Interest: Literary Adaptation
The Street
An award-winning adaptation of a story by Canadian author Mordecai Richler about how families deal with older relatives, and the emotions surrounding a grandmother’s death.
Director
Caroline Leaf
Writer
Mordecai Richler
Producer
Guy Glover
Genres
Animation, Drama
Interests
Classics, Family Relationships, Female Filmmaker, Literary Adaptation
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
NFB
- Own Voice
Short Film Programme
If you’d like to show several short films together as a programme, please feel free to get in touch for advice and tips on selecting the perfect combination for your needs.
Director
Various
Genres
Action/Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Experimental, Family, Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Thriller
Interests
Arts and Culture, Biography, BIPOC Stories, Bullying, Classics, Cult & Offbeat Cinema, Discrimination, Environment, ESL, Family Relationships, Female Filmmaker, Global Experiences, History, Indigenous Filmmaker, LGBTQ2S+, Literary Adaptation, Newcomer Stories, Social Justice & Politics, Sports, Strong Female Leads
Original Languages
English, French
Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Roméo Dallaire
Dallaire attempted to stop the killing by alerting the world through the United Nations and the international media. Though his attempts were unsuccessful, Dallaire emerged as a hero. Ten years later, Dallaire returns to Rwanda to personally commemorate the anniversary of that holocaust.
Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival in 2005.
“Dallaire is not only the protagonist of Shake Hands with the Devil, he is a compelling reason to see it.” — Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
Director
Peter Raymont
Raymont has produced and directed over 100 documentaries, which have earned more than 50 international awards. His producing credits include West Wind: The Vision of Tom Thomson, Guantanamo’s Child: Omar Khadr and Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band. He recently directed the doc Margaret Atwood: A Word after a Word after a Word is Power, and produced Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On, which premiered at TIFF 2022.
Writer
Roméo Dallaire
Producers
Linda Lee Tracey, Peter Raymont
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Biography, Discrimination, Global Experiences, History, Literary Adaptation, Social Justice & Politics
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
White Pine Pictures
Our Man in Tehran
These events were fictionalized in the Hollywood film Argo, but this fascinating doc sets the record straight through archival footage and the words of those who experienced it, all culminating in the fantastical plan devised to smuggle the fugitives out.
“Sometimes, the truth can be more entertaining than fiction. If Argo was a high-stakes political thriller…it was also a simplistic and escapist escape movie about the power of Hollywood to defeat evil. So now…we Canadians respond with a documentary to reclaim our true story.” — Simon Houpt, The Globe and Mail
Directors
Larry Weinstein
Weinstein has received three Gemini awards for his work, including Best Direction for Beethoven’s Hair. Weinstein also directed the docs Mulroney: The Opera, The Devil’s Horn, Leslie Caron: The Reluctant Star, and Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas, and co-directed Our Man In Tehran. His latest, Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies, premiered at Hot Docs 2019.
Drew Taylor
Our Man in Tehran was Taylor’s first film after careers in baseball and bio-engineering. He has also directed Lost and Found.
Writers
Drew Taylor, Robert Wright
Producers
Niv Fichman, Larry Weinstein, Drew Taylor
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Biography, Global Experiences, History, Literary Adaptation, Social Justice & Politics
Original Language
English
Language Version
EN CC
Canadian Distributor
eOne
The Magic of Anansi
Director
Jamie Mason
Genre
Animation
Interest
Literary Adaptation
Original Languages
English, French
Indian Horse
The young protagonist of Wagamese’s saga – brought to the screen by a team that includes director Stephen Campanelli, screenwriter Dennis Foon and executive producer Clint Eastwood — Saul comes to know the worst of the system’s abuses after a series of family tragedies leave him in the care of authorities in Manitoba of the late 1950s.
When one of the priests – played by Michiel Huisman of Game of Thrones – recognizes Saul’s hockey talents, a potential pathway opens up before the youngster but like so many survivors of the schools, he remains haunted by the traumas of the past.
Director
Stephen Campanelli
Director and cinematographer Campanelli got his start as a camera operator, working on many of Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood’s features, including Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River, Grand Torino, and others. His directing credits include Momentum, Indian Horse, Grand Isle, and most recently, Drinkwater. Next, he is set to direct The Outlaws.
Writer
Dennis Foon
Cast
Sladen Peltier (Ojibway), Forrest Goodluck (Diné/Mandan/Hidatsa/Tsimshian), Ajuawak Kapashesit (Ojibway/Cree), Michael Huisman
Producers
Trish Dolman, Paula Devonshire (Mohawk)
Genre
Drama
Interests
BIPOC Stories, Discrimination, History, Literary Adaptation, Social Justice & Politics, Sports
Original Language
English
Language Versions
EN CC, FR Subtitles
Canadian Distributor
Elevation Pictures
Alias Grace
Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s Giller prize-winning novel of the same name, this miniseries has received universal acclaim, earning 5 Canadian Screen Awards including best limited series.
Director
Mary Harron
Harron is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker and screenwriter, and former entertainment critic. She gained recognition for her role in writing and directing several independent films, including writing I Shot Andy Warhol, and co-writing as well as directing American Psycho. Her most recent film, Daliland starring Sir Ben Kingsley, premiered at TIFF 2022.
Writer
Sarah Polley
Cast
Edward Holcroft, Rebeccah Liddiard, Sarah Gadon
Producers
Sarah Polley, D.J. Carson
Genre
Drama
Interests
Biography, Female Filmmaker, History, Literary Adaptation
Original Language
English
Window Horses
When she receives an invitation to a poetry festival in Shiraz, Iran, Rosie embarks on a journey that unravels a personal mystery and brings her closer to her Persian roots.
Voiced by an all-star cast including Sandra Oh, Ellen Page and Don McKellar, Window Horses is a beautiful and poignant story about family, imagination, culture and finding your own voice.
"This is not just a visual treat, it's a rewarding and unexpectedly engrossing piece of female-led storytelling." - Wendy Ide, Screen International
Director
Ann Marie Fleming
Fleming is a visual artist, filmmaker and writer who has animated over 20 films, including the shorts Stories Sarah Tells, Big Trees and Heart. Her features include New Shoes, The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam and The French Guy. Fleming has won nearly 20 awards for her films, including 10 for Window Horses. Most recently, she directed the shorts A Short Film About Tegan & Sara, Question Period, and Old Dog.
Writer
Ann Marie Fleming
Cast
Elliot Page, Don McKellar, Nancy Kwan, Sandra Oh, Shohreh Aghdashloo
Producers
Sandra Oh, Ann Marie Fleming, Shirley Vercruysse, Michael Fukushima
Genres
Action/Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family
Interests
Arts and Culture, BIPOC Stories, ESL, Family Relationships, Female Filmmaker, Global Experiences, Literary Adaptation, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
Mongrel Media
Who Has Seen the Wind
Director
Allan King
Writer
Patricia Watson
Cast
Brian Painchaud, Douglas Junor, Patricia Hamilton, Gordon Pinsent, Chapelle Jaffe
Producer
Pierre Lamy
Genre
Drama
Interests
Arts and Culture, History, Literary Adaptation
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
Allan King Films
Brooklyn
Brooklyn tells the profoundly moving story of Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother's home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new life is disrupted by her past, and Eilis must choose between two countries and two paths in life.
Director
John Crowley
Writers
Nick Hornby, Colm Tóibín
Cast
Saoirse Ronan, Hugh Gormley, Brid Brennan
Producers
Finola Dwyer, Pierre Even, Susan Mullen, Amanda Posey, Marie-Claude Poulin
Genres
Drama, Romance
Interests
Arts and Culture, Literary Adaptation, Newcomer Stories, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English
Language Version
FR Subtitles
Canadian Distributor
Mongrel Media
The Stone Angel
Director
Kari Skogland
Writer
Kari Skogland
Cast
Ellen Burstyn, Dylan Baker, Sheila McCarthy, Judy Marshak
Producers
Kari Skogland, Liz Jarvis
Genre
Drama
Interests
Female Filmmaker, History, Literary Adaptation
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
eOne
Pin
When young Leon (Hewlett) forms a bond with an anatomy doll he calls Pin, his father (O’Quinn) doesn’t give it much thought, seeing it as a typical childhood imaginary friend. But after both of Leon’s parents are killed in a car accident, his attachment grows into a dangerous level of fixation, and he begins to employ the doll in increasingly horrific ways. This incredible piece of psychological horror will keep you on the edge of your seat.
A cult favourite among horror fans but currently out of print, we’re pleased to offer a rare chance to see Pin in honour of its 35th anniversary.
“A cool, bloodless, well-made thriller with a taste for the quietly bizarre.” – Janet Maslin, The New York Times
Director
Sandor Stern
Writer
Sandor Stern
Cast
David Hewlett, Cynthia Preston, Terry O'Quinn, Bronwen Mantel
Producer
Rene Malo
Genre
Horror
Interests
Cult & Offbeat Cinema, Family Relationships, Literary Adaptation
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
eOne
- Own Voice
The Book of Negroes
This CBC mini-series is based on the internationally celebrated novel by Canadian author Lawrence Hill. A compelling tale of loss, courage, love and the triumph of the human spirit, it follows the extraordinary journey of Aminata Diallo (Ellis), an indomitable African woman.
In 1750, 11-year-old Aminata is kidnapped from her village in West Africa and begins a rich journey that takes her through the harrowing ordeal of slavery, to the turmoil of the American Revolution and ultimately to freedom in the British colony of Nova Scotia. Brilliant and determined, Aminata is a remarkable heroine whose unshakeable connection to her own African heritage guides her over unimaginable obstacles in her quest for freedom and ultimately allows her to assume the mantle of leadership for which she is destined.
Deeply moving and inspiring, The Book of Negroes explores painful historical realities through the unblinking eyes of a strong female protagonist whose story will stay with you long after the telling.
Director
Clement Virgo
Virgo rose to prominence with his first feature, Rude, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and garnered two Genie nominations. He has also directed the films Poor Boy’s Game and Lie With Me, and hit TV shows such as The Wire, Regenesis and The Listener. He recently produced the show Greenleaf and directed episodes of Empire and Billions. His most recent film, Brother, premiered at TIFF 2022.
Writers
Lawrence Hill, Clement Virgo
Cast
Aunjanue Ellis, Lyriq Bent, Cuba Gooding, Jr, Ben Chaplin, Allan Hawco
Producers
Damon D'Oliveira, Clement Virgo
Genre
Drama
Interests
BIPOC Stories, History, Literary Adaptation, Social Justice & Politics
Original Language
English
Blind Vaysha
In this metaphoric tale of timeless wisdom and beauty based on the eponymous short story by Georgi Gospodinov, filmmaker Theodore Ushev reminds us of the importance of keeping our sights on the present moment.
Director
Theodore Ushev
Writers
Georgi Gospodinov, Theodore Ushev
Cast
Caroline Dhavernas
Producers
Marc Bertrand, Julie Roy
Genres
Animation, Drama
Interests
Arts and Culture, Global Experiences, Literary Adaptation
Original Languages
English, French
The Cinnamon Peeler
Director
Veronica Tennant
Writer
Michael Ondaatje
Cast
Gail Skrela, Sean Ling, Michael Ondaatje
Producers
Peter Gentile, Veronica Tennant
Genre
Experimental
Interests
Arts and Culture, Female Filmmaker, Literary Adaptation
Original Language
English
Tropical Rumours
Directors
Veronica Tennant, Michael Ondaatje
Cast
Margie Gillis, Paola Styron
Genre
Experimental
Interests
Arts and Culture, Female Filmmaker, Literary Adaptation
Original Language
No Dialogue
The Closer You Get To Canada
Director
John Bolton
Writers
John Bolton, Thomas King
Cast
Alex Diakun, Gordon Tootoosis (Cree)
Producer
Les Lukacs
Genre
Comedy
Interest
Literary Adaptation
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
Scarborough
Co-directors Shasha Nakhai and Rich Williamson’s documentary-like shooting style captures Scarborough and its residents with sensitive attention to detail that celebrates the bonds formed amid their diverse struggles. Adapted for the screen by Catherine Hernandez from her own hit novel, Scarborough is a profoundly humane and authentic portrait of a community, and the resilience of young people coming of age on the margins.
Directors
Shasha Nakhai, Rich Williamson
Writer
Catherine Hernandez
Cast
Liam Diaz, Mekiya Fox, Anna Claire Beitel, Feliz Jedi Ingram Isaac, Cherish Violet Blood (Kainai)
Producer
Shasha Nakhai
Genre
Drama
Interests
BIPOC Stories, Family Relationships, Female Filmmaker, Literary Adaptation, Social Justice & Politics
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
LevelFilm
Anne of Green Gables
So begins Anne of Green Gables, one of the most beloved stories in Canadian literature for readers of all ages. This mini-series adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s series of novels — one of the highest-rated broadcasts in Canadian television history — features Megan Follows in the title role, who has since gone on to become one of Canada’s most critically acclaimed actors.
This trophy-sweeping Genie Award-winner is a charming, family-friendly affair that is sure to delight.
Director
Kevin Sullivan
Writers
Joe Wiesenfeld, Kevin Sullivan
Cast
Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst, Richard Farnsworth, Jonathan Crombie
Producers
Ian McDougall, Kevin Sullivan, Trudy Grant
Genres
Drama, Family
Interests
Classics, Family Relationships, Literary Adaptation, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
Sullivan Entertainment inc
- Own Voice
Breakfast with Scot
When gay couple Eric (Cavanagh) and Sam (Shenkman) become the sudden guardians of Scot, a precocious and effeminate young boy, the two professionals must rise to the call of fatherhood and confront the compromises they’ve made in their own lives as gay men working in the world of sports.
Adapted from the novel by Michael Downing, Breakfast with Scot is a heart-warmingly hilarious meditation on the true meaning of family. Scot’s zany antics and disarming self-confidence will inspire audiences young and old to embrace their own — and others’ — unique quirks and differences. This family comedy is a refreshing combination of wry humour and genuine sweetness.
Winner of the Directors Guild of Canada’s Family Feature Film award.
Director
Laurie Lynd
Writer
Sean Reycraft
Cast
Noah Bernett, Tom Cavanagh, Ben Shenkman
Producer
Paul Brown
Genre
Comedy
Interests
Family Relationships, LGBTQ2S+, Literary Adaptation, Sports
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
Mongrel Media