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  • TIFF 50 RECAP l Bitesize Breakdown

    Previous Next September 26, 2025 As we decompress and process everything from the Toronto International Film Festival, it's time to gather our thoughts and talk about all the films we had a chance to check out at TIFF 50. Spoiler Alert: There were a lot of them. Frankenstein , No Other Choice , Wake Up Dead Man , Sentimental Value , Hamnet , Roofman , The Smashing Machine ... There were nearly 300 films at this year's festival and Amarú, Nick, Adriano, and our guest Amanda Guarragi are here to talk about all the highs and lows of TIFFTY. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel for all of our latest video content including our interviews, and be sure to give us a thumbs up and comment your thoughts!

  • BLACK DOVES: SEASON ONE | Bitesize Breakdown

    BLACK DOVES: SEASON ONE Starring: Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire, Andrew Buchan, Ella Lily Hyland, Isabella Wei, and Omari Douglas Creator: Joe Barton QUENTIN When it comes to spy shows, most tend to sacrifice character for action and shadowy intrigue. Netflix’s Black Doves goes the other way with it. In what essentially amounts to Red Sparrow but British, this thriller is at its best when focusing on the humourous partnership and backstory of Helen and Sam (a great Keira Knightley and an even better Ben Whishaw, respectively). The mystery itself is fine, if a little convoluted, and there are the typical gunfights and whatnot, but witnessing the evolution of the two spies and the personal cost of the job is what makes this quick Christmas-tinged series (six episodes) a winner.

  • JOHN MAGARO | Bitesize Breakdown

    Previous May 4, 2026 Next A BITESIZE CHAT WITH JOHN MAGARO Actor John Magaro (The Big Short , Past Lives , September 5 ) joins Katie to talk about his latest film, Omaha . The actor discusses the importance of independent filmmaking, authenticity in the way masculinity is portrayed in film, and his awareness of Nebraska's Safe Haven laws. Make sure to check out Omaha now in theatres. Interview conducted on April 16th, 2026 by Katie Bone.

  • THE AFTERPARTY: SEASON TWO | Bitesize Breakdown

    THE AFTERPARTY: SEASON TWO Starring: Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Zoe Chao, Elizabeth Perkins, Zach Woods, Paul Walter Hauser, Poppy Liu, Anna Konkle, Jack Whitehall, Vivian Wu, Ken Jeong, and John Cho Creator: Christopher Miller NICK Talk about a sophomore slump... Season Two of The Afterparty is sadly underwhelming in every way. The new cast may boast more star power, but their characters and the mystery they’re tasked with solving are less interesting. As for the returning cast, the most notable thing is how annoying they’ve made Zoe Chao’s Zoë. Even the well constructed genre episodes that made Season One work so well are done half-assedly. Sure, there’s one entertaining episode surrounding Tiffany Haddish and Michael Ealy, but it’s not enough to bring me back for a potential third season. ADRIANO As someone who very much loved the first season, it brings me no pleasure to say that Season Two of The Afterparty is a disappointment. It still has some of the charms and quirks of Season One, and the genre hopping is still fun to watch, but the mystery isn’t nearly as captivating, it’s not quite as funny, and the cast is not as unique (aside from Sam Richardson, whose talent Hollywood needs to embrace finally). Overall, the cohesion just isn’t there, and it breaks my heart to say that. QUENTIN Season Two of The Afterparty is an excellent example of what can happen when a network (or streaming service) decides to grant an unplanned second season to a surprising hit miniseries. I mean, man…talk about a sophomore slump. Almost nothing works or hangs together cohesively this time around, from the cast chemistry to the mystery to the different takes on various genres. It’s almost like they decided to lean into an anthology approach, which means neither the central story nor the characters are compelling on an episode-to-episode basis. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a show drop off this badly. Also, Hollywood…less Tiffany Haddish, please.

  • FOR ALL MANKIND: SEASON FOUR | Bitesize Breakdown

    FOR ALL MANKIND: SEASON FOUR Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Toby Kebbell, Wrenn Schmidt, Krys Marshall, Cynthy Wu, Coral Peña, Edi Gathegi, Tyner Rushing, Svetlana Efremova, and Daniel Stern Creators: Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi QUENTIN After another time jump, this time to 2003, For All Mankind seems somewhat lost in its fourth season. Most of the original characters are gone, except for Ed and Margo (Joel Kinnaman and Wrenn Schmidt, respectively, unconvincingly playing characters twice their real ages), and the story has transitioned away from astronauts in an active space race to new characters carrying out the day-to-day items that occur once the race is over. Plots revolving around the working conditions of the maintenance staff on Mars, a smuggling ring, and political summits aren’t what I want from this show. I’ll stick around for Season Five, but it’s on notice.

  • BEST PICTURE: THE BRUTALIST l Bitesize Breakdown

    Previous Next February 28, 2025 Welcome to A Bigger Bite, the podcast series where we take a deeper dive into some of our favourite films of the year (spoilers included). With the Oscars coming up, we've decided to launch with an episode for each film the Academy Awards have nominated for Best Picture, releasing an episode each day leading up to the big ceremony. We promise this episode won't be over three hours. Here's The Brutalist ! P.S. Stay tuned for a peek behind the scenes with our version of an MCU post credit moment. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel for all of our latest video content including our interviews, and be sure to give us a thumbs up and comment your thoughts!

  • FROM: SEASON ONE | Bitesize Breakdown

    FROM: SEASON ONE Starring: Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Eion Bailey, David Alpay, Elizabeth Saunders, Shaun Majumder, Scott McCord, Ricky He, Chloe Van Landschoot, Pegah Ghafoori, Corteon Moore, Hannah Cheramy, Simon Webster, Avery Konrad, Paul Zinno, and Elizabeth Moy Creator: John Griffin QUENTIN If you’re one of those people constantly on the lookout for the next Lost , this might be the show for you. It boasts the same type of supernatural, “where are we?” mystery as that groundbreaking series, but does it with a creepy horror slant (imagine if Stephen King wrote Lost ). While the acting can be so-so at parts and the characters are sometimes less than compelling simply due to how many there are, the world building is fantastic. And with a finale that promises to push the mysteries and expand the world even further next season, this very well could become the internet’s next obsession.

  • YOU: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON | Bitesize Breakdown

    YOU: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON Starring: Penn Badgley, Tati Gabrielle, Lukas Gage, Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, Amy-Leigh Hickman, Ed Speleers, Brad Alexander, Niccy Lin, Aidan Cheng, Stephen Hagan, Ben Wiggins, Eve Austin, Ozioma Whenu, Dario Coates, Sean Pertwee, Alison Pargeter, and Adam James Creators: Sera Gamble and Greg Berlanti QUENTIN PART ONE After a relatively subpar Season Three, You has returned to flip the script, making stalker Joe (Penn Badgley) the stalkee in a binge-worthy whodunnit. In making that switch, You plays with genre tropes while also delivering a commentary on today’s trendiest topic: toxic wealth. Admittedly, satirizing the rich is becoming played out, but it works here because it isn’t the story’s primary focus. Mostly, this is a story about Joe and whether he can be redeemed, but when those two angles are joined together, they create a terrific Part One that is Knives Out meets Dexter . I can’t wait for Part Two to drop next month. PART TWO After the strong and refreshing redirect that was Part One, Part Two fumbles away the season before it can reach the goal line. There is a late twist that is admittedly unexpected, but it’s so clumsily and confusingly executed that it ruins the momentum of the final three episodes. All the interest, intrigue, and tension dissipate because of this shark-jumping moment. That said, the season ends on a note that makes for an interesting direction in Season Five, but only time will tell if they can capitalize on it or if the show has run its course. PAIGE PART ONE Oh, how the tables have turned on Joe (Penn Badgley), who is now getting a taste of his own medicine in the first part of Season Four, which is an Agatha Christie-style whodunnit with a dash of social satire. It’s a different approach than what we’re traditionally used to with this series, but it’s actually quite clever and bloody fun. So far, it’s got me contemplating if creepy Joe can actually be redeemed, but we’ll have to wait for Part Two to find out. Either way, in the end, it’s always been about you , Penn Badgley, and you deliver a killer performance once again. PART TWO This season of You feels tonally different from the others. The first half of the series is structured like a whodunnit, and it was a promising bloody start that I quite enjoyed. However, the second half takes a totally different approach, prattling on to add more nuance but ultimately fumbling the ball. The last few episodes just feel rushed because they are tying up loose ends in a lazily sloppy way, and while the end of the season positions Season Five to go to an intriguing place, I wonder if it's the overall right decision to take the story in that direction.

  • NATIONAL CANADIAN FILM DAY 2025 | Bitesize Breakdown

    Previous Next April 16, 2025 WRITTEN BY: NICK Canadian films tell us Canadians about ourselves and our neighbours. They tell us about the world we live in and the world we want to live in. They showcase our incredible achievements and our stories. In celebration of that ideal, today is National Canadian Film Day, a day that gives us the opportunity to share those stories while celebrating with people from across the country. With over 1800 free screenings from coast to coast, there is a Canadian film for everyone. If you need help finding one right for you, a list of some of the best films this country has to offer is available HERE . With 38 pages of films, I tried to narrow down to a mixture of my personal favourites, under-appreciated features, and films I think best showcase Canada. Still, there are plenty of great recent indies, like Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person and I Like Movies , that I don't even mention. There have also been notable documentaries, like Wrestling with Shadows and The Carter Effect . Hell, I don't even get into the early works of directors like Denis Villeneuve, David Cronenberg, and Sarah Polley. Canadian cinema is just that good. So, while there is a wealth of films I implore you to seek out, let's talk about just a few of the films I think best encapsulate the spirit of the day. STRANGE BREW (1983) If you have a very stereotypical view of Canadians, you're probably picturing Bob and Doug McKenzie (Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas), a duo that got their start on SCTV before blowing up with their big screen feature, Strange Brew . This is our Dumb and Dumber , featuring two dimwitted friends who supply lowbrow humour and charm in an outrageous and ridiculous story about commandeering free beer — a truly Canadian prize if I've ever heard one. Oh, and did I mention it's a loose re-telling of Hamlet ? Yup. You should definitely check out the pair from The Great White North ; otherwise, take off, ya hoser. THE WRONG GUY (1991) In the world of intentionally dumb comedies, The Wrong Guy is one of the most overlooked. Let's start with the premise: after discovering his boss murdered, Nelson Hibbert (Dave Foley) attempts to flee to Mexico as he believes he is the prime suspect, except, unbeknownst to him, the authorities are aware he is not at fault. It's such a simple and silly idea that brings forth plenty of laughs thanks to Foley's over-the-top antics and some repeat gags (Lynn’s (Jennifer Tilly) narcolepsy gets me every time). I'm not one to call for remakes, but you could easily revamp this thing to great effect, too. Until then, the original Canadian comedy gem is there for your viewing pleasure. SHARKWATER (2006) One of the most affecting documentaries I've ever seen is 2006's Sharkwater . Director Rob Thomas (no Matchbox Twenty affiliation) travels the world to explore the plight sharks are facing, as well as the people who continue to disobey the laws meant to protect the endangered giant sea wonders. Thomas is front and center as he showcases his humanity and the beauty of these animals. It will change the way you look at sharks, as it did for many others as Sharkwater led to the banning of shark finning in 90 countries across the globe. Unfortunately, Thomas passed away in a diving accident while shooting the follow-up Sharkwater: Extinction , but his team finished the film, which acts as a wonderful tribute. ROOM (2015) I admit, some of these films aren’t well-known outside of my home country, but that is not the case with Room . The harrowing story of a mother and her child raised in captivity led to multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for star Brie Larson (which she won). Larson, along with the feature debut of young Canadian Jacob Tremblay, are sensational in the film as they tell one of the most poignant stories of survival in the face of domestic abuse. Room is the kind of film that makes you think, sticking with you long after the credits finish rolling. If you somehow haven't seen this one, make sure you change that. LONG TIME RUNNING (2017) I don't expect non-Canadians to understand the way The Tragically Hip are tethered to the DNA of this country. Hell, I didn't understand until I was older. However, when Gord Downie, the lead singer of the band was diagnosed with brain cancer, leading him to embark on a final tour, it was a national event. Long Time Running captures the ups and downs of this tour, all leading up to the final performance in the band's hometown of Kingston, Ontario. With Downie passing a year later, you're literally watching a man dying in front of you, yet still doing what he loved all his life. He goes all out, performing at the top of his game and closing his career with an unbelievable final performance. The inclusion of a "concert" film here may seem strange, but if you're from here, you get it. BROTHER (2022) Brother was my introduction to rising star Aaron Pierre, and it put him on my radar well before Rebel Ridge and Lanterns . The film, which I originally saw at TIFF, didn’t initially hit me at the levels it has grown to since. I was always high on Clement Virgo’s direction and the stunning cinematography, but it is the dynamic between the two brothers that made the lasting impact. Watching Francis and Michael (Pierre and Lamar Johnson) as they navigate the city of Toronto while battling others’ expectations of who they should be is something to behold. Virgo keeps the story feeling intimate and homegrown, adding to the authenticity, and even though I initially pushed back on the portrayal of Scarborough, Ontario, it still feels like Toronto in many ways. BLACKBERRY (2023) “I’m from Waterloo, where the vampires hang out!” is just one of the many great lines from Glenn Howerton’s Jim Balsillie in BlackBerry . Playing somewhat against type while still harnessing his It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia rage, Howerton is terrific as the bombastic BlackBerry investor Balsillie. It’s a performance that could have easily gone too far over-the-top to be believable, but he finds ways to ground it. It also helps that he’s juxtaposed well to Jay Baruchel’s quiet and reserved Mike Lazaridis, the CEO of Research in Motion (and creator of the BlackBerry). You get the full story of the company’s rise from practically nothing to its legendary downfall. There are comedic moments, yes, but the drama outweighs them in what ended up being one of the biggest surprises of 2023. HEY, VIKTOR! (2023) A large part of this country is its indigenous people, and we're starting to see a lot more of their stories being told. One example, which flew under the radar last year, is Hey, Viktor! This comedy about the journey to make a sequel to the 1998 cult classic Smoke Signals is hilarious. Cody Lightning is a big reason why it’s so funny because he plays into the absurdity of it all while never shying away from poking fun at himself. Even the mockumentary format, which I'm more than tired of, is used sparingly enough that it actually enhances the film. This is probably the most hidden of the gems on this list, but I promise it's worth your time. MR. DRESSUP: THE MAGIC OF MAKE-BELIEVE (2023) I've always been big on nostalgia, and nothing is more nostalgic to my childhood than Mr. Dressup . For those born between 1967 and 1996, Ernie Coombs helped raise us. He was our Mr. Rogers, which is only solidified by the fact that the pair maintained a close professional and personal relationship. This documentary explores the cultural impact the series had, featuring interviews with numerous Canadian stars who speak of their connection to the show and share some never-before-heard stories about Coombs himself. Whether it's his emotional performance on Fred Penner's Place following his wife's passing, or the tear-jerker of a story his son tells about Coombs' stroke, this film does for Coombs what Won't You Be My Neighbor? did for Fred Rogers. That is to say, it does him justice.

  • FEAR THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON | Bitesize Breakdown

    FEAR THE WALKING DEAD: THE COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON Starring: Lennie James, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Colman Domingo, Danay Garcia, Rubén Blades, Jenna Elfman, Alexa Nisenson, Austin Amelio, Mo Collins, Karen David, Colby Hollman, Christine Evangelista, Daryl Mitchell, Keith Carradine, and Omid Abtahi Creators: Dave Erickson and Robert Kirkman NICK PART ONE The seventh season of Fear the Walking Dead continues the anthology approach it first adopted in Season Six. While that was a revelation when first introduced, the novelty has worn off a little. Part One simply doesn’t carry the momentum of last year, as the nuclear explosion aftermath limitations are already burdensome. It all feels like a retread of The Walking Dead with its preparation for war, and because of that, it’s set up to rely heavily on Part Two. The latter half could save the season, but it certainly has some work to do. PART TWO Much like the “All Out War” storyline in its parent show, this war was underwhelming. There were definitely some solid individual episodes and we said touching goodbyes to a few main characters, but the ones who survived feel directionless. The Victor Strand (Colman Domingo) arc is easily the most frustrating though. Domingo gives a great performance, but by the conclusion of the season, I was left wondering why we went that route at all. The reintroduction of Madison Clark (Kim Dickens) wasn’t even enough to give things a jolt, as it came too late for a reunion with her daughter. A missed opportunity.

  • FROM FILM TO SERIES | Bitesize Breakdown

    Previous Next August 22, 2024 WRITTEN BY: THE BITESIZE CREW In recent years, there have been a lot of hit movies turned into television series. Whether it’s presented as a remake (A League of Their Own ), a spinoff (National Treasure ), a sequel (Cobra Kai ), a prequel (Bates Motel ), a gap-filling story (Obi-Wan ), or something else entirely (Fargo ), viewers love to revisit worlds and characters that they already have some familiarity with. In fact, in many ways, these shows often enhance one’s enjoyment of the original movie, if not surpass it in quality, while introducing new audiences to fan favorite films that can occasionally be lost to time. With the news that Netflix is making a series based on 2004’s Man on Fire , with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stepping into Denzel Washington’s extremely tough-to-fill shoes, we started debating what the series might look like. Is it a prequel? A straight remake? Is it even necessary? In turn, that debate spurred a discussion about what movies we think would benefit from a series treatment, either to expand a world we’ve been introduced to, improve upon the film version, or to provide backstory or a continuation on a favorite hero or villain. So, what do you think? Would you watch any of these? THE SHINING (1980) The Shining invited us into one of the most iconic haunted buildings ever, the Overlook Hotel. Though the Torrance family is known to be terrorized by the hotel and its dark secrets, have you ever wondered about the other guests that have checked in? Creating an anthology series in the vein of Black Mirror or The Twilight Zone , titled The Overlook , where each episode follows a different guest as they lose their sanity while having their demons exposed by the hotel’s supernatural forces would be a unique approach. Plus, the anthology format could enable several well-known horror filmmakers, including Guillermo del Toro, Karyn Kusama, or Fede Alvarez, to helm episodes, with each adding their own spin to the mythos. Stephen King may not have been the biggest fan of Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation of his novel, but if this series dove deeper into the lore of the famed hotel, not only do I think he’d love it, but many horror fans like me would as well. – Paige THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS (1987) Even as Bitesize’s resident Michael J. Fox fan, I can admit when one of his films could be done better. That's the case with 1987's The Secret of My Success , even though I do enjoy the original. If you don't know, the story follows a young man working in a corporate mailroom who assumes the identity of a made-up executive to rise amongst the corporate ranks... and then hijinks ensue! It's a fun concept, but a series remake could really flesh out the base storyline and make for a fun romp. Although the charisma of Fox is hard to come by, I'd have Niles Fitch (an up-and-comer best known for playing teenage Randall Pearson on This Is Us ) take the reins since he could handle being both the polished corporate suit and the rambunctious "kid" that is in over his head. In fact, it could be a true breakout for Fitch, and a resurrection of this oft-forgotten film. – Nick GANGS OF NEW YORK (2002) Some of the best fiction is based on historically accurate accounts of characters that allow our imaginations to run wild with how life may have actually been at the time. Using the rough and tumble world of New York’s Five Points in early America, there are few places that elicit greater natural tension with its inherent dangers, shifting political landscape, and growing ethno-cultural diversity. There is so much material to draw from to make this television series a supreme success, if provided with an appropriate budget and treated with enough care. I can imagine a series written by Steven Knight ( Peaky Blinders ) or Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan ( Westworld ), starring a badass Benedict Cumberbatch, Christian Bale, and/or Austin Butler. I think it’s high time we “settle for good and all, who holds sway over the Five Points!” – Preston THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE (2010) For those who don’t remember the film, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and the Cullen family battle Victoria’s (Bryce Dallas Howard) newborn vampire army, which is targeting disadvantaged teens as recruits. During the fight, the Cullens’ encounter a young vampire that pleads innocence, showing that the newborns are being controlled, before being ultimately killed by The Volturi, the largest and most powerful coven of vampires that enforce the laws of the vampire world. With that context in mind, I want a series that follows the army of young misfits prior to this battle and beyond, exploring how they came to be turned, their pasts, and their unique powers in an X-Men- like fashion. Some may have grouped together and lived in isolation, while others may have been taken under the wing of the more mature newborns. Perhaps some even returned to their normal lives. This series also would further explore The Volturi and how they came to be the law enforcers of the vampire race, with a stronger horror element than the films and more visceral vampire action. – Katie THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. (2015) Just in case it hasn’t been clear before, big Guy Ritchie fan here, and after the wonderful Netflix series that expanded on the world of his great film The Gentlemen, I figured, “why stop there?” I believe The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is nearing cult-classic levels of underrated within Ritchie’s filmography, and the biggest reason is the main duo of Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) and Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill). While the former actor won’t get to see the light of day in a new sequel series, recasting here won’t matter as the movie itself was a remake of an already well received television drama that ran for four seasons in the 1960s, starring Robert Vaughn and David McCallum. The love for spy shows has been around for decades, and the buddy-cop dynamic of the two secret agents’ clashing American and Russian personalities would be an unlimited amount of fun to return to. Cast two up-and-coming stars (there’s a certain Powell that comes to mind) to get into new spy antics every week, and, guaranteed, the good times will roll. – Amarú BRIGHT (2017) I know what you’re thinking — “ Bright ? That shitty fantasy cop movie with Will Smith?” Hell, that’s if you remember Bright at all because it is, admittedly, very forgettable. That said, as mediocre as the movie is, most of that can be attributed to the cliché plotline and bland performances because the world building around all the unremarkable aspects is quite impressive. A modern world filled with humans, fairies, orcs, and other Lord of the Rings -y characters trying to coexist offers a plethora of pathways to explore racism, classism, sexism, religion, politics, and a myriad of other issues that currently divide today’s society. I’m picturing something like The Wire meets Game of Thrones with a dash of The Boys ’ clever satire. With Bright as the entry point, you can start over with a different location (the movie is set in Los Angeles, but what does New York look like?) and a new cast of characters, creating expansive opportunities for excellent and relevant storytelling. It could even work as an anthology like True Detective . – Quentin THE MENU (2022) The Menu is easily one of the most fascinating films of the 2020s, not to mention one of my favourites. One aspect that has always intrigued me the most is the film's main antagonist, Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). We get glimpses of his life through monologues and certain ticks he has in the film, but overall, the character is still a mystery. I don't believe stripping the mystery away from the character removes the movie's message, so getting deep into Slowik's psyche, in my opinion, would be a captivating watch. Witness glimpses of the abusive home life he mentions in the film, his humble beginnings that initially brought him happiness, and his rise to fame that ruined him by causing his disdain for the wealthy and fine dining. I want to see what led to him to open Hawthorn and what caused the psychopathic state driving the events of The Menu . Frankly, all this aside, I just want more of Fiennes as Chef Slowik, to be honest. – Adriano

  • A BITESIZE WRAP-UP OF FOFS | Bitesize Breakdown

    Previous Next June 30, 2022 WRITTEN BY: JOSEPH Before this year’s edition, I was unfamiliar with the Future of Film Showcase ; However, after having the pleasure of checking out some of 2022’s entries, I see that film's future is in very good hands. Each entry was unique and unafraid to play with styles and themes while also pushing some sort of boundary. There were experimental entries, such as Premium Pornography , which takes the cake for being the most humorous. It’s a weird and nonsensical short that captures a very 90s style, both in tone and how it was filmed. There were also multiple animated entries, including the musical Petal to the Metal , in which director Emily Pelstring captures a certain something by using a multitude of vibrant colors flashing through a synthy soundtrack. The remarkable Premonition: On the Eve of Signing Treaty 6 really stunned me, though. Director Barry Bilinsky uses gorgeous animation to tell the story of the early treaties with First Nations tribes while a voiceover recited a Cree poem. It's a beautiful rundown of a part of Canadian history. Perfecting the Art of Longing and Abuela are both films that tackle the subject of aging in very different ways. Perfecting the Art of Longing is an experimental documentary that follows a quadriplegic rabbi in a long-term-care facility, bedridden in a hospital as a result of a severe stroke. It's a touching story that analyzes his life and how quarantine forced him to be alone for extended periods of time. Abuela , on the other hand, has a less intense and more straightforward narrative as it tells the story of a grandmother trying to relate to her English-speaking granddaughter. In its limited runtime, it shows how something as simple as cooking and food can break through language barriers and bring us closer. Ultimately though, there were two short films that stood out to me the most. Eve Parade was the most instantly captivating. It is constantly switching gears, demanding your full attention. It follows Eve, a woman suffering from mental illness, being walked to the hospital by neighbors and family. As these characters interact with each other, Eve breaks the fourth wall and speaks of the wrongs suffered by so many with similar struggles. It’s a bold road to take, and one that I think really works to cement its point. Then, there's my personal favorite, Little Sky . It follows Sky, a successful transgender drag performer whose abusive past leads them to a confrontation with their father. This film is a testament to the binds of friendship and chosen families, and how they often become the main source of comfort for those who identify as part of the queer community. Although the subject matter is heavy, it also shows the potential for new life and the hope that can be brought out by the positive people in our lives. The time and effort put into each of these entries was evident; a great example that, even with a limited budget, you can still make special projects with professional quality. There was a short for everyone throughout this program because the number of themes touched on was so immense. All involved should be proud of the work they've done, and I'll be looking forward to checking out next year’s festival. Be sure to check out some of these films and more at https://gem.cbc.ca/collections/future-of-film-showcase. Premium Pornography Director: Simon Ruscinski Runtime: 13 min Genre: Comedy Petal to the Metal Director: Emily Pelstring Runtime: 3 min Genre: Experimental Premonition: On the Eve of Signing Treaty 6 Director: Barry Bilinsky Runtime: 4 min Genre: Animation Perfecting the Art of Longing Director: Kitra Cahana Runtime: 12 min Genre: Documentary Abuela Director: Rebeca Ortiz Runtime: 11 min Genre: Drama Eve Parade Director: Rebeccah Love Runtime: 20 min Genre: Drama Little Sky Director: Jess X. Snow Runtime: 13 min Genre: Drama Photo Credits: Future of Film Showcase

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