Part of what Canadian Film Fest (CFF) offers is their constant support for short films. This year, it is no different. CFF showcases shorts along with features; as well as, a screening especially for short films. Herein we give you a brief spotlight on some of the short films screening at CFF this year.
WORST. DAY. EVER. (3/5)
A group of undergrads who have been studying all Saturday, leave the library hoping to grab a few pints to end their night. Nothing seems to be going well for them at all; even the hot dog vendor is out of sauerkraut! For all of their complaining, how their night ends is quite satisfying.
This film is just the right length for its subject matter. The nod to a ‘cult’ slasher film is well noted.
Bonus: Very neat to see the University of Toronto campus on screen as part of this horror-like short.
Screens alongside How To Plan An Orgy In A Small Town on Wednesday, March 30th, 7pm.
STATIC (4/5)
Ernest wakes up one day to discover his black and white TV is bleeding. The repair man tells him there is no repair that can be done. For Ernest, this TV is the first thing he bought for wife 46 years ago. As the day progresses, we realize the memories this TV brings back to Ernest. He recalls his old dog, which he put down after getting ill and coughing up blood. He also reminisces about his wife, who developed a terminal illness, and also coughed up blood.
The TV serves as metaphor for the major losses Ernest has endured, and his reluctance to throw away the TV, as his son suggests. The film is about not wanting to lose the people and things we hold dearest; our need to hold on to memories. The film was adapted from a short story by Robert Shearman. Definitely an outstanding short. Well thought out, great casting, and great production value.
Screens alongside Dead Rush on Thursday March 31st, 9:30pm.
DIVORCE PHOTOGRAPHER (3/5)
Carla, a seasoned wedding photographer, has just been dumped – right before she needs to shoot a wedding. In the middle of a shoot, she ‘loses it’ and decides she cannot work in the field any longer. Soon after, a friend asks her to photograph her divorce party / celebration. The idea is such a success, it becomes Carla ‘s new business. Through her work, she begins to sees the ‘ugly’ side of relationships. It is at this point, Carla decides to follow her dream and live for herself.
An alright effort with some funny moments along with some very ridiculous ones. The film is perhaps just a bit longer than it needs to be.
Screens alongside The Sabbatical on Friday, April 1st, 7pm.
DUTY CALLS (3.5/5)
A beat cop on the night shift downtown has the unglamorous job of dealing with a drunk at a College street bar- a feisty older woman. His duty as an officer painfully contradicts how he would handle the same situation as a private citizen.
The film depicts a personal and moral quandary in the dynamics between the cop and this feisty older woman. A gripping story that address some very poignant themes, including loneliness, and addiction. Another solid production with a good leading cast.
KEYSTONE (3.5/5)
When Jack begins to forget, he visits Keystone, an organization that can make your most important memories truly ‘unforgettable.’ Jack begins recounts moments from his life that reveal the bond he formed with one particular woman, and the importance he has placed on their story.
As someone in the film states, “the important moments in our life are the ones we must keep to remember all the others.” This short film is about memory, and our need to try to make memories fit in a particular order in our lives. Yet life is not often so orderly.
Duty Calls and Keystone screen as part of the Homegrown Shorts Screening on Saturday, April 2, 1pm. All screenings take place at the Royal Cinema.
