Genres: documentary

  • Birdlings Two

    In this experimental documentary, an animation the filmmaker’s father made with Norman McLaren decades ago becomes a meditation on art, invention, fathers and daughters. “A delightfully personal short documentary.” – Bruce Kirkland, Toronto Sun “Sweet and observant, with a lovely conclusion.” – Eye Weekly, Toronto Selected screenings & awards: CBC Zed (broadcast); Toronto International Film Festival; Honorable Mention, Best Short Doc, Slamdance; Silverdocs Documentary Festival; Moving Pictures: MadCat Women’s International Film Festival. For more information: www.birdlings.com

  • Popcorn with Maple Syrup: Film in Canada from Eh to Zed

    The first movie star in the world, the first three actresses to win Academy Awards, the first performer in a nude scene, the first actress to kiss on-screen, the first nickelodeon – all were Canadian. From drive-ins to IMAX to Mike Myers to “The Barbarian Invasions,” a rambunctious history of the Canadian movie industry, including some key triumphs and disappointments, unfolds in “Popcorn with Maple Syrup: Film in Canada from Eh to Zed”. “‘Popcorn with Maple Syrup’ might be the most exhaustive and entertaining overview of this country’s film biz ever undertaken.” – Bill Brownstein, Montreal Gazette “A jaunty, packed…

  • Restless Spirits

    In this lively portrait, rowdy ropin’ granny Toni Savoie-German finds Zen in the art of Rodeo. Toni, of Micmac and French heritage, has always had a passion for horses and ridiing. Now in her late 50s, she is on the rodeo circuit as a calf-roper. Although the rodeo world is a competitive one, it is not all about the medals. Rather, Toni is searching for something more meaningful – enlightenment and community. Rural landscapes and horses form the backdrop to this quest. In Rodeo, Toni discovers what we all want in life – peace and a sense of belonging.

  • Mexican Refugee (Mexicano Refugiado)

    “Mexican Refugee” humanizes emigration, immigration and the political asylum experience. It is essential viewing for anyone interested in social justice and gay rights struggles in North America, particularly in Mexico. Five interwoven stories reveal the ironies between government policies, inadequate enforcement and international impunity for “unrecognised” human rights violations. Yet, with great determination and value for life itself, the individuals in this documentary inspire hope, perseverance and cultural survival across borders. Best Up and Coming Toronto Film or Video Maker Award, Inside Out Toronto Lesbian & Gay Film & Video Festival, 2005

  • Calling Nate

    Being a teenager isn’t easy, especially when you’re an 18-year-old gender rebel sorting out a kaleidoscope of conflicting advice and desires. Nadia Hluszko – a.k.a. Nate – comes by her confusion and transgender identity honestly: one of her moms used to be her dad, the other is addicted to the Osbornes. First-time documentary director Pamela Gawn chases the irrepressible Nate as she cycles through her part-time job at a used bike shop, suffers girlfriend turmoil, argues with both moms, and reveals a tragedy that changed her family forever. A poignant, sometimes achingly sweet coming-of-age story. Selected screenings and awards: Best…

  • Car Culture

    Shot on Super 8, “Car Culture” portrays the downfall of humankind’s favourite tool – the car – with live performance accompaniment.

  • Coming + Going

    A portrait of the energy of urban life in split-screen. “Coming + going” was shot on one roll of regular 8 film, with all editing and split-screen effects created in-camera. Selected screenings: Time Inside the Image [3], Foreman Art Gallery of Bishop’s University, Jan. 31-March 31, 2007; Anthology Film Archives, New York, NY, 2006; European Media Arts Festival, Osnabruck, 2006; Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, 2005

  • hand-some

    As a lesbian relationship falls apart, this docu-failure unravels. Part of a series on beauty, the film began as an exploration of the filmmaker’s sister and the role that beauty plays in her life. It became instead a documentary about the sister’s relationship with her partner and the conflict between the making of the film and respect for the subject’s privacy. Selected screenings: British Film Institute Lesbian & Gay Film & Video Festival, 2005; Filmout San Diego, 2005; Women in the Director’s Chair, Chicago, IL, 2004; Inside Out Lesbian & Gay Film & Video Festival, Toronto, ON, 2004; New Fest,…

  • Every Other Day of the Week

    “Every Other Day of the Week” wonders, plays with and ponders the where of dykedom today.

  • Underfoot & Overstory

    The Friends of Hickory Hill Park work to protect nearly 200 acres of unique urban parkland in Iowa City, IA. The organization’s mission statement must be produced, the inaugural calendar approaches. Nature images run parallel, collide and drift beside the demands of group writing and open space. “A film at once playful and thoughtful, visually deep and linguistically complex (and funny!). ‘Under Foot & Overstory’ weaves together a commmitment to activism with a love of looking at the natural world. The Friends of Hickory Hill Park, an Iowa City-based environmental group, work to protect a unique urban space and to…