Supple Magazine

This movie will be screened during the 14th edition of the annual Eko International Film Festival Venue VIVA Cinemas Jara Mall Ikeja Lagos Time 2pm prompt Date April 22,2024. Attendance Free.

SYNOPSIS:

For a long time, Benita Jacques has always had questions about her origins to which she never got any answers from her parents. Today, the young mother from Montreal wants to bring answers to her children who ask her the same questions that she herself could not have. So, she decided to leave for Africa, in search of her origins. Her journey took her to West Africa and began at the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar, Senegal, which hosts the exhibition : « Africa, Cradle of Humanity and Modern Civilizations » . She tries to find out what was the lifestyles of her ancestors who lived on the continent before the deportation. In order to reconstruct history, she meets with resource persons who have researched and written reference books on Africa. In their company, she travels through time and space through spiritual, historical and scientific testimonies of what remains of the golden age of the continent.

Director Biography – Benita Jacques

At a very young age, Benita Jacques realised that she and theatre were born for each other. When she decided to make the stage her natural habitat, she understood that this habitat was a place of pleasure, artistic expression and also a way to share her state of mind. The trained actress who holds a DEC in Arts and Literature from Marie Victorin College and a Bachelor in dramatic arts from the University of Quebec in Montréal (UQAM), she continues to be active in various theatrica and film productions including: Storylive, L’Auberge du chien noir, 30 Vies, Rupture, Mémoires Vives, Gason Makoklen, l’Innocence, Une démocratie assassée. Having several arrows in her bow, she serves on the board of directors of the Alliance Socioculturelle et Aides Pédagogiques (ASAP), which has allowed her to be versatile and put on the shoes of an assistant director alongside her mentor Evins Valcin. This passionate about stage and theatre, with a background in arts and letters and drama, loves to share her skills and transmit her knowledge through teaching to all those who have received the call of the stage. The best way to excel in this field is to use her own platforms and set up her own productions from which she acts as director, scriptwriter, director and producer. Business woman and philanthropist, Benita Jacques is at the head of the companies: Zen Queen Media Production, JB Solutions Immobilières, Benita and Jetro Fondation as well as Impact des arts, which is involved in socio-cultural and educational productions aimed at democratising theatre and producing plays in which members of cultural communities can find themselves and make themselves known.

DATE OF EVENT APRIL 22 – 27 .2024

FEATURE FILMS

1. EVOR Feature Film by Sitsofe Tsikor, Kalumbu Kapisa (Ghana) 1hr 49 mins: 44 seconds
2. RETURNING HOME  Feature Film by Don Hoe (Malaysia) 1hr 41 mins: 42 seconds
3. THE GLASS OF FRIENDSHIP  Feature Film by Naoufel BerraouI (Morocco) 1hr 04 mins: 04 seconds
4. LUKAS Feature Film by Philippe Robert Jean Talavera (Namibia) 1hr 43 mins: 06 seconds
5. SILVER LINING  Feature Film by Emmanuel Mwape (Zambia) 1hr 38 mins : 46 seconds
6. WHITE BERRY Feature Film by Sia Hermanides (Netherlands) 1hr 29  mins : 11 seconds
7. NGANU Feature Film by Kang Quintus (Cameroon) 1hr 42  mins : 07 seconds
8. THE DRY FABLE  Feature Film by Zhengchao Xu (China) 1hr 24  mins : 43 seconds
9. ALCOHOL Feature Film by Carlo Fusco (Italy) 1hr 20  mins
10. THE RISING SUN Feature Film by Bakia Thomas (Nigeria) 1hr 52  mins  09 seconds
11. COLD DISH Feature Film by Hollie Saint Edge (Nigeria) 1hr 23  mins  08 seconds
12. FAITHLESS Feature Film by Jeffrey Amaechi Atuegwu (Nigeria) 58  mins  22 seconds
13. IN THE COLD  Feature Film by Jeff MCcore, Emmanuel Jeff Okhuelegbe (Nigeria) 1hr 54  mins  50 seconds
14. FACE TO FACE Feature Film by Robert Peters (Nigeria) 1hr 30  mins
15. ROSWELL DELIRIUM  Feature Film by Richard Bakewell (United States) 1hr 50  mins 

SHORT FILMS

1. JOURNEY OF NOWHERE Short Film by Eric Marie Afer (Burkina Faso) 23 mins: 35 seconds
2. SPACE EYE Short Film by Kevin Mainenti (Croatia) 32 mins: 38 seconds
3. OUR MALES AND FEMALES Short Film by Ahmad Alyaseer (Jordan) 11 mins
4. BUILDING 62  Short Film by Hakim Zziwa (Uganda) 30  mins
5. GOURA Short Film by Ismaëli Nzoba (Central African Republc) 20  mins : 01 second
6. PENDIRA (ENG) Short Film by Mike williams De Djike Kan (France) 13  mins : 07 seconds
7. U=ME  Short Film by Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni (India) 27  mins : 47 seconds
8. A POEM FOR GISELLE, A POEM FOR A PEASANT Short Film by Diana Mora, Camilo Correa Costa (Germany) 8  mins : 42 seconds
9. LUCINDA´S PANDORA Short Film by Sylvia Piechocki Gonzalez (Germany) 36 mins : 40 seconds
10. TRACES Short Film by Eric Myers, Liam O’Sullivan (United Kingdom) 4 mins : 14 seconds
11. ON YOUR OWN  Short Film by Daniel Omokhagbo Itegboje (United Kingdom) 40 mins :  40 seconds
12. EGO Short Film by Daniel Modupe Fakorede (Nigeria) 9 mins :  54 seconds
13. SA’ANA Short Film by Bola Mustapha Adebisi (Nigeria) 40 mins
14. ECHOES OF WAR  Short Film by fisayo John ogunmodede (Nigeria) 7 mins 30 secs
15. A HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Short Film by Kevin Ruiz  (USA ) 5 mins 26 secs
16. FIRST REFUSAL Short Film by Courtney Sanello (USA ) 5 mins 26 secs
17. SOMETHING I CAN TEACH Short Film by Natasha C. Smith (USA) 4 mins 04  secs
18. WAHALA BE LIKE BICYCLE – DISASTER DATE Short Film by Imole Ladipo (USA ) 19 mins
19. ONCE UPON A MURDER Short Film by Tumushimishe Yves (Rwanda ) 15 mins
20. MUG  Short Film by Yegor Bugayenko (Ukraine ) 6 mins 34 secs
21. CINDERS  Short Film by Oskar Luko (Spain ) 7 mins
22. MENOPAUSE Short Film by Fernando Derpo-Ofrasio Dalayoan, Cindy Myskiw (Canada) 4mins
23. THE EXECUTION  Short Film by Alex Ramírez Noreña (Mexico )  17 mins
24. ASTERISK Short Film by Xavier Herrera (Spain )  15 mins

FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILMS

1. THE COLOR OF SLAVERY Feature Documentary Film by Patrick Baucelin (Martinique) 1hr 32 mins: 55 seconds
2. WÄNDARI Feature Documentary Film by Daniel Lagares, Mariano Agudo (Peru) 1hr 06 mins:
3. THE GREEN VEIN  Feature Documentary Film by Sara De Sousa Correia (Portugal) 1hr 30 mins:
4. MENTAWAi – Souls of the Forest Feature Documentary Film by Joachim Peter (Indonesia) 1hr 15 mins:
5. TO SEE THE SNOW LEOPARD Feature Documentary Film by Anna Ganshina (Russian Federation) 1hr 18 mins:
6. AFRICA, CRADLE OF HUMANKIND AND MODERN CIVILISATIONS Feature Documentary Film by Benita Jacques (Canada) 1hr 48 mins: 47 seconds
7. COLONIALISM AND YORUBA TRADITIONAL RELIGION: The Osun Deity Feature Documentary Film by Badewa Adeseye Ajibade (Nigeria) 1hr 16 mins: 11 seconds
8. TRACE Tracing Rare African Canadian Extraordinaire Feature Documentary Film by Sonia Oduwa Aimiumu (Canada) 1hr  

SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILMS

1. GEORGE OLE SANANGA Short Documentary Film by Bryan Ngugi (Kenya) 4 mins: 16 seconds
2. ORMOILAA OGOL (The Strong One) Short Documentary Film by Shamit Patel (Kenya) 5 mins:: 02 seconds
3. FINDING UBUNTU Short Documentary Film by Annette King, Ishmael Azeli  (Kenya) 22 mins
4. Dr. Mark: PANGOLIN HERO Short Documentary Film by Garth Kingwill (Nigeria) 7 mins:: 52 seconds
5. OUR AFRICAN HAIRITAGE Short Documentary Film by Adanna Madueke (Canada) 30 mins
6. AKIM Animation Film by Yulia Khvan (Argentina)14 mins: 55 seconds
7. MOTHER EARTH EDUCATORS  Animation Film by Endre Kvia (Australia) 22 mins: 17 seconds
8. SIPPING WORDS Short Documentary Film by Ian Gituku Ngene (Kenya) 7 mins 5 secs

INDIGENOUS FILMS

1. YAN- UWA Indigenous Film by Hollie Saint Edge (Nigeria) 1hr 24  mins  08 seconds
2. IWO (VENOM) Indigenous Film by Muyiwa Ademola (Nigeria) 1hr 48  mins  02 seconds

ANIMATION FILMS

1. DANCE  YOU ARE ALIVE Animation Film by Mythravarun Vepakomma (Ireland) 3 mins: 31 seconds
2. 1 2 3 RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT Animation Film by Liangyu Chen (Taiwan) 5 mins: 07 seconds
3. WHO IS GOD? Animation Film by Oscar Adan Lopez Parres (Mexico) 2 mins: 57 seconds
4. THE GRAND BOOK Animation Film by Arjan Brentjes (Netherlands) 19 mins: 59 seconds
5. ADA ANI (the awakening) Animation Film by Andrea R. Ciobanu (United Kingdom) 15 mins: 33 seconds
6. HEKIMA YA USAWA Animation Film by Telly Gary Jeannot (Caneroon ) 1 mins: 47 seconds
7. A TREE ONCE GREW HERE  Animation Film by Johnnie Semerad (USA ) 1 mins: 47 seconds
8. THE BODY OF THE WORLD Animation Film by Simone Massi (Italy ) 4 mins

In today’s interconnected world, the role of international film festivals has transcended mere entertainment and has become a powerful tool for fostering cultural exchange, promoting understanding, and unifying people from different parts of the globe. These festivals serve as platforms for filmmakers, artists, and audiences to come together, share their stories, and celebrate the diversity of human experiences. In this blog post, we will explore the significant role that international film festivals play as a unifying factor in our world.

Click link to submit your film https://filmfreeway.com/EkoInternationalFilmFestival

Celebrating Cultural Diversity:

International film festivals showcase a wide range of films from various countries, cultures, and languages. They provide a unique opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of global cinema. By bringing together films from different backgrounds, festivals expose audiences to unfamiliar stories, traditions, and perspectives. This celebration of cultural diversity helps to bridge gaps and foster a sense of unity among people from different parts of the world.

Promoting Cross-Cultural Understanding:

One of the key roles of international film festivals is to promote cross-cultural understanding. Films have the power to transcend language barriers and communicate universal emotions and experiences. When audiences watch films from different cultures, they gain insights into the lives and struggles of people from diverse backgrounds. This exposure to different perspectives helps break down stereotypes, challenge prejudices, and promote empathy and understanding.

Supporting Independent Filmmakers:

International film festivals provide a vital platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work on a global stage. These festivals often focus on showcasing films that may not have mainstream appeal but carry important social, political, or cultural messages. By giving voice to these filmmakers, festivals contribute to the democratization of storytelling and provide an alternative to the dominance of commercial films. This support for independent filmmakers nurtures creativity, encourages diverse storytelling, and contributes to the vibrant cinematic landscape.

Encouraging Global Collaboration:

Film festivals serve as meeting grounds for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and industry professionals from around the world. These events offer opportunities for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. Filmmakers can find potential co-production partners, secure distribution deals, and gain exposure to international markets. Such collaborations foster cultural exchange, promote global dialogue, and contribute to the growth and development of the film industry as a whole.

Showcasing Social and Political Issues:

International film festivals often highlight films that address pressing social and political issues. These films shed light on topics such as human rights, environmental concerns, gender equality, and social justice. By showcasing such films, festivals provide a platform for discussions, debates, and advocacy. They enable audiences to engage with important global issues and inspire them to take action. In this way, film festivals can play a significant role in raising awareness, promoting social change, and unifying people around shared causes.

Fostering Tourism and Economic Growth:

International film festivals not only attract filmmakers and industry professionals but also draw audiences from around the world. These events contribute to the growth of local economies, as visitors spend money on accommodation, dining, transportation, and other services. Film festivals also help promote tourism and cultural exchange, as attendees often explore the host city or country during their visit. This economic impact and cultural exchange further strengthen the ties between different nations and contribute to the unification of people globally.

Conclusion:

International film festivals have emerged as powerful tools for unifying people from different parts of the world. By celebrating cultural diversity, promoting cross-cultural understanding, supporting independent filmmakers, encouraging global collaboration, showcasing social and political issues, and fostering tourism and economic growth, these festivals play a crucial role in bridging gaps, promoting empathy, and creating a sense of shared humanity. As we continue to navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the significance of international film festivals as unifying factors cannot be overstated.

– Nwaubani Obi M

Features writer: Supple Magazine

                                                                                       Copyright 2024

TALES OF OUR LEGENDS is a documentary package aimed at showcasing these people and their deeds to the world, refreshing the memories of those who knew of them and bringing them afresh to the knowledge of those who have never heard and never known of them, this is also geared towards immortalizing them and to create a platform for their “Hall of fame” inclusion by our Government and the Industry they represent.

SYNOPSIS:

Heroes, Legends, People who have in one way or the other impacted our lives positively, warriors who led us through wars and won battles of life in time past. Great men and women, young and old, who have been exceptional in thier spheres, people of Great courage whose acts in there different fields of endeavour – academy, politics, music, movie, military, sports, Leadership etc, have printed their names and that of our Great country in the world map and thus shaped the future that we now enjoy.

Most of these rare and exceptional citizens are dead and gone, others are still waxing strong among us, while a lot are still languishing in abject poverty on the street with no one to take care of them. Some of them we know, some others are talked about for different reasons.

ABOUT  THE PRODUCER

Monica Omorodion Swaida started her professional career a long time ago. As a teenager, she was part of a rap group called Sound on Sound, later became a backup singer for top Musicians like Majek Fashek, Sunny Okosun, Evi Edna and many more. She did a lot of studio work for various of artists, voice over and jingle for adverts. She left motherland and show business to focus on education abroad. Monica faced the world of business and currently the president of  an Insurance company in Boston Massachusetts. She is also the owner of a movie production company and she is a real estate investor.Monica  produced her award-winning movies like Faces of Love with Robert Peters. She wrote the sound track for Faces of Love titled “My baby is gone” She also wrote the movie sound track for Award winning Movie “Esohe” Titled “I am in love” which she also co produced. Her song Palava won people’s choice for favorite video and also won a Akademia music award. She has gone on to produce many other movies including the Mailman, Deep fever, Nightmare at dusk, Charlie Charlie, , among many others. She is the executive producer and co director of Tales of our legends.

WINNER BEST  DIRECTOR  CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST PICTURE CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST CAST DIRECTOR  UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY  CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST SCREENPLAY  CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST STORY CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST ACTOR MALE CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST SUPPORTING  ACTOR MALE  CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST ACTOR  FEMALE  CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER BEST SUPPORTING  ACTOR FEMALE  CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST VISUAL EFFECTS CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST MAKEUP / COSTUME CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST ORIGINAL SONG  CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER BEST ORIGINAL SCORE CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER BEST PRODUCTION  DESIGN CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST SOUND  CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST FILM EDIT CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  SHORT FILM CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER  BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER INDIGENOUS FILM CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

WINNER BEST ANIMATION CATEGORY UNIVERSAL MOVIE AWARDS 3^RD EDITION

BEST PICTURE CATEGORY

1. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

2. KAMSI (Nigeria)

3. KARAMOJA (Uganda)

4. DODOMA (Kenya)

5. I KNOW A STRANGER PART II (USA)

6. MICHAEL GAISMAYR (Italy)

BEST  DIRECTOR  CATEGORY

1. MICHAEL GAISMAYR (Italy)

2. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

3. KAMSI (Nigeria)

4. DODOMA (Kenya)

BEST SHORT FILM CATEGORY

1. RISK MEN TAKE (Nigeria)

2. SPRING TIDE (India)

3. THE BREAKDOWN (USA)

4. NAAM BADAL DENA (Canada)

5. NO (Iran)

BEST FILM EDIT CATEGORY

1. KAMSI (Nigeria)

2. I KNOW A STRANGER PART II (USA)

3. UNFORGIVABLE (Nigeria)

4. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

BEST SOUND  CATEGORY

1. I KNOW A STRANGER PART II (USA)

2. KAMSI (Nigeria)

3. KARAMOJA (Uganda)

4. SILVER LINING ( Zambia)

BEST PRODUCTION  DESIGN CATEGORY

1. GILA ISLAND (India)

2. KAMSI (Nigeria)

3. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

4. MICHAEL GAISMAYR (Italy)

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE CATEGORY

1. UNFORGIVABLE (Nigeria)

2. BECKMA (Nigeria)

3. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

4. KAMSI (Nigeria)

BEST ORIGINAL SONG  CATEGORY

1. SILVER LINING ( Zambia) ++

2. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

3. KAMSI (Nigeria)

4. DODOMA (Kenya)

BEST MAKEUP / COSTUME CATEGORY

1. UNFORGIVABLE (Nigeria)

2. BEHIND GATES (Cameroon)

3. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

4. MICHAEL GAISMAYR (Italy)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS CATEGORY

1. UNKNOWN TREASURES (Lithuania) ++

2. MICHAEL GAISMAYR (Italy)

3. KAMSI (Nigeria)

4. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

BEST SUPPORTING  ACTOR MALE  CATEGORY

1. WILLIAM BENSON ======= REVISIT (Nigeria)

2. GODISZ FONGWA ====== BEHIND GATES (Cameroon)

3. ATIF NABIL ===== THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

4. SAM DEDE ======== KAMSI (Nigeria)

 BEST SUPPORTING  ACTOR FEMALE  CATEGORY

1. NANCY ISIME ======== UNFORGIVABLE (Nigeria)

2. MERCY AIGBE ======= BECKMA (Nigeria)

3. CHUNGU CHINTELELWE ====== SILVER LINING ( Zambia)

4. TANNA LOUISE =======  I KNOW A STRANGER PART II (USA)

BEST ACTOR  FEMALE  CATEGORY

1. ZITA MINAJ ====== BEHIND GATES (Cameroon)

2. BIMBO ADEMOYE ======= KAMSI (Nigeria)

3. TUMI MORAKE ====== DODOMA (Kenya)

4. OKACHA SONIA ======= THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

BEST ACTOR MALE CATEGORY

1. TIMINI EGBUSON ======== UNFORGIVABLE (Nigeria)

2. WOLE OJO =========  KAMSI (Nigeria)

3. PETER SCHORN ======== MICHAEL GAISMAYR (Italy)

4. CARLOS LEOS ======== I KNOW A STRANGER PART II (USA)

BEST STORY CATEGORY

1. MICHAEL GAISMAYR (Italy)

2. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

3. KAMSI (Nigeria)

4. KARAMOJA (Uganda)

BEST SCREENPLAY  CATEGORY

1. DODOMA (Kenya)

2. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

3. MICHAEL GAISMAYR (Italy)

4. UNFORGIVABLE (Nigeria)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY  CATEGORY

1. KAMSI (Nigeria)

2. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

3. KARAMOJA (Uganda)

4. MICHAEL GAISMAYR (Italy)

BEST CAST DIRECTOR

1. DODOMA (Kenya)

2. THE DIVORCEES OF CASABLANCA (Morocco)

3. KAMSI (Nigeria)

4. MICHAEL GAISMAYR (Italy)

SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM CATEGORY

1. THE SUSPENDED LAKE (Nigeria)

2. SATHY – A STORY OF BRAVE GREEN WARRIORS (India)

3. HOLIDAYS (Cameroon)

4. INK AND GOLD: AN ARTIST’S JOURNEY TO OLYMPIC GLORY (New Zealand)

5. MARK: PANGOLIN HERO (Nigeria)

BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM CATEGORY

1. J’ACCUSE! A CRY FROM THE KILLING PITS OF LITHUANIA (United Kingdom)

2. REINVENTING FREEDOM (Canada)

3. ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL (Australia)

4. JIGEEN NI (French)

5. AFRICAN EMPIRES : SOUTH AFRICA – SHAKA ZULU, PEOPLE OF THE SKY ( France)

ANIMATION CATEGORY

1. A TREE ONCE GREW HERE (USA)

2. TREMORS ( France)

INDIGENOUS FILM CATEGORY

1. YAN- UWA (Nigeria)

2. ECHEZONA (Nigeria)

2023 Best Canadian Feature Film Award, Amplify Voices Awards, Short Cuts Awards, Changemaker Award, People’s Choice Awards, along with FIPRESCI and NETPAC film jury awards, close the Festival

TORONTO — The Toronto International Film Festival® ― which concluded last evening with the Closing Night screening of Thom Zimny’s Sly at the Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre and Roy Thomson Hall ―  has announced its award recipients for the 48th edition of the Festival.

“We’re grateful to all the audience members, artists, industry professionals, and supporters who graced Toronto’s cinemas, red carpets, meeting spaces, and streets,” said Cameron Bailey, TIFF CEO. “As we recognize award winners today, we thank everyone who contributed to this glorious, collective gift.”

“From the most revered veterans to the freshest new voices, this year’s Festival played host to the diverse range of filmmakers Toronto is known for,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “And Toronto’s filmgoers turned up in huge numbers to be a part of the celebration. We’re grateful to our film jurors for their invaluable contributions, for championing emerging talent, and for enriching the film community with their expertise and passion.”

SHORT CUTS AWARDS

Short Cuts Awards are for Best Film, Best Canadian Film, and the Share Her Journey Award for best film by a woman. Each winning film will receive a bursary of $10,000 CAD. The winners of the three awards are:

Short Cuts Award For Best Film: Electra, dir. Daria Kashcheeva

Jury’s statement: “Singular and accomplished, this sickly sweet nightmare of a film packs a mighty final punch. Visceral and infinitely textured, it leads us down a contorted rabbit hole with thematic and visual prowess. With great pleasure, the jury presents the Short Cuts Award for Best Short Film to Electra, directed by Daria Kashcheeva. Electra resonates with under-the-skin discomfort long after the film is over.”

Short Cuts Award For Best Canadian Film: Motherland, dir. Jasmin Mozaffari

Jury’s statement: “Displaying great mastery of craft, this incredibly ambitious film excels in its direction, performances, sound, and picture, with every frame exhibiting love and intention. The jury is pleased to present the Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Short Film to Motherland directed by Jasmin Mozaffari. The film left us with one word collectively: wow.”

Share Her Journey Award: Shé (Snake), dir. Renee Zhan

Jury’s statement: “For this film’s incredibly original and surreal creativity, which is matched with beautiful acting, the jury is thrilled to give the Short Cuts Share Her Journey Award to Renee Zhan for Shé (Snake). It’s not common to be bewitched by grotesque creatures in a film, but here they captured the hearts of the audience thanks to their humour and charm.”

Honourable Mention: Gaby’s Hills, dir. Zoé Pelchat

Jury’s statement: “Featuring an ensemble cast with incredible organic chemistry, Gaby’s Hills delivered a moving portrayal of a girl in puberty returning home to find her womanhood reflected back to her in the community. Carefully crafted with layered themes, the jury is delighted to present an honourable mention for the Short Cuts Share Her Journey Award to Gaby’s Hills, directed by Zoé Pelchat.”

The 2023 jurors for the Short Cuts Awards are Aisha Jamal, Araya Mengesha, and Shasha Nakhai.

NETPAC AWARD

The 2023 NETPAC jury members include: Sung Moon, Haolun Shu, and Lalita Krishna.

TIFF is delighted to announce that the 2023 NETPAC Jury has selected Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s A Match as this year’s NETPAC winner.

The 2023 NETPAC jury released the following statement: “First, the jury would like to express how impressed they were by the strong films in this category, which covered a range of social issues using diverse artistic styles. The jury gives an honourable mention to Mimang, where director Kim Taeyang created a lyrical tale through visuals of a changing city that perfectly captured the longing of its protagonists. The NETPAC award was instituted to promote Asian cinema and to bring international attention to independent and non-mainstream films focusing on the discovery of new talent. The jury commends the courage of this year’s winner, a first time feature director, for taking a risk and delivering a story that is enlightening and entertaining. The director worked with a cast of non-actors that not only resulted in a stellar performance, but achieved a level of authenticity needed to drive home the social message. An immersive portrayal of life in an Indian village, highlighting its oppressive patriarchal customs, the NETPAC award this year goes to A Match by Jayant Digambar Somalkar.”

FIPRESCI PRIZE

The 2023 FIPRESCI jury members include: Cem Altinsaray, Elijah Baron, Jindřiška Bláhová, Diego Faraone, and Jenni Zylka.

The jury is delighted to announce Seagrass, dir. Meredith Hama-Brown, as this year’s FIPRESCI winner.

The 2023 FIPRESCI jury released the following statement: “A married couple in crisis seems willing to give what is usually the last resource to save its bond: couples therapy, while they’re having a vacation at the Pacific coast together with their two daughters. Their contact with other couples is an inevitable temptation and a fire test. Meanwhile, their daughters confront the world, their fears, puberty — and the ghosts of unresolved conflicts of their parents. This intimate, endearing, and wonderfully framed first feature film by young Canadian actor and director Meredith Hama-Brown skillfully deals with subjects like masculinity, family taboos, motherhood, and structural anti-Asian racism. Hama-Brown carefully stages her convincing actors, especially the young ones, and even gives life to a tender relationship between a little girl and a ball.

We are happy to honour the film Seagrass with the International Critics Prize (FIPRESCI Prize) at TIFF 2023.”

AMPLIFY VOICES AWARDS PRESENTED BY CANADA GOOSE

This year, Canada Goose will again present the Amplify Voices Awards to under-represented filmmakers in Canada. Feature films in Official Selection by Canadian BIPOC filmmakers are eligible for the Best Feature and Best First Feature Award. The Amplify Voices Award will also celebrate a Canadian BIPOC trailblazer, recognizing a producer who has made significant contributions to the Canadian film landscape. The three winners will receive a cash prize of $10,000 each, made possible by Canada Goose.

The three Amplify Voices Awards presented by Canada Goose winners are:

Amplify Voices Award – Best BIPOC Canadian Feature: Kanaval, dir. Henri Pardo

Jury’s statement: “There has never been a Canadian film that captures both magical realism and post-colonial trauma in such a beautiful, poetic, and convincing way. Seamless in the way the story has been weaved together, this film refuses to follow a linear storyline, understanding intimately how the past and future always exist in the present, and lifting centuries-old legacies into the cinema. Centered around the powerful and awe-inducing performance of newcomer Rayan Dieudonné, this film is an honest ode to the immigrant experience. The jury celebrates Kanaval and the singular cinematic talent of Henri Pardo.”

Amplify Voices Award for Best BIPOC Canadian First Feature Award: Tautuktavuk (What We See), dirs. Carol Kunnuk, Lucy Tulugarjuk

Jury’s statement: “Through powerful self-representation, this story honours rituals that have been and rituals that are made anew, reflecting a rare purity in its filmmaking approach. The makers of this film powerfully capture truth in its most unadorned form, turning the camera inward to both look at and listen to themselves and their community, placing trust in and honouring the authenticity of their voices. The jury celebrates the co-directors of Tautuktavuk, Carol Kunnuk and Lucy Tulugarjuk, for their work in powerfully navigating difficult and necessary conversations from a place of unapologetic ownership and unwavering communal care.”

The 2023 jurors for the Amplify Voices Awards presented by Canada Goose are V.T. Nayani, Nisha Pahuja, and Ricardo Acosta.

The Amplify Voices Award also celebrates a Canadian BIPOC Trailblazer, recognizing a producer who has made significant contributions to the Canadian film landscape.

The 2023 Amplify Voices Trailblazer Award was presented to Damon D’Oliveira, producer.

Damon is a veteran producer responsible for bringing to screen some of Canada’s most critically and commercially successful films and television (Brother, Rude, The Grizzlies, The Book of Negroes, and Wildhood). An early champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion both in front and behind the camera, Damon’s career has focused on producing content that centered underrepresented, racialized, and 2SLGBTQ+ voices. His latest film, Brother, directed by Clement Virgo, had its World Premiere at TIFF 2022 to strong critical acclaim and has been invited to a number of additional festivals including the Busan Film Festival, Sao Paulo Film Festival, and in Competition at the BFI London, Gothenburg, and Tromsø Film Festivals.

BEST CANADIAN FEATURE FILM AWARD

The 2023 Best Canadian Feature jury members include: V.T. Nayani, Susan Maggi, and Ricardo Acosta. TIFF is delighted to announce that the 2023 Jury has selected Solo, dir. Sophie Dupuis as this year’s Best Canadian Feature Film.

Jury’s statement: “Sophie Dupuis’s Solo is a specifically intimate and deeply affecting film, full of palpable care and honesty. Whatever your entry point to this film, there is a place for you as part of a larger story and conversation, which is more critical than ever. This coming-of-age narrative is ultimately a film about family, both blood and chosen, and the complications and beauties of both. And it is a story of love, in all of its iterations, of how it can both fail us and set us free.”

BEST CANADIAN FEATURE FILM AWARD HONORABLE MENTION: Kanaval, dir. Henri Pardo

Jury’s statement: “There has never been a Canadian film that captures both magical realism and post-colonial trauma through the singular lens of a young child, in such a beautiful, poetic, and convincing way. The jury is pleased to award an Honorable Mention to Henri Pardo’s Kanaval.”

CHANGEMAKER AWARD

The Changemaker Award is presented to a Festival film that explores issues relevant to young people and is focused on themes of social change and youth empowerment. The award embraces the power in young people seeing their communities represented on screen and celebrates the next generation of storytellers and changemakers in cinema. The winning film comes with a $10,000 CAD prize, and is selected by TIFF’s Next Wave Committee, a group of young film lovers who recognize cinema’s power to transform the world.

The 2023 jurors for the Changemaker Award are members of TIFF’s Next Wave Committee: Maggie Kane, Linc Guo, Serena Hao, Roni Harel Haber, Ray Wu, Naiya Forrester, Maya Al-Arami, Sara Rana, Daniel Leplae, Tara Sidhu, Tafadzwa Mangwiro, and Elizabeth Albrecht.

THE 2023 CHANGEMAKER AWARD is presented to We Grown Now, dir. Minhal Baig.

Minhal Baig offered this statement: “Thank you so much to the Next Wave Committee in recognizing We Grown Now for the Changemaker Award. When I first began interviewing former Cabrini-Green residents years ago, I was deeply moved and surprised by the experiences they shared with me. They spoke both of the challenges and joys of life in a public housing project. It was essential in making the film that we embrace that reality and present the high rises through the lens of children who called it home. Though the high rises have long since been demolished, Cabrini-Green remains an indelible part of the history of Chicago and public housing in America, and I hope the film sparks meaningful cultural conversation. I am beyond honoured that the Next Wave Committee has recognized the film and the importance of its social issues.”

TIFF’s Next Wave Committee provided this statement: “We Grow Now offers a compelling depiction of family and friendship within the backdrop of Chicago’s public housing project, Cabrini-Green. Frequently shadowed by the stereotypes of drugs, violence, and crime, this film strives to break the mold. Minhal dedicated a significant amount of time to connect with former residents of the now-demolished homes to learn their stories. The result is a profound and significant story of boyhood innocence and hope, and the struggle two young friends face as they grapple with the possibility of saying goodbye to each other. We were able to connect with this film because we saw friends and family in it, the struggles they face every day, and the parts of their lives we may never personally know. We believe in the self-discovery and power that comes from seeing your community represented in film. We know how dedicated Minhal is to tell stories that matter and that mean something to those they are about, and we hope that this award will aid her in her journey forward.”

PLATFORM AWARD

The Platform Award is an award of $20,000 CAD given to the best film in the programme, selected by an in-person international jury. This year’s jury members are: Barry Jenkins, Nadine Labaki, and Anthony Shim.

The 2023 Platform Award is awarded to: Dear Jassi, dir. Tarsem Singh Dhandwar.

The Platform Jury released this statement: “Dear Jassi was a unanimous choice for this year’s Platform Award for its honest and poignant portrayal of a subject matter that still affects large portions of individuals forced to live under the inhumanity of bitter caste systems throughout the globe. The film has the perfect blend of craft, purpose, and faith in its audience, creating a world that is both richly cinematic and steadfastly realistic. The young leads, Yugam Sood and Pavia Sidhu, are by turns breathtaking and, in performances that pull no punches, heartbreaking. Altogether an emphatic work by director Tarsem Singh Dhandwar and his many wonderful collaborators; a film that would be worthy of accolades in any section and which we enthusiastically welcome into the pantheon of winners in this Platform section.”

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

For the 47th year, the People’s Choice Awards distinguish the audience’s top title at the Festival as voted by the viewing public. All films in TIFF’s Official Selection were eligible.

The TIFF 2023 People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award winner is Dicks: The Musical dir. Larry Charles.

The first runner-up is Kill dir. Nikhil Nagesh Bhat.

The second runner-up is Hell of a Summer dirs. Finn Wolfhard, Billy Bryk.

The TIFF 2023 People’s Choice Documentary Award winner is Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe dir. Robert McCallum.

The first runner-up is Summer Qamp dir. Jen Markowitz.

The second runner-up is Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa dir. Lucy Walker.

The TIFF 2023 People’s Choice Award winner is: American Fiction dir. Cord Jefferson.

The first runner-up is The Holdovers dir. Alexander Payne.

The second runner-up is The Boy and the Heron dir. Hayao Miyazaki.

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For more information, contact Alejandra Sosa, Director, Communications at masosa@tiff.net