara comes to collect the loan, which Fumiya cannot pay. So Fukuhara makes a proposition: He will cancel the debt as long as Fumiya agrees to walk with him across Tokyo to the police station of Kasumigaseki, where he intends to turn himself for a crime he deeply regrets. Not having much choice, Fumiya accepts the deal. Thus begins their journey as life wanders on. Based on the original novel by Naoki Prize winner Yoshinaga Fujita comes a fascinating and humorous film capturing various encounters on a walking trip across Tokyo.

Credits
Actors: Jô Odagiri (Retribution, Shinobi, Hazard) / Tomokazu Miura (Always - Sunset on Third Street, Survive Style 5+, The Taste of Tea) / Kyôto Koizumi (Tokyo Sonata, Sakuran, Survive Style 5+)
Director: Satoshi Miki (Turtles Are Surprisingly Fast Swimmers, In the Pool)
Cinematography: Souhei Tanigawa (Love Exposure, Noriko's Dinner Table)

Festivals
Udine Far East Film Festival
New York Asian Film Festival
Neuchâtel International Fantasy Film Festival
Fantasia International Film Festival
Raindance Film Festival
Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival - Closing Film
Ottawa mCritic, Inside E Online, Ottawa Film Festival, Raindance Film Festival, The Village Voice, Toronto Film Screening, Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival, Twichfilm, VarietyFilm Festival / Festival du film de l’Outaouais

Critiques / Reviews


“Satoshi Miki makes a Masterpiece. ...Miki puts together a great comedy from start to finish.”
Mark Schilling, The Japan Times

****
“Together, (Odagiri & Miura) make for good cinematic company. Their trip through Tokyo shows us the city from a perspective we may not have seen and reminds us that the world is full of small and large beauties...”
Jay Seaver, eFilmCritic

***
“... has the kind of low-key, effortless charm that most movies sweat for. ... it is a masterpiece of throwaway lines and little oddities. This is a lovely film that should not be missed.”
David Austin, Cinema Strikes Back

“...one of the five best films in the world for 2008. It’s just as good on second viewing. ...a meandering, quirky and surprisingly beautiful piece of work that perfectly balances humour and emotion.”
Todd Brown, Twichfilm

“...a droll charmer. ... gently but heartily amusing throughout...”
Russell Edwards, Variety

“... a comic stroll that is indeed aimless, but consciously, introspectively, and out-of-left-field hilariously so.”
Aaron Hillis, The Village Voice

“...before I knew it I was hooked in and in step with two characters as they lead me on a walking tour of Tokyo and their pasts.”
Emer Schlosser, Inside E Online

Thursday, April 23, 2009

PREMIER SCREENING 'SCRATCHED OUT' (MAY 2, 2009)


This from the one and only friend and Raindance Alumni RODGER EDRALIN - the director and co-producer of the film "Scratched Out" - story written and co-produced by Meisam (Sam) Motaghi, starring local Toronto talent including Warren Belle, Tina Sterling, Irena Angeloutsa, Marcel Jones, Ryan Le Bar, Asthon Thorne, Horace Abel, and Andrey Ichevnko. Admission is free to all invited guests ... and ... you are invited!

The screening is Saturday May 2nd, 2009, 7 - 10 pm (7 pm first screening. 8 30 pm second screening.) at the National Film Board of Canada (John St. and Richmond West, DT Toronto).

Reception before, and Q & A after each screening too! Cash bar (don't drink and drive).

So come ENJOY THE FILM!


More info at:

RODGER EDRALIN FILM
http://www.RodgerEdralinFilm.com
http://www.scratchedout.net
Toronto 647-989-9181
North America toll Free 1-866-210-926

ONLY AT THE ROYAL - APRIL 24 - 28, 2009 @ 7PM


ONLY a film by Ingrid Veninger and Simon Reynolds

WATCH THE TRAILER:
http://www.onlythemovie.com/

April 24 – 28 @ 7pm

"Sometimes it’s a disservice to call a movie “small.” Not always. Ingrid Veninger and Simon Reynolds’s Only is as small as they come. Other words that apply just as well are “intimate,” “modest” and “delicate.” Also “lovely.” - Now Magazine http://www.nowtoronto.com/movies/story.cfm?content=169080

Daniel lives in a motel, managed by his parents, in northern Ontario. People come, people go, Daniel hardly notices. Until one day a girl arrives and changes his world.

ONLY is a glimpse into the heightened impressions and dreams of two unlikely 12-year-olds. Over the course of a single day, they venture on a journey, exploring deep secrets, dark fears, and first love in a pure and powerful meeting of young hearts and minds.

“A deceptively simple film… ONLY gently unfolds to become a deft – and blunt – exploration of the anxious yet romantic world of teens.” - Globe and Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story
/RTGAM.20080905.wtiff_vaughan05rvt/BNStory/tiff2008/

“… the kids respond with impressively unaffected performances. They truly seem to be listening to each other.” - EYE Magazine. **** (4 out of 5)


“I hope programmers in America take the time to catch up with this little gem of a movie and that ONLY finds its way to audiences everywhere.” - IndieWire http://blogs.indiewire.com/twhalliii/archives/toronto_2008_only/

“Every time I see a film like Ingrid Veninger and Simon Reynolds’ Only, my faith in cinema is restored.” - hammerontail.com
http://www.hammertonail.com/genre/documentary/only-first-crush/

“First-time feature filmmakers Veninger and Reynolds have a firm grasp on finding the magic in life's mundane details.” Janis Cole, NOW Magazine. *** (3 out of 4).

SCREENING TIMES: (Filmmakers and Cast will be present for Q&A’s at all screenings)
Friday April 24th @ 7pm
Saturday April 25th @7pm

Sunday April 26th @ 7pm

Monday April 27th @ 7pm

Tuesday April 28th @ 7pm


Introducing Jacob Switzer and Elena Hudgins Lyle

Director of Photography: Ian Anderson

Editor
: Aren Hansen
Casting
: Marissa Richmond
Story by
: Ingrid Veninger
Music by
: Wee Golden, Bebop Cowboys, Laura Repo & The Blue Healers, Menomena, My Two Toms, Envelopes, Joanne Mackell & The Paradise Rangers, Ecstatic Sunshine, Blackblack, High Places, Woods
Written, Directed, Produced by
: Ingrid Veninger and Simon Reynolds

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

ACT OF GOD - APRIL 30 (HOTDOCS OPENING NIGHT GALA)


Toronto April 30 (HotDocs Opening Night Gala), in theatres May 1

Act of God - Official Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgTpXoYTXQE&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.firstweekendclub.ca%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_jmovies%26Itemid%3D64%26task%3Ddetail%26id%3D180&feature=player_embedded

Synopsis:
Act of God is a feature documentary about the metaphysical effects of being struck by lightning. The event represents the paradox of being singled out by randomness, and so precipitates questions about chance, fate and meaning in life. The film explores seven stories from around the world that raise and respond to these questions, while keeping the sky and what comes out of it as a central visual metaphor and thread. Paul Auster, who was struck as a teenager, philosophically anchors the film, along with Fred Frith, the improviser, who both imaginatively underpins it and personally demonstrates the ubiquity of electricity in our bodies and the universe.

Venue:
Winter Garden Theatre (
189 Yonge Street)

Time:
Thursday, April 30th, 2009
@ 6:30pm

Credits:

Director(s) : Jennifer Baichwal

Producer(s) : Nick de Pencier, Daniel Iron, Jennifer Baichwal

Cinematographer(s) : Nick de Pencier

Editor(s) : Roland Schlimme

Composers(s) : Fred Frith, Martin Tielli, Dave Bidini, Selina Martin
Subjects

Act of God deals with the following subjects: Mortality, Religion & Spirituality, Science & Nature

Hot Docs Schedule
http://schedule.hotdocs.ca/index.php/2009/schedule/