The ReelWorld Film Festival turns 9 in style this year with 47 films from 14 countries. Running from Wednesday, April 15th, to Sunday, April 19th, the festival will feature 6 world premieres, 6 international premieres, and 17 Canadian premieres. From feature films to documentaries, animation, shorts, and music videos from around the world, there is much to satisfy your film-loving taste buds.
As per previous years, screenings will take place at the Cineplex Odeon Carlton Cinemas (20 Carlton St) and the Scotiabank Theatres (259 Richmond Street West).
What makes ReelWorld particularly noteworthy is that it is not only a premiere multicultural film festival but also a potent networking hub where emerging film enthusiasts and industry professionals can connect in a concrete way. For instance, the ReelWorld Networking Brunch (to be held on Friday, April 17, at noon) will connect young Canadian filmmakers with seasoned industry professionals and financiers.
There will also be a series of industry panels to tackle engaging topics in an open forum format. Canadian film executives and directors will be on hand to discuss what it takes to be successful. On April 16th (at Cineplex Odeon Carlton @ 10:30 am), Alejandra Sosa of Telefilm Canada will moderate the panel “The Reel Experience: How They Made it Happen.” Hear from the horse’s mouth what it takes to make your dream a reality.
ReelWorld continues to fill a void in a world where diverse voices are needed more than ever. Indeed, as the festival’s founder, Tonya Lee Williams, says: “the public needs the inspiration that art delivers.”
Here are some film picks to check out at the 9th annual ReelWorld Film Festival (excerpts from the official program available at http://www.reelworld.ca/" target="_blank">http://www.reelworld.ca/:
Gospel Hill (by Giancarlo Esposito): Starring Angela Bassett and Danny Glover.
Gospel Hill is the passionately told story of a black neighbourhood in Julia, South Carolina, where residents are facing the possibility of losing their homes to make way for a multimillion-dollar golf course development.
Skid Row (by Niva Dorell, Marshall Tyler and Ross Clarke)
Skid Row is an in-depth look at America’s homelessness crisis. The documentary follows Pras Michel, one-third of the successful hip-hop group The Fugees, as he lives on the streets as a homeless person for nine days, in an area called Skid Row. ... His journey is riddled with hunger, exposure to the elements, criminals, drugs and danger.
I Love You (by Sabrina Moella)
Three words that many people are afraid to say. Janice is an independent and organized black woman. Chris is a relaxed and creative black man. Although they’re madly in love, when they decide to move in together, they quickly realize that there is a thin line between love and hate.
For Tickets (Check reelworld.ca for box office hours):
1. Order online: reelworld.ca. Click Buy tickets.
2. Call the ReelWorld ticketing hotline: 1-800-595-4849
3. Visit the ReelWorld office: 438 Parliament Street, 2nd floor
4. Visit the Carlton Cinemas Box office: April 8 -19, 20 Carlton Street.
