"Shorter is Better"

Toronto will play host to the Canadian Film Centre’s Worldwide Short Film Festival from May 31-June 5^th. Last week I attended a media launch for the festival at the epicenter of Yorkville at Sassafraz for a mid-day cocktail fete. Maclean’s is a sponsor and our small marketing team attended on behalf of the Rogers Media publication. Accents of all geographies greeted us at the door and eclectic fashions adorned directors, producers and other film world dwellers. Not one attendee had an empty glass and the vibe was anticipatory. The spring sunshine brought the Yorkville crowd out into the laneways during the lunch hour. One could even observe that we had a mini-Cannes going on, up on the second floor of Sassafraz- which doubles as a celeb-spotting hot-spot in the warmer months.

Having studied film throughout four of my university years, I have developed and coveted a deep appreciation for the art form and have committed to myself to go out and experience a night of shorts during this year’s fest. The talent of being able to tell a story from beginning to end in minutes or to convey big ideas or important cultural issues on a brief reel of film is commendable. Short film festivals allow freer experimentation by the filmmakers as they manipulate the technology and philosophy of film as well as the typical linear storyline formats we are used to seeing in big, box-office productions.

Stand-out films that beckon audiences this year include Sissor Sisters: Invisible Light. With music by said band, “this sexy promo is chock-full of stylized metaphors and art-house eroticism”. Sexting will make its Toronto premiere. “A misdirected text message from her boyfriend leads a young woman (Julia Stiles), to seek some answers- from his wife. A sharp look at modern communication.” Sounds salacious! Steve makes its Canadian premiere with a cast that consists of Colin Firth, Kiera Knightly and Colin Firth. Did I mention Colin Firth? Every woman’s dream man stars here as Steve; “an odd tenant who suggests, well, demands, a cup of tea from the young woman above him, Kiera Knightly.” There are selections from Tel Aviv University as well work from our homegrown, talented York University students and grads. Groupings include Spotlight on Italy and official award winners from around the world. –Think Oscar, Palm d’Or and Leone d’Oro winners. (USA, Cannes, France and Venice, Italy respectively). Click HERE for the full schedule and line-up of films. Box office location: Cumberland Terrace, 2 Bloor Street West, entrance on Cumberland between Bay and Yonge. Open Monday to Friday 10am-6pm.

Because a lot of the films are only minutes long, you are able to pick a night during the week and a grouping of films will be shown all in one sitting. All theatres are accessible and central. Perhaps the most exciting night of the festival before it really even starts, will occur in the form of a giant “Square Party” on May 29^th in Yonge and Dundas Square starting at 8pm. Festival Director Eileen Arandiga describes the night as showcasing “video mash-ups and live bands.” Equally if not more impressive is the event entitled “Towering Shorts” on June 4^th. Boys, for only $20, you can whisk your lover away, up to new heights- the festival’s “Date Night Screening” includes dessert and coffee at the top of the CN Tower, access to the movie being screened and access to the Look-Out and Glass Floor levels.

Photo credit: http://internexcanada.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/torontos-short-film-festival/