Jump Cuts Celebrates Ontario's Young Emerging Filmmakers
Toronto – Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children announces the finalists for the Sprockets Jump Cuts Young Filmmakers Showcase. Now in its eighth year, this programme engages Ontario's young people from grades 3 to 12 and gives these emerging directors a forum for artistic expression and the opportunity to see their work on the big screen. This year's lineup features 29 films from 52 young filmmakers, ranging from imaginative animated shorts to films that tackle diverse socially-conscious topics, such as environmental concerns and peer pressure.
The 2009 finalists come from communities across Ontario, including Ajax, Guelph, Georgina Island, Haliburton, Barrie, Woodstock, Janetville, Kingston and the Greater Toronto Area. A full list of the finalists and descriptions of the films are attached.
"The talent of these young filmmakers is remarkable, and their willingness to experiment with different modes of cinema speaks to their imagination and ability to translate their experiences to the visual medium of film," said Allen Braude, Co-Director of Learning.
Elizabeth Muskala, Co-Director of Learning, added, "We are committed to creating a larger platform for youth to explore their cinematic voice, and we're delighted that many of these filmmakers will have their first real festival experience at Sprockets.”
Jump Cuts film submissions were placed into one of three categories, based on grade level: Grades 3 to 6, Grades 7 to 9 and Grades 10 to 12. A selection committee assessed all the submissions and chose the films in the Jump Cuts Young Filmmakers Showcase, based on proficiency in form, expression, experimentation and content.
A jury of film-industry professionals will select the final three films to be awarded prizes at the Sprockets Jump Cuts Young Filmmakers Showcase screening. This year’s jury is actor Devon Bostick (Adoration); Communications Supervisor for TELETOON Canada Inc., Kate Dickson; actor and the driving force behind multi-disciplinary performance company OnOfOnO, Anand Rajaram; and co-founder of the Film Farm production company, Jennifer Weiss.
The 2009 Jump Cuts Grand Prizes are as follows:
The Fredrick Simpson Award for Best Film Grade 3 to 6
The Veronica Herman Award for Best Film Grade 7 to 9
The Gertrude Löwengren Award for Best Film Grade 10 to 12
The Frederick Simpson, Veronica Herman and Gertrude Löwengren Awards are generously supported by Garrett Herman.
The Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children offers children and youth the opportunity to learn about film and cultural perspectives from around the globe. Through the power of film, Sprockets is helping to transform the way children and youth see the world. The 12th annual Sprockets runs from April 18 to 24, 2009, for ages three and up, and includes a week-long School Programme for students in grades 1 to 12. The School Programme is designed with curriculum links and support material for educators. For more information, visit the official Sprockets website at sprockets.ca.
Sprockets is generously supported by Bell, RBC, Cineplex Entertainment LP and the Toronto Arts Council.
Bell Lightbox
Currently under construction in downtown Toronto, Bell Lightbox is soon to be the world's leading destination for film lovers. This major new cultural institution on the Canadian and international landscape will be structured around five state-of-the-art cinemas celebrating film from around the world. Bell Lightbox programming will give context to films through innovative cross-media exhibitions, lectures, and film-related learning opportunities for all ages. Designed by innovative architecture firm KPMB, Bell Lightbox's fluid design encourages exploration, movement and play within its soaring atriums.
The campaign to build Bell Lightbox is generously supported by founding sponsor Bell. The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario each have contributed $25 million to realize Bell Lightbox. A gift of more than $22 million has been confirmed from the Reitman family – acclaimed filmmaker Ivan Reitman and his sisters Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels – and The Daniels Corporation, who together form the King and John Festival Corporation. The project is also supported by RBC as Major Sponsor and Official Bank, Visa†, Copyright Collective of Canada, NBC Universal Canada, The Allan Slaight Family, The Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation, CIBC, and many other individuals and corporations. The Board of Directors, staff and many generous individuals have also contributed to the campaign. The total amount raised to date is $147 million, three quarters of the total campaign of $196 million. For more information on the Bell Lightbox campaign, visit belllightbox.ca
We are a charitable, not-for-profit cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. Our vision is to lead the world in creative and cultural discovery through the moving image.
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For more information, please contact the Communications Department at 416-934-3200 or proffice@tiffg.ca
JUMP CUTS YOUNG FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE 2009 FINALISTS
Grades 3 to 6
Hommage à Charlot [Benjamin Tremblay-Twinem, Ajax]
In this homage to Charlie Chaplin, a young man’s attempts to rescue a woman’s dog lead to a series of unfortunate events.
The Life and Times of Chuck [Jacob Parr, Sam Hughes, Ben Lamont and Reid Medley, Guelph]
With the help of his new dog, Chuck must confront an evil villain who plans to take over the world.
The Man [Dashiell Scully Ashton, Toronto, Animation]
A man playing guitar finds his day taking a turn for the worse when a bird steals his hat.
Mr. Roboto [Dashiell Scully Ashton, Toronto, Animation]
When a kid leaves his drawing table, the objects in his room come to life in this stop-motion film.
Nerd or Popular? [Excelsia Macedo, Toronto]
Sam, a nerd who consistently gets picked on at school, wants to become cool. But Sam must decide whether being cool and popular is really worth it.
Sandy [Dashiell Scully Ashton, Toronto, Animation]
A pile of sand transforms into a man who begins to morph and change beyond his control.
Thunder and Lightning [Susan and Katherine Procopio, Woodbridge]
Two sisters help each other through a night of stormy weather.
Waabgon Gaming First Nation School [Hannah Big Canoe, Elexis Charles, Justin Trumble-Big Canoe, Shaylee Trumble-Walsh, Madison Carleton-Porte, Evan Hall, Liam Fennell, Dawson Searle and Cedar Smoke, Georgina Island]
In this documentary, the grade 3 and 4 students of Waabgon Gaming First Nation School talk about their unique experiences as residents of Georgina Island.
Grades 7 to 9
The Beginning [Justin Van Lieshout, Haliburton]
During the Great Depression, a boy is determined to win an upcoming race so that he can use the prize money to stop his family’s home from being foreclosed on.
Choices [John Vu, Jordan Larocque, Jordan Cromwell, Aiden Bender and Emily Wuorinen, Woodstock]
A girl faces challenging decisions as she transitions from elementary school to high school.
The Pressure to Be Thin [Nicola Wenn, Barrie]
The causes and disturbing effects of anorexia nervosa are explored in this documentary about one young woman’s struggle with the illness.
Repeat [Alexandra Bailey, Toronto]
This experimental film looks at the human struggle to accept yourself and be happy with what you have been given.
The St. Rita Environmental Club [John Vu, Jordan Larocque and Eric Taschner, Woodstock]
This documentary highlights the steps the students at St. Rita have taken to become more aware of their impact on the environment.
Surface Texture [Tucker McLachlan, Toronto, Animation]
This fun film features a diversity of colours, patterns and textures as it follows a character's exploration of various landscapes.
Tiny Pillows [Joseph Procopio, Woodbridge]
A free-form visual poem, this film celebrates the beauty and magic of snow.
Trial: Lakeway vs. Runoff against the Flow of the World [Sarah Desabrais, Kalli Lang, Toronto, Animation]
Runoff is on trial for polluting Lakeway. But is Runoff really at fault?
Valencia Goes to Woodstock [Clare Workentin, Aine Workentin, Callum Travaglini, Emily Banks and Keelia Quinn de Launay, Toronto]
Valencia tries to find herself by travelling to Woodstock and discovers that being cool isn’t everything.
Grades 10 to 12
The Adventures of Melvin Finklestien and the Bullying Jocks [Kirill Melamed, Concord]
Nerdy peer tutor Melvin Finkelstien has a run-in with two dim-witted bullies in this comic tale.
The Beat Goes On [Shaquille Foote, Vaughan]
This is a short, snappy film about a boy who just can’t stop dancing!
Chemistry [Savannah O'Leary, Toronto]
This black-and-white silent film follows the developing relationship between two youths over the course of an afternoon.
Cupid [Michael Wisniowski, Toronto]
When the girl of his dreams turns down his invitation to the Valentine’s Day dance, David encounters Cupid, who offers him the opportunity to make others happy if he is willing to give up his own romantic aspirations.
Don’t Give It All Away [Slater Jewell-Kemker, Janetville]
This music video to “Give It All Away” by World Party illustrates the song’s message about environmental awareness.
iPromise [Stephanie Kalaitzidis, Toronto]
A poem from her recently deceased boyfriend helps a young woman cope with his death.
Life of Cat in the Shadow [Florence Jourard, Toronto]
This film follows a day in the life of two cats, one of whom receives all of a family’s love and attention, while the other is left in the dark.
Life of a Ghost [Clare Sheasgreen Stone, Toronto]
A young man walks home only to discover his family gone and his house in ruins. When a stranger pays a visit, he begins to realize that something is very, very wrong.
Locked Penske [Neven Lochhead, Kingston]
Penske is a young man who is torn between leaving the town he’s always lived in and his feelings of guilt over abandoning his alcoholic mother. The film features an original soundtrack by director Neven Lochhead.
Silent Kill [Gareth Sturrup, Newmarket]
This documentary explores differing views on the impact of violent video games on youth today.
Silent Sneak Out [Maggie Ranson, Toronto]
A young girl struggles to get out of her home without her parents noticing in this black-and-white silent film.
Sword in the Stone [Sidney Lee, Toronto, Animation]
Brave individuals must attempt to draw the sword from the stone in order to become the Chosen One, but the successful person must then face an even bigger challenge.