“Mexican Refugee” humanizes emigration, immigration and the political asylum experience. It is essential viewing for anyone interested in social justice and gay rights struggles in North America, particularly in Mexico. Five interwoven stories reveal the ironies between government policies, inadequate enforcement and international impunity for “unrecognised” human rights violations. Yet, with great determination and value for life itself, the individuals in this documentary inspire hope, perseverance and cultural survival across borders. Best Up and Coming Toronto Film or Video Maker Award, Inside Out Toronto Lesbian & Gay Film & Video Festival, 2005
Filter Films
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Sometimes it doesn’t pay to change your true self for the person you love. Selected Awards (2005): Best Narrative Short Film, Cinekink Film Festival, New York, USA; Ursula Award for Best Transgender Short, Hamburg International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Germany; Audience Award Winner, Palm Springs International Film Festival, USA; Best Female Short, Pike’s Peak Lavender Film Festival, Colorado, USA; Best Foreign Film, Créteil International Film Festival, Paris, France; Best Screenplay, Sydney Mardi Gras Film Festival.
Moustache
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“Better Fate Than Never” is intended to be an experimental and humorous look at the possibility of changing one’s fate. I am interested in undoing the everyday “accidents” that can change the course of one’s day – I am talking about the mishaps that ruin my otherwise perfectly timed mornings. Using found footage from Bewitched and I Dream of Jeanie, Samantha and Jeanie help me to overcome the challenges of getting out the door. Originally made as part of the Command Z residency with Charles Street Video and the Images Festival.
Better Fate than Never
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In this lively portrait, rowdy ropin’ granny Toni Savoie-German finds Zen in the art of Rodeo. Toni, of Micmac and French heritage, has always had a passion for horses and ridiing. Now in her late 50s, she is on the rodeo circuit as a calf-roper. Although the rodeo world is a competitive one, it is not all about the medals. Rather, Toni is searching for something more meaningful – enlightenment and community. Rural landscapes and horses form the backdrop to this quest. In Rodeo, Toni discovers what we all want in life – peace and a sense of belonging.
Restless Spirits
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Despairing of life on the run with his ailing and flamboyant mum, teenage Roy seeks solace in seducing the lonely manager of a desolate trailer park. “Not to be missed.” – Pasadena Weekly “Engaging and intelligent…heavy on heart, tinged with humor.” – Palm Springs Desert Sun Selected screenings & awards: Jury Award, Best Short, Mardi Gras Film Festival, Australia, 2004; 2nd Prize, Nextframe Film Festival, 2004; London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, 2005; Slamdance, Park City Utah, 2005; Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, 2004; Palm Springs International Short Film Festival; Inside Out Toronto Lesbian & Gay Film & Video Festial, 2004
What Grown-Ups Know
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A lonely couple meet in a Laundromat, where their clumsy attempt at a sexual liaison leads to revelations, embarrassments, and a little bit of compassion. “Boundary-pusher, CBC radio host and still the coolest VJ MuchMusic has ever had, Sook-Yin Lee directs the surprising and wry ‘Girl Cleans Sink.’ This 10-minute gem stars Pretty, Porky and Pissed Off member Lisa Ayuso as a dyke with a gun who decides to give a guy a try before offing herself. The delightfully deadpan performances of Ayuso and her co-star (Jeremy Finkelstein) lend the film an off-kilter charm that feels refreshingly natural.” – Extra Magazine, Toronto Selected screenings: Toronto International Film Festival, 2004; Palm Spring Festival of Shorts; NSI Film Exchange Canadian Film Festival, 2005.
Girl Cleans Sink
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The first movie star in the world, the first three actresses to win Academy Awards, the first performer in a nude scene, the first actress to kiss on-screen, the first nickelodeon – all were Canadian. From drive-ins to IMAX to Mike Myers to “The Barbarian Invasions,” a rambunctious history of the Canadian movie industry, including some key triumphs and disappointments, unfolds in “Popcorn with Maple Syrup: Film in Canada from Eh to Zed”. “‘Popcorn with Maple Syrup’ might be the most exhaustive and entertaining overview of this country’s film biz ever undertaken.” – Bill Brownstein, Montreal Gazette “A jaunty, packed chronicle of the history of film in Canada. Brimming with curious bits of information and biting sarcasm, it’s an eye-opener.” – John Doyle, Globe & Mail “First rate… dazzling energy.” – Jim Bawden, Toronto Star Awards: Gold Special Jury Prize – Feature Film Documentary Category, Houston Worldfest, 2005
Popcorn with Maple Syrup: Film in Canada from Eh to Zed
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In this experimental documentary, an animation the filmmaker’s father made with Norman McLaren decades ago becomes a meditation on art, invention, fathers and daughters. “A delightfully personal short documentary.” – Bruce Kirkland, Toronto Sun “Sweet and observant, with a lovely conclusion.” – Eye Weekly, Toronto Selected screenings & awards: CBC Zed (broadcast); Toronto International Film Festival; Honorable Mention, Best Short Doc, Slamdance; Silverdocs Documentary Festival; Moving Pictures: MadCat Women’s International Film Festival. For more information: www.birdlings.com
Birdlings Two
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Set in the marginal neigbourhood of Corongo and the cobblestone streets of Lima, Peru, “Maricones” unveils the many paradoxes and advances of a sexual revolution that is sweeping the world at the dawn of the 21st century. The documentary was inspired by the contradictions and preconceived assumptions of a machista society. Director/producer Marcos Arriaga challenges local beliefs by asking whether another world is possible. “Maricones” introduces us to Eusebio, 58, a gay man from the popular neighbourhood of Corongo where Marcos grew up. A former male prostitute and cabaret dancer, Eusebio is a neighbourhood personality who supports his deceased brother’s two sons through catering gigs. The second protagonist is Juan Carlos Ferrando, the son of one of Peru’s most famous television personalities. He studied film and television in Europe and at the BBC in London, where he first discovered that is was okay to be gay. Currently a drag comic performer, he owns a successful theatre and is one of the organizers of Lima’s fledgling annual Pride Parade. In Spanish with English sub-titles. Award for Best Documentary, Asturies Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Madrid, 2007
Maricones
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The visual poetics of Vancouver are brought to light as the filmmaker reflects on the cities she has lived in, motherhood and the birth of her first son. Image description: A blurry and rain-soaked streetscape as viewed through a car windshield.
Boy
