As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), organizers have just unveiled this year’s short films’ list. If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve got you covered! Here are some Canadian productions to keep an eye out for.
If there is one type of cinematic production that truly embraces the artistic nature of storytelling, its short films. In just a few minutes, these movies are able to take us on a journey through a whole new world, and touch our hearts with reflection, joy, sadness and intrigue.
As the final moments of summer approach, and so does one of Toronto’s most awaited annual events, TIFF has unveiled this year’s list of short films to premiere in the city this fall, and the selection truly offers something for every taste.
In a statement, TIFF Short Cuts Co-Lead Programmer Sonja Baksa revealed that this year’s choices aim to achieve diversity, with an expansion for the animation productions, introduction of a new short film animation award, the second edition of the Midnight Madness-inspired Strange Cuts, and capturing the real artistic expression that comes with film.
“Short-form is where filmmakers can test ideas, own their craft, visuals, style, and it’s a section of the festival where many celebrated directors got their start. So, it’s always exciting for us to be kind of at the forefront of discovery of new talent,” she said.
If you’re looking to watch great productions and celebrate Canadian culture and talent this year, here is a selection of this year’s shorts that we think will really deliver.
The Girl Who Cried Pearls
This one is for the animation fans. This short, which will be making its North American debut at TIFF next month, will fill the screen with a carefully-crafted, handmade puppets animation and mesmerizing narration that is for sure to touch spectators’ hearts. Led by Oscar-nominated Montreal animation duo Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, this film follows the fable of a poor boy who falls in love with a girl who cries pearls, but the greed will soon make him make a choice between money and love that can change his whole future.
Bots
The idea that technology is taking over the world and influencing our everyday lives is a well-known reality, but how far can it go? In satirical comedy, a dedicated group aims to cause chaos and polarization by using bots, revealing the immense power that these technologies can have over world politics. This gem is led by Canadian Screen Award winning director Rich Williamson, and is getting its world premiere next month at the festival.
Sea Star
Director Tyler Mckenzie Evans, best known for his 2022 experimental drama Diaspora, which got a Gimli Film Festival acting award, is back this year with another emotional short. Sea Star follows the story of an older Black man joining in his first-ever swimming lesson, while going through other deep personal hardships; and it is based on the story of a real-life character, known by the director himself, and his meaningful and revealing relationship with water.
Year of the Dragon
This year’s TIFF lineup is also promising some rising stars. Year of the Dragon is the debut of Canadian writer and director Giran Findlay-Liu, following a powerful drama that covers the many sacrifices of motherhood. In a quick trailer of the film’s world premiere, we can see a woman who is disappointed after getting the wrong cake order, but doesn’t have time to wait for a new pastry.
Dish Pit
Canadian Shadowhunters star Anna Hopkins is the mind behind this intriguing production, which will get its Canadian premiere on TIFF this fall. The story, written and directed by Hopkins, follows the life of a former chef, who is now working as a restaurant dishwasher, who decides to cook his wife’s favourite meal on the anniversary of her death. What was supposed to be an intimate and solitary experience turns into something completely different.
Niimi
Therapy can look different for different people. For some it is to rewind and relax, for others it is to let go of things through movement – which is what Indigenous director Dana Solomon wanted to explore with this production. This short, with an Ojibwe name that translates to “she dances,” follows the story of Skye, a woman who seeks healing through dance, after undergoing a traumatic experience. It explores the idea that healing can be messy, and might require people to step out of their bubble.
Marriaginalia
Are you a fan of TIFF’s Midnight Madness? Then, you will love this movie, which is part of the “Strange Cuts” short film program. In this world premiere, which marks TIFF’s shortest short film this year, Canadian actress and director Hannah Cheesman explores a surreal interpretation of the life of one couple’s daily issues. If you’re looking for something revealing but also funny, short and sweet, this one might be your gem.
For a full list of short films, visit here.