Decision(s) -- Garmamie Sideau

Exploring the intrinsic relationship between career consequences, "power" and everyday living.   ~ 6min

Red Market -- The Falun Gong Story -- Laurie Ross

On July 20, 1999, seventy to a hundred million people were made dissidents in their homeland of China.  People were imprisoned without trial in labour camps, brainwashing centres, and  psychiatric hospitals – where they were systematically tortured till they submitted to the will of the Chinese Communist Party.  But, Falun Gong practitioners live by the moral tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, so they did not succumb.  Over ten years has passed, and practitioners in over a hundred countries around the world fight for the lives of those remaining. Crew: Laurie Ross, Christian Roblin, Robert Salter, Liane Chiblow, Gill Pownall. ~ 30min.

Danielle's Grand Slam -- Rob Salter

Somewhere in the heart of Ottawa's Byward Market, surrounded by the hushed darkness of an eager audience, Danielle K.L. Gregoire is charging her listeners' imaginations to mark the release of her debut album, Optimism is a Constant Struggle.  But some months prior to this exciting occasion, Danielle hadn't been able to write for months.  A highly unusual lull for an openly admitted graphimaniac, who absolutely can't express herself until her thoughts are scrawled on paper with pen. What could have possibly have kept her away from her most rewarding passion? A heartwarming glimpse into the life of Canada's 'Godmother of Slam', Danielle's story demonstrates that although life's challenges may impede the artist, a soul will inevitably find its expression once again as long as dreams run deep.  ~ 6min.

Band Vans Episode #1: The Balconies -- Declan Edwards

This short film profiles the tour van of Toronto band The Balconies. Exploring not only the van itself, but the band and their experiences with life on the road, this short makes the viewer feel welcome to the often unglamorous life of an independent band’s life of touring across Canada.  ~ 2min.

Band Vans Episode #2: Arkells -- Declan Edwards

Like its predecessor, this short profiles another tour van, this time belonging to Hamilton’s own Arkells. In it, the band describes the hardships of life on the road, not only for the individual, but for the band as a whole. What is touring like for these Juno award winners?  ~ 2min.

Holding Back Tears -- Declan Edwards

Blurring the lines between documentary and music video, this short features the intimate, often misunderstood art form of tattooing. Filmmaker Declan Edwards provides the viewer with a look into a day of the tattoo process the only way he knows how: by getting into the chair himself.   ~ 2-5min.

The Bosnian Pyramids -- Vinko Totic

The Bosnian Pyramids movie was filmed 18 months ago in Visoko, a small town in Central Bosnia, where I was guided by a man who discovered The Bosnian Pyramids, Semir Osmanagic, archaeologist and very often called Indiana Jones of the Balkans.  What Semir discovered is an ancient pyramidal complex in Visoko, Bosnia that consists of five colossal stone structures in the shape of the pyramids with an extensive pre-historical underground tunnel network.  Also, I was guided by two 11-year-old schoolboys who had been thoroughly educated about the pyramids. Their charm and knowledge is extraordinary and supported by video footage and scientific facts provided by Semir Osmanagic. Directed, crewed and edited by Vinko Totic. ~ 13min 33sec.

Everyone Matters -- Erin Pollard

Jeanette is a 65-year-old recovering drug addict who’s tried almost every substance out there. She’s spent time in jail and on the street in the company of johns, dealers and other addicts. Dipa is a 43-year-old living with serious health issues. Within 6 months, the funding for her job dried up, she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and Diabetes and still managed to run the Olympic Torch Relay. Equity Matters deals with the "real" issues that two Ottawa women face as they fight for access to the health care they need and deserve. ~ 10min.

Kichi Sibi: Spirits in the Water -- Lisa Abel

The Kichi Sibi is at the heart of the Ottawa-Gatineau area. This great river has undergone massive changes over the past 400 years as it has served as a communications and trading network, an engine for industry and source of electricity. This film explores how the Kichi Sibi is being reclaimed by those who cherish the spiritual nourishment its waters provide. ~ 15 min.

The Capital of Peace -- Kristen McNaule

Sierra Leone’s “forgotten generation” is rebuilding lives and communities after the devastation of war. But opportunity is scarce in one of the world’s most impoverished countries. The future of Freetown rests with its young people, and Luxsonjay is proving he is up to the challenge. 27min, 10sec.

Mamidosewin -- Miriam Campbell

A testimonial from drummer Kaylynn Thompson, of her experience at the Mamidosewin Centre, Algonquin College.
~ 2min


Feathers and Fisticuffs -- Sheila Connolly, Eric Larock

Feathers and Fisticuffs is a short form documentary exploring the world of Toronto’s Pillow Fight League.  The film delves deep into the inner workings of the league, as well as the characters and the parts of their lives that are dedicated to the PFL.
The PFL is peopled with an engaging and unforgettable cast of characters. There are the fighters themselves (Shady Godiva, Apocolipstick and Bobbi Pinn to name a few...); referee Ross Jeremy and the heel of heels, the head of the league, “The Commish”, Stacey P Case.

Each show is pure entertainment forged from athleticism, combat, (with pillows!!!) and storylines involving heels, heroes, athletes, referees, and judges. This film features the fights, the intensive training that the girls of PFL endure, the tryout
process, and many other aspects of this one-of-a-kind sport.  After watching this documentary, you'll want to grab a pillow and get on the mat…….and you MIGHT be asked to do just that!!! GO PFL!!! ~ 15min.

Seanachai --Alexander Wolski, Jeremy Plante, Jes Ellacott

Seanachai is the story of modern day storyteller Milton Grace, who is attempting to master his past by telling his life story through his harp, Lara, with the hope to move on from this past that haunts him deeply. ~ 7min

Empty Hand --Jes Ellacott, Alexander Wolski, Jeremy Plante

Empty Hand follows a few of Canada’s National Karate Point-Fighting Team members as they train in the hope of qualifying for the World Championships. This documentary looks at some of the ins  and outs of Karate, both as a sport and an art, by following a surprisingly diverse group of fighters; from a 12 year old world champion, to a 50 year old attending his first competition, and everything in between. ~ 20min.