Running from October 19-23, 2016 imagineNATIVE presents the Opening Night Gala film Angry Inuk (d. Alethea Arnaquq-Baril), the Closing Night screening of Bonfire (d. Dmitrii Davydov), and the presentation of the documentary We Can’t Make the Same Mistake Twice, the 50th film by Alanis Obomsawin, and Maliglutit (Searchers), the newest dramatic feature by Zacharias Kunuk.
“imagineNATIVE’s line-up is an incredible showcase of the brilliance of Indigenous screen storytellers,” says Jason Ryle, Artistic Director. “Indigenous film and video continues to flourish and grow in new and exciting ways. This year’s Festival presents the broadest range of genres we’ve had to date and includes a large slate of new voices—a full half of the programmed works have been created by emerging filmmakers. We’re incredibly honoured that these artists have shared their work with us and we’re proud to present this year’s selection to imagineNATIVE’s audiences.”
Bonfire
Along with dramatic feature films from Canada, International dramatic features, Short films and Documentary features, imagineNATIVE also presents its first International Spotlight on Greenland, featuring four programmes by Inuit (Greenlandic) filmmakers including: the award-winning documentary SUMÉ – Mumisitsinerup Nipaa (SUMÉ – The Sound of a Revolution); the comedy Tikeq, Qiterleq, Mikileraq, Eqeqqoq (Fore Finger, Middle Finger, Ring Finger, Little Finger) Greenland’s first ever dramatic feature film (made for $100); Greenland Rising, a special discussion of Greenlandic film presented by guest programmers Pipaluk K. Jørgensen and Emile Hertling Peronard; and a curated programme of short films.
Auju Peters in Angry Inuk
Here are some suggestions we’ve pieced together for you to check out over the four day festival. All of the films mentioned below are screening at the TIFF Lightbox.
The Beat
imagineNATIVE’s annual spotlight on Indigenous music – Saturday, October 22 at the Horseshoe Tavern
They will screen a series of music videos by Indigenous artists, followed by live performances by DJ Ariel, Shawnee, Wolf Saga, DJ Shub
7 Minutes
Screening Thursday, October 20 as part of the Solid Ground; Canadian Shorts program
Marie’s walk from her university library to her home is an even seven minutes. It’s a walk she has made many times but one night she is followed by a man who tries to get her into his van. Relieved to have escape, Marie’s story speaks to the threat Indigenous women confront on a daily basis.
Skate boarding Pants
Screening Sunday, October 23 as part of #warpaint shorts program
The youngest filmmaker this year, grade 2 student Colton Willier, brings us a fun animation of a pair of pants that take off on a skateboard to find its owner in the laundromat.
Colonization Road
Screening Sunday, October 23
Colonization Road is a one-hour documentary that unearths the history of the Colonization Roads Act of 1872 — its impact on First Nations, treaties, land and the expansion of “Canadian” settlement. Anishinaabe comedian and activist Ryan McMahon follows a few roads, one in his own home town of Fort Frances, Ontario where the main drag is still called Colonization Road. Ryan meets up with a number of people along the way, exploring the state of relationships, settlers in solidarity and what it means to “decolonize.”
Crash Site
Screening Saturday, October 22 as part of the Femme Totale shorts program
After the death of her parents, Kaley struggles with her anger. After running away from her sister’s home and hiding out in a comic store, Kaley connects with a First Nations superhero called Thunderbird, who teaches her the power of family.
Three Wise Cousins
Screening Friday, October 21
The Samoan comedy hit comes to Canada! Born and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand, Adam is your typical 22-year-old city guy with a killer crush on Mary (who barely knows he exists). When he overhears Mary say that she only dates “real” island guys, Adam makes it his mission to deliver. He packs his bags and flies to Samoa to engage the services of his two cousins – both island boys to the core – to teach him the island ways. From climbing for coconut to learning how to dance, Adam’s journey to win Mary’s heart will win yours. Made on a shoestring budget of $80,000, the funny and charming Three Wise Cousins surprised the industry by taking over $2 million at the box office to become a true success story of independent, grassroots feature filmmaking.
Gods Acre
Screening Thursday, October 20 as part of the Solid Ground; Canadian Shorts program
Lorne Cardinal (Corner Gas) stars in this unsettling, powerful short of a man determined to protect his land at all cost. As the water slowly rises in a frighteningly familiar future, the man must choose to abandon all that he knows or give in to the rising tide.
The Festival’s complete schedule, including screening dates and times, details of our audio, digital media, installation, and special programming can be found at www.imagineNATIVE.org. Tickets can be purchased online or via the TIFF box office.
TIFF Box Office on 416-599-TIFF (8433)
https://tytix.tiff.net/scripts/max/10.17.40.32-44000/maxweb.exe
TIFF Box Office at 350 King St W, Toronto, ON
Follow imagineNATIVE on Facebook facebook/imagineNATIVE and Twitter @imagineNATIVE
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