Category Archives: Film Festivals

#TIFF2023 Reviews: The Pigeon Tunnel, Limbo

September 12, 2023 flawintheiris

The Pigeon Tunnel | Written and Directed by Errol Morris “Evasion and deception were the necessary weapons of my childhood,” wrote David Cornwell aka John le Carré in his autobiography. Master documentarian Errol Morris helps explain why in this fascinating and impressively concise doc, just over 90 minutes. Cornwell's father was a con artist, constantly…Read More

#TIFF2023 Reviews: Wicked Little Letters, The End We Start From, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person

September 11, 2023 flawintheiris

Wicked Little Letters | Directed by Thea Sharrock | Written by Jonny Sweet A certified crowd pleaser. Olivia Colman stars as Edith Swan, god-fearing spinster living with her fragile mother and cruel father (Gemma Jones and Timothy Spall) in a tiny English hamlet in the post-war period. Jessie Buckley is Rose Gooding, an Irish lady…Read More

#TIFF2023 reviews: Woman Of The Hour, Lee, Seagrass

September 10, 2023 flawintheiris

Woman Of The Hour | Directed by Anna Kendrick | Written by Ian MacAllister McDonald I'm appreciating the examples of actors stepping behind the camera at this edition of TIFF, like Kristin Scott Thomas and Patricia Arquette. I liked both of their films to varying degrees, but this one is next level, with a skin-crawling…Read More

#TIFF2023 Reviews: The Boy And The Heron, Shoshana, Gonzo Girl

September 9, 2023 flawintheiris

The Boy And The Heron | Directed by Hayao Miyazaki | Written by Miyazaki and Genzaburô Yoshino I was thinking how universally beloved this animator is, and the legendary Studio Ghibli. I think it has to do with his ability to plug into our subconscious in his storytelling. He may be using Japanese cultural touchstones,…Read More

#TIFF2023 Reviews: The Royal Hotel, The Zone Of Interest, North Star

September 8, 2023 flawintheiris

The Royal Hotel | Directed by Kitty Green | Written by Green and Oscar Redding The excellent new film from the director of The Assistant, reuniting with the breakout star of that film. Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick are Hanna and Liv, two (presumably American, though they pretend to be Canadian) pals on an antipodean…Read More

Toronto International Film Festival Preview #TIFF2023

September 4, 2023 flawintheiris

I'm heading back to Toronto for my second visit to TIFF. Last year was a whole lot of fun, though it was intense — the biggest crowds I'd been part of since the pandemic. I expect that with fewer of the actors appearing on red carpets due to the ongoing strike the crowds in general…Read More

The 2023 Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival is here!

June 21, 2023 flawintheiris

Perhaps the most idiosyncratic and grassroots film festival in Halifax is on right now. I'm talking about HIFF, running from today through Saturday at the Light House Arts Centre (1800 Argyle, the former World Trade Centre). Things get going at 6:30 this evening with the feature, So Much Tenderness, from Canadian-Colombian filmmaker Lina Rodriguez. (Director…Read More

Halifax Black Film Festival returns

February 23, 2023 flawintheiris

From Friday, February 24 through Sunday the 26th, one of the most vibrant film festivals in the city will be screening new movies, hosting workshops and panels, and generally making its presence felt. The 7th Annual Halifax Black Film Festival is part of a network of film festivals across the country providing a platform for…Read More

#AJFF Review: Fiddler’s Journey To The Big Screen

November 18, 2022 flawintheiris

The Atlantic Jewish Film Festival runs from now until Sunday, November 20th, with in-person screenings as well as a virtual selection. Visit the website for tickets and information on the films. Fiddler's Journey To The Big Screen | Directed by Daniel Raim | Written by Raim and Michael Sragow | 88 min A few months…Read More

Belle Vie — #Devour22 review

October 27, 2022 flawintheiris

The 12th edition of Devour! The Food Film Fest is running this week in Wolfville — a unique combination of food events, workshops, food rallies, and yes, short, feature, animated, and documentary films, including the following entry: Directed by Marcus Mizelle | 77 min Vincent Samarco strikes a rumpled, slightly shaggy, charming figure. He's a…Read More