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Fall 2011
GTA Film Festival Newsmag
Fall Contents
• Contact Us: • Message from the Mayor 4
• Our Location: 110 The Esplanade #323 Toronto, Ontario Canada M5E 1X9
• Senior Filmakers
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• Showbiz with Humiliation 8
• Our Web Address: www.newsmagtv.tv
• Commffest 4 Day Festival 11
To purchase advertising or for further enquiries:
• City Film Festival Meeting 13
Sandie de Freitas Publisher, Sales and Marketing e-mail: telemark@rogers.com Telephone: 416 362 5570
• Nancy Beiman - Animator 16
Norm Hart Sales and Marketing e-mail: normhart@bell.net telephone: 416 886 5465
• Ron Craven’s Voice for the Homeless 22
• Popcorn with Geri
• Introducing the other Oscar 24
Dan Ridout Production Design and Layout Writers/Contributors: Anna lee Orr Margot Roesslein Norman Hart Geri Stocks Monty Driver
offer
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• Helping the Image
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• Festival Listings
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SENIOR FILMMAKERS In early June an invite was posted around the St. Lawrence neighbourhood for any seniors wanting to make a 3-5 min film using any medium. After several inquiries a meeting was arranged in the Green Room at PAL PLACE 110 the Esplanade. To our surprise 8 people showed up ranging in age from 65 to 98 and all eager to get started on their various filmmaking projects with the assistance of Commffest organizer Sandie de Freitas. Six weeks is allowed to film, edit and tweak their films, then on Saturday September 24th at the Rainbow Cinema they will all be premiered at the Seniors Film Festival presented by Commffest Global Community Film Festival. Mark that date on your calendar as a must to attend and enjoy with the filmmakers the experience of seeing all the finished films up on the big screen. Let me go round the table clock wise and introduce Alice in her 90’s, Gordon 80’s, Sandie, Connie, Maria, Judy, Bob, Athan, Martin arrived later. Each has a really interesting story and in the next issue I’ll tell you more about them, their film, how their premieres went and what they got out of it ... By Norman Hart
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BRAFFTv Brazilian Film and TV Festival brings the most recent Brazilian films to Canada. 29/9/11 (opening session - TIFF Bell Lightbox) and 30/9/11 02/10/11 (Carlton Cinema). Also another festival PINK LATINO - that will be held October 7-9 at the Carlton Cinema - first edition Pink Latino - brings the best of Latin-American films that explore the LGBT theme. For more information go to www.brafftv.com/
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by Margot Roesslein Pitiably here’s a performer with a quandary; because of allergies she had lost her sense of smell, thus grooming and hygiene had become as much an obsession as her love of acting. But then a glitch occurred: For a feature glam movie, wardrobe outfitted her with an elegant gown and equally elegant dress shoes--that were to become her demise. Miserably for this allergy-prone performer, the film location of a grand mansion lacked an adequate cooling system. Only a few hours into the shoot her feet began to burn, a reaction to the humidity and in context to something synthetic in her shoes. The holding area with wardrobe was inaccessibly at a different location. The pain was such that her mind jumped into action with the bright idea to cool her throbbing feet by dabbing perfume on them, knowing that the alcohol content would be soothing. Not smelling anything at her nostril level, she figured that she was not in violation of the no-perfume regulation. Almost instantly, a nearby Russian performer acted as if about to faint and left to consult crew members who came crouching on scene. To be out of screen sight, they knelt down with their heads close to the floor and began sniffing. When it was the allergy-prone performer’s cue having to perform close to them, they hissed in unison, “It’s her.” Thus her perfume crime was disclosed. She was asked to leave the shoot. Dejectedly she sat out the rest of the filming on a bench outside--far away from stardom. 8
COMMFFEST Global Community Film Festival September 22 – 25 at Rainbow Cinema St. Lawrence Market and tiff. A platform for local & international filmmakers to share views with the public on social and cultural issues. www.commffest.com
Reelworld Film Festival is accepting submissions for our EMERGING 20 CLASS OF 2011 Are you an emerging talent in film or television and looking for a break? then visit our website at www.reelworld.ca or call 416 598 7933 for more information
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Breast Fest The world’s first film and arts festival devoted to breast cancer, will take place November 18-20, 2011 at the Royal Ontario Museum. Link to their web-site at www.breastfestfilmfest.com
aluCine Toronto Latin Media Arts Festival November 16-19 2011 showcasing excellence and innovation in contemporary independent short film/video and new media works made by emerging and established Latin artists living in Canada. Browse to www.alucinefestival.com
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COMMFFEST GOES FOR THE SPECTACULAR AT THIS YEARS 4 DAY FESTIVAL! Commencing Thursday September 22nd to Sunday 25th screening over 50 new films from communities around the world that address social and cultural issues with more than half being Canadian. Starting on Thursday 22nd September with a grand opening Spectacular at the St. Lawrence North Market which includes, on a jumbo screen, the showing of a brand new and exciting movie shot by 24 filmmakers (who will be in attendance) over a 24 hour period about the heart and soul of Toronto including the St. Lawrence Market and other many other landmarks. On Friday 23rd screenings kick off mid day with the Commffest Kids Film Festival and later the GOLDEN TIMES film festival, a series of short films created by seniors, hosted by Toronto historian BRUCE BELL at the Rainbow. On Saturday 24th from 12:00pm - 3:00 pm a salute to silent screen filmmaker OSCAR MMICHEAUX featuring his classics, “Symbol of the Unconquered” and Within Our Gates in partnership with Oscar Micheaux Film and Book Festival followed by the regular evening screening at The Rainbow Cinema and Scarborough Malvern Public Library. This year COMMFFEST puts a spotlight on “Homelessness” screening several films from around the world portraying this epidemic. Several artists have come together to exhibit their works of the homeless and can be seen at the Rainbow Cinema Art Gallery run by Sheila Mitchell. The festival concludes on Sunday 25th with a world premiere screening of RON CRAVEN’S film highlighting homelessness of the middle class at alongside “Second Line” by DANNY GLOVER at Tiff Bell Lightbox Theatre. Our closing night will be at the Historic St. Lawrence Hall featuring the premiere of ‘Kanata: An Irish Story’ is the forgotten story of the Irish in Canada/Kanata, followed by our MADA Awards to filmmakers whose work/message demonstrates that it can make a difference to any community. A fun evening of entertainment and refreshments. For more information and tickets, please visit www. commffest.com BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER 11
Human Rights Watch Film Festival The HRW Film Festival provides a platform for courageous individuals on both sides of the lens to tell stories of injustice and triumph over repression. Check Them out at: www.hrw.org/iff/
Macedonian Film Festival, will be showing full length features and documentaries to cutting edge experimental films. The festival will be held on October 29 and 30, 2011. This year’s offerings include Some Other Stories, a compilation of short stories from each of the former Yugoslav republics and Second Bodies, an award winning documentary exploring the personal stories and avatar experiences of three women including that of award winning director Sandra Danilovic. Check our website at www.macedonianfilmfestival.com
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City Film Festival working group meeting
At the August 9th meeting of the City Film Festivals working group, RON KOPERDRAAD, cinema manager at TIFF Bell Lightbox and AMY ROUILLARD, a volunteer manager who’s worked with Tiff, Sundance, Hot Docs and more, gave a talk about film festival volunteer recruitment, management, and retention to the many in attendance representing all the major GTA film festivals. PAUL ROYCE, Professor at George Brown, with his student team offered to create free Bumpers and Trailers for the website and the festivals.
The meeting concluded with MOE JIWAN from Reelworld discussing formalizing an organization for the collective.
ALAN BLACK from Hot Docs spoke I will update all in the next issue. about the Bloor Cinema Audience Norman Hart - Staff reporter and Community Feedback Meeting August 17th . They’re planning the fall re-opening of the refurbished Cinema. As a supporter of Film Festivals your input is essential. 13
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The Toronto Russian Film Festival (TRFF), April 25-30, 2012 Created to celebrate and promote the art of Russian and Russian-language post-Soviet Cinema to Canadian film festivals and the public. A voice for local Russianspeaking filmmakers, promoting tourism and business opportunities between Canada and Russia and a major hub for alternative movielovers. Info at www.torontorussianfilmfestival.ca
Planet in Focus, Canada’s largest 12th Annual Environmental Film Festival Oct 12 - 16, 2011. 5 days of screenings, galas, workshops and more! Check out www.planitinfocus.org
Toronto Singapore Film festival Forging friendships and uniting film making interests between Singapore & Toronto since 2006. This year tsff partners with Harbourfront Centre’s Fortune Cooking Festival in August to bring you Rice Rhapsody. More at www.tsff.org 15
Nancy’s Graduating Class at California Institute of the Arts
Nancy Beiman…Educator, Author, Animator, Designer & Film Director… She’s done it all!
Nancy Beiman is a Professor in the Animation Program at Sheridan College. Through Facebook, we are friends and I have found her to be charming, witty and intelligent. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of animation and film making, as well as, a wicked sense of humor.
Nancy returned to New York to work at Jack Zander’s Animation Parlour on various projects. She then traveled and worked on many films in Denmark, Germany, England, France, and the USA as a character designer, animator and director.
At Disney, between international Nancy was born in New Jersey, projects, she worked on Hercules, and grew up in a lively, creative Winnie the Pooh, A Day for Eeyore, environment. After High School, Fantasia 2000, the Goofy Movieand she earned a scholarship to the first Treasure Planet. She also did animation Character Animation Program at on the Charlie Brown TV specials. CalArts taught by veteran animators from Disney Studio. She learned her She left Los Angeles to live and work animation skills from the very best. in London, England on Spielberg’s An Nancy was the only woman in American Tail: Fievel Goes West. She her graduating class. Most of her was an animation supervisor on that fellow classmates went to work film. She returned to New York to for Disney animation, contributing direct a new Bugs Bunny TV show for to a string of box office hits. Warner Bros. 16
She has seen many changes in the animation industry‌from hand drawn animation to CGI and 3D technology. Now there are more women in the business in key positions as story artists, animators and directors. Nancy returned to college to get her Masters Degree in Art (Design & Computer Graphics) at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She has taught Nancy has added much to the world of animation and computer techniques animation and will contribute more in at Savanna College of Art & Design, the years to come! RIT and now, Sheridan College. She has written two humorous books about storyboarding and animation: Prepare to Board and Animated Performance. At Sheridan College, Nancy is well respected by her students and fellow teachers. Her former students keep in touch about their accomplishments.
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Written by Anna Lee Orr
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Toronto After Dark The worlds best new Horror, Sci-Fi, Action & Cult Film Festival runs Oct 20-27, 2011 at Tor. Underground Cinema. Info & tickets: www.torontoafterdark.com
The International Diaspora Film Festival celebrates the diversity of films exploring themes such as emigration, cultural interface, social integration and diversity. Nov 1-6, 2011. www.diasporafilmfest.org
Rendezvous with Madness The world’s first film festival showcasing films & panel discussions that address issues of mental health and/or addiction. November 4 – 12, 2011 for information www.rendezvouswithmadness.com
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The Toronto Urban Film Festival (TUFF) 5th year showing one-minute silent shorts with an urban theme on 300 screens in 60 subways stations reaching over 1.3 million daily subway commuters TUFF takes place September 9 - 18, 2011 For information www.torontourbanfilmfestival.com
Caribbean Tales The first full-service distribution company for films from the Caribbean Diaspora, CTWD is the go-to solution for producers and buyers of Caribbean-themed content. Carribean Tales can be found at www.caribbeantales.ca
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Oscar Micheaux was born and raised in Murphysboro, in southern Illinois, the area known as “little Egypt.” He was an intelligent, inquisitive, charismatic youngster and an avid book reader who did not finish high school. He honed his skills as a marketer of his father’s farm produce which prepared him to be a phenomenal seller of his books and films later in his life. Oscar became a Pullman Porter and traveled throughout the United States and into South America. He learned of government land opening for sale in South Dakota where he purchased 160 acres and took over a homestead near Gregory, SD in 1905. He learned how to become a successful farmer and eventually acquired 1000 acres in Gregory and Tripp Counties. He learned how to become a successful writer. 24
He wrote, published and marketed his seven novels. His first book, “Conquest,” published in 1913, continues, today to be a definitive account of homesteading in South Dakota. In l917, Noble Johnson, an African American Hollywood actor and co-owner of a small film company in Omaha, Nebraska, offered to produce Oscar’s third novel, “The Homesteader,” 1917, as a feature film if he, Noble, could play the major role of Micheaux and direct the film. Oscar decided to direct and produce his own film rather than let another film company or Hollywood produce his autobiographical film or any of his forthcoming 43 films.
In 1919, the three hour film, “The Homesteader,” was Oscar finished. went on to write, produce, direct and market over 40 full-length feature films: 22 silent and 22 soundies. Today, only 15 of his films have been found in the U.S., South America and Europe. Today, these 15 films, in DVD format are in the Micheaux Center in Gregory. Oscar Micheaux was the first African American to produce full-length feature films, first to produce a film in sound, the first to show his films in White theatres and to be shown on Broadway and to have marketed his own films. Oscar is known today as the “Father of Independent Filmmaking in the United States.” Oscar’s 9 years in south-central South Dakota influenced his life,
his books and films. He is revered by many filmmakers and actors. He was posthumously honored to a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the South Dakota Hall of Fame in Chamberlain, SD, the Oscar Micheaux Center in Gregory and in festivals throughout the world. A mini-festival screening of his films will be presented by COMMFFEST and Oscar Micheaux Film and Book Festival, September 24 Rainbow Cinema. 12:00pm-3:00pm for advanced tickets go to www.commffest.com
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Jerry Wilske is co-sponsoring the film and book festival event on September 24
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HELPING THE IMAGE… GTA FILM FESTIVAL Newsmag was first published in 2006 to showcase the St. Lawrence Market COMMFFEST Community Film Festival. It’s now grown to a yearly 200,000 distribution showcasing over 100 film festivals the GTA hosts each year.. We work successfully with community organizations around the GTA who have vested interests in the positive activities we present. This includes youth image education programs at several downtown schools, monthly film club screenings with filmmakers and audience participation, Annual film festivals and as in the picture, with volunteers receiving support through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, a federally funded program that provides resources to community agencies through the City’s Shelter, Support & Housing Administration Division. Volunteers were recruited from among those receiving employment supports in City-operated homeless shelters and the Streets to Homes program. The volunteers, including David and Doug pictured here, helped to distribute the FILM FESTIVAL NEWSMAG in the GTA, gaining valuable employment skills and work experience. Reported by Monty Driver
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FESTIVAL LISTINGS Atlantic Film Festival, Nova Scotia Atlantic Film Festival http://www.atlanticfilm.com/aff/ aluCine: Toronto Latin@ Media Festival www.alucinefestival.com Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival Banff, CA http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival/ Biindigaate Aboriginal Film Festival Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. http://biindigaate.ca/ Brazil Film Fest www.brazilfilmfest.net/ Burlington Green -Eco-Film festival http://www.burlingtongreen.org Canadian Black Film Festival www.cbff.ca/ Canadian Labour International Film Festival (CLiFF) www.labourfilms.ca/ Canadian Sport Film Festival www.sportfilmfestival.ca Centretown Movies Outdoor Film Festival http://www.csit.carleton.ca Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival http://www.cinefest.com/ Cinefranco www.cinefranco.com COMMFFEST Global Community Film Festival www.commffest.com/ Diaspora Film Festival www.diasporafilmfest.org European Film Festival www.eutorontofilmfest.ca/ European Union Film Festival http://www.ottawafocus.com/ Female Eye Film Festival www.femaleeyefilmfestival.com/ FILMI: South Asian Film Festival www.filmi.org Film North, Huntsville International Film Festival http://www.filmnorth.net/ First Take Student Film Festival www.firsttakestudentfilmfest.com Giggleshorts International Comedy Short Film Festival www.giggleshorts.com/ Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival www.hotdocs.ca Human Rights Watch International Film Festival www.hrw.org/iff/ Images Festival www.imagesfestival.com imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival www.imagineNATIVE.org Inside Out Toronto Lesbian & Gay Film & Video Festival www.insideout.on.ca/festival Israel Film Festival Toronto www.israelfilmfestival.ca Kingston Canadian Film Festival http://www.kingcanfilmfest.com Macedonian Film Festival www.macedonianfilmfestival.com Masala! Mehndi! Masti! www.masalamehndimasti.com Mobifest www.mobifest.net Moving Image Film Festival www.miffest.com MPENZI: Black Women’s International Film & Video Festival www.mpenzi.ca MuslimFest www.mffusa.org NXNE - North by Northeast Music & Film Festival & Conference www.nxne.com One World Film Festival Website: www.wiam.ca Parkdale Film + Video Showcase www.rehabfilms.ca/ Planet In Focus: Toronto Int. Environmental Film & Video Festival www.planetinfocus.org Pomegranate Film Festival www.pomegranatefilmfestival.com
Reelworld Film Festival www.reelworld.ca Regent Park Film Festival www.regentparkfilmfestival.com Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival www.rendezvouswithmadness.com/ Ryerson University Film Festival (RUFF) www.imagearts.ryerson.ca/ruff SharpCuts http://www.sharpcuts.ca/ Si-Si Cine Toronto Latin Film Festival www.glendon.yorku.ca/sisicine Spinning Wheel Film Festival www.sikhwheel.com Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children www.sprockets.ca Sudbury Shorts film Festival http://www.sudburyshorts.ca/ The Annual Free Thinking Film Festival http://www.freethinkingfilmfest.ca/ The Brantford Film Festival http://www.brantfordfilmfestival.ca The Hamilton Film Festival http://www.hamiltonfilmfestival.com/ The Montreal World Film Festival http://www.ffm-montreal.org/en_index.html The Ottawa International Film Festival (OIFF) http://www.oiff.ca/ The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) http://www.animationfestival.ca/ The REEL Paddling Film Festival in Sudbury, ON http://www.boatwerks.net/boater-board The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) https://windsorfilmfestival.com/ Toronto African Film & Music Festival www.torontoafricanfilmmusicfest.com Toronto After Dark Film Festival www.torontoafterdark.com Toronto Digital Image Fest www.tdif.on.ca Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival (THAFF) www.thaff.com Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) www.tiff.net Toronto International Latin Film Festival www.tilff.com/ Toronto International Portuguese Film Festival www.portuguesefilmfestival.com Toronto Italian Film Festival www.italianfilmfest.com Toronto Japanese Short Film Festival (TJSFF) www.tjsff.ca Toronto Jewish Film Festival www.tjff.com Toronto Online Film Festival www.torontoonlinefilmfestival.com Toronto Palestine Film Festival www.tpff.ca Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival www.reelasian.com Toronto Singapore Film Festival (TSFF) www.tsff.org Toronto Student Film Festival www.tsff.ca/ Toronto Tibet Film Festival www.torontotibetfilmfestival.ca Toronto Urban Film Festival (TUFF) www.torontourbanfilmfestival.com Toronto Youth Short Film Festival www.torontoyouthshorts.ca Whistler Film Festival, Whistler, CANADA http://www.whistlerfilmfestival.com World of Comedy (International) Film Festival www.worldcomedyfilmfest.com Worldwide Short Film Festival www.worldwideshortfilmfest.com YoungCuts Film Festival (YCFF) www.youngcuts.com/
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