ScreenFish

Co-directed by Tahir Rana and Eric Tarin, CHARLOTE is a stunning piece that highlights one woman’s journey in the face of oppression and the courage that she displays through her art. As a Jewish woman living in Germany during the Second World War, Charlotte Salomon’s story is one forged through suffering and sacrifice. In this 1on1, we speak with Rana about what sets Salomon apart and what it means for art to encapsulate a life.SHOW LESS

Produced by Julia Rosenburg, CHARLOTTE is a stunning piece that highlights one woman’s journey in the face of oppression and the courage that she displays through her art. As a Jewish woman living in Germany during the Second World War, Charlotte Salomon’s story is one forged through suffering and sacrifice. In this 1on1, we speak with Rosenburg about the relationship between art and mental health and the tension between life and theatre.

Directed by Pierre Perifel, THE BAD GUYS is a fast and furry-ous trip outside the law. Based on Aaron Blabey’s children’s books of the same name, BAD GUYS pops with lovable characters, stunning animation and genuine fun. In this 1on1, we speak with Perifel and Blabey about adapting the work for the big screen and their goals for the visuals.

Now that SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 has sped into theatres, its box office success shows that this franchise actually has legs after all. With fun and furry, the sequel sees Sonic run far beyond the limits of Green Hills as he and  new friend Tails work together to find the Chaos Emerald before his new adversary, Knuckles (Idris Elba). This week, Kirk Haviland (InTheSeats.ca; Blood in the Snow Film Festival) stops by to talk about the success (and failures) of video game films and what makes a hero.

Directed by Martin Edralin, ISLANDS tells the story of Joshua (Rogelio Balagtas), a middle-aged Filipino immigrant who still lives with his parents in their home. After the death of his mother, Joshua is left to care for his father Reynaldo (Estaban Comilang) full time, forcing him to leave his job in the process. In this 1on1, we speak to Comilang about telling Filipino stories,  his personal connection to Reynaldo and his passion for Elvis.

Directed by Andrew Levitas, MINIMATA follows W. Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp), an American photographer who was urged by a Japanese translator named Aileen (Minami) to return home with her so that he can report on the toxic effects of the Chisso corporation’s chemical waste on her community. Intrigued by the assignment, Smith moves to Japan and uses his camera to aid their fight against corporate greed and industrial pollution. In this 1on1, we speak to Levitas about collaborating with Depp, the challenges of recreating history and how our relationship wtih the 'image' has changed.

Directed by Kyle Thomas, RANGE ROADS tells the story of Jackie (Alana Hawley Purvis), a children's television performer who is rocked by the news that her parents have passed away. When she returns home, she must face a past that she had wanted to leave behind. Nominated for Best Actress at this year's Canada Screen Awards for her performance, Alana Hawley Purvis brings a humility and courage to her portrayal of Jackie that makes her memorable and relatable. In this 1on1, we speak to Hawley Purvis about what she believes Frankie is looking for and wearing masks in our everyday lives.

Directed by Justin Kurzel, NITRAM is the harrowing tale of one young man's journey into darkness. Telling the story of the 1996 shootings in Tasmania, Australia, NITRAM follows Martin Bryant (Caleb Landry Jones), a lonely and disconnected youth who eventually turns his inner sadness into rage against others. In this 1on1, we speak to Kurzel about the emotional difficulties in revisiting history, the different receptions to the film around the world and what he thinks makes our 'monsters'.

With an eye on diversity, this year's Oscars featured some fabulous performances and recognition of some amazing films, such as this year's winner of Best Picture, CODA. Unfortunately, however, they will best be known for one confrontation than any particular award winner. This week, we welcome Deb Whalen and newcomer Sallyanne Hadzalic to discuss the Academy's big night (including the fallout surrounding the Smith/Rock debacle) and CODA's ability to build bridges between the Deaf Community and the Hearing.

In the 'greatest love story ever sold, Hulu's PAM & TOMMY tells the story of the theft and release of the celebrity couple's sex tape back in the late 1990s. Beginning with the energy of a raunchy comedy, the series gradually shifts its perspective into something much more poignant and (dare I say it?) powerful in its conversations about gender and sexuality. This week, Amanda Jane Smith and Miriam Ibrahim return to have an honest discussion surrounding the nature of 'gaze' and the relationship between consent, sexuality and pornography.