GAT at TIFF 2024
SO SURREAL: BEHIND THE MASKS
Written + Directed by Neil Diamond and Joanne Robertson
TIFF World Premiere – TIFF DOCS
Country: Canada
Languages: English
Runtime: 88 minutes
Producer: Daniel Morin
Executive Producer: Catherine Bainbridge, Ernest Webb. For CBC, Sally Catto, Jennifer Dettman, Sandra Kleinfeld, Nic Meloney
Commissioned by: CBC/Radio-Canada
Production Company: Rezolution Pictures
So Surreal: Behind the Masks feature documentary delves into the captivating story of Indigenous masks and their profound impact on Surrealist art. Part caper, part road trip, part spiritual journey, award-winning Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond (Reel Injun, Red Fever) traces the journey of Indigenous masks from Turtle Island (North America) to European Surrealist collections, influencing the work of iconic artists like Max Ernst, André Breton, and Joan Miró. From New York City’s high-end art fairs to Yup’ik territory (Alaska), and from the lands of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw on BC’s Northwest Coast to the streets of Paris, Neil uncovers the dramatic efforts to return a stolen ceremonial mask to the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people, shedding light on the complex world of repatriation.
Screenings:
Press & Industry – Thursday, September 5, 11:35am, Scotiabank 11
Public – Tuesday, September 10, 7:35pm, Scotiabank 11
Public – Thursday, September 12, 12:30pm, TIFF Lightbox Cinema 4
YOUR TOMORROW – Written+Produced+Directed by Ali Weinstein
TIFF World Premiere – TIFF DOCS
Country: Canada
Languages: English
Running Time: 94 minutes
Producer: Geoff Morrison, Ali Weinstein
Executive Producer: Robin Smith, Alexandra Roberts
Commissioned by: TVO
Production Company: Naiad Productions and Big Cedar Films
Your Tomorrow is a compelling observational documentary that provides an intimate portrait of Toronto’s iconic modernist waterfront park, Ontario Place, as it faces a controversial redevelopment. Filmed over 100 days in this beloved yet contested public space on Toronto’s waterfront, the film captures the final year of Ontario Place before it transforms into a private spa and waterpark. The feature documentary presents a diverse cast of characters who frequent and care for the park, inviting viewers to ponder the future of urban spaces and what a diverse society needs to thrive. Audiences will witness a poignant exploration of a cherished urban park at a pivotal moment in its history.
Screenings:
Press & Industry – Sunday, September 8, 9:15am, Scotiabank 3
Public – Thursday, September 12, 9:30pm, TIFF Lightbox Cinema 2
Public – Friday, September 13, 12:45pm, Scotiabank 9
Public – Saturday, September 14, 9:40pm, Scotiabank 5
EVA THOMAS – PERSONAL REPRESENTATION
From Script to Screen the award-winning filmmaker will be taking TIFF by storm
Eva Thomas, a Canadian First Nations (Walpole Island First Nation) multi-talented writer, producer, and director, will have two world premieres at TIFF this year, beginning with ABERDEEN that sees Eva as co-director and co-writer, her first feature, in collaboration with Ryan Cooper. Eva also serves as Executive Producer on this film. ABERDEEN is a raw, authentic drama about an Indigenous climate-change refugee adjusting to big-city life and facing inter-generational trauma. Starring a stellar cast of Gail Maurice, Billy Merasty, Jennifer Podemski, Liam Stewart-Kanigan, and Ryan Black. Also having its world premiere this year at TIFF is SEEDS. Eva serves as Executive Producer, while Kaniehtiio Horn writes, directs, and stars in this film.