Toronto

The Kids have their Eyes on the Prize: Interview with the directors of Bee Nation, Dear Scavengers, and The Cuber

The Kids have their Eyes on the Prize: Interview with the directors of Bee Nation, Dear Scavengers, and The Cuber

For our next iteration on our Eyes on the Prize theme, we present an evening of three Canadian films about child competitors. The Cuber is a charming micro-documentary about Eric Limeback, a Toronto student who is most notable for being able to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. In Dear Scavengers, a scavenger hunt marks a lighthearted generation clash between a shopkeeper and a kids camp. These shorts will be paired with the feature film of the evening, Bee Nation, a heart-warming and thought-provoking tale of First Nations children in Saskatchewan aiming to win the first ever First Nations Provincial Spelling Bee. All three films are perfectly paired as they follow remarkable young children vying for a crucial win. These empowering films will warm your heart and leave you inspired.

Niche Communities: Vying to Win in Quirky Competitions

Niche Communities: Vying to Win in Quirky Competitions

This week’s films all feature quirky characters in unconventional competitions. Just like the characters in this week’s feature Best in Show, these shorts all depict people who are unique, determined and proud. Their enthusiasm for their respective competitions are infectious and you’ll find yourself rooting for them, too. Enter the cut-throat world of pottery making in Pottery Wars, experience how a cowboy boot can convey a social message in Bootwmn, and engage with the showmanship of choreographed swimming in Sink or Swim.

"The Narrative Potential of Flamenco": Interview with Director Ivy Yukiko Ishihara Oldford

"The Narrative Potential of Flamenco": Interview with Director Ivy Yukiko Ishihara Oldford

Tensions run high in Ivy Yukiko Ishihara Oldford’s short film Duelo de Duendes. Two mothers battle it out on a train platform, as their young daughters look on, using only dance as a form of communication. Despite having no words, the rivalry is made clear between the two women. Set in Japan, with an ingenious use of sound, this film proves that the language of flamenco is universal. Paired with this week’s feature film Strictly Ballroom (Baz Lurhmann, 1992), Duelo de Duendes is the perfect companion to this week's dance-themed competition films.