Shifting the Narrative
This past summer, DRIFF is brought back its smash-hit drive-in format for a summer-long screening series celebrating the rich diversity of Canadian stories by contemporary Canadian filmmakers. From June to September, Shifting the Narrative paired five acclaimed feature films with five shorts by emerging Canadian directors.
Shifting the Narrative focused on Canadian identity in storytelling and culture. We bridged the gap between experienced and emerging filmmakers by selecting five dynamic filmmakers that have made a mark nationwide (British Columbia to Nova Scotia) through their feature films. Each feature filmmaker selected by DRIFF added to our program by selecting a short film by an emerging filmmaker to screen prior to the feature presentation.
Our group of filmmakers worked with our team to curate an incredible program of stories that touched upon migration and deportation, losing yourself and finding your voice, strength in pride, and pride from strength.
THE FILMS
Pride: 1:54 preceded by the short film Wanted: Strong Woman
June 24th
Yan England, 2016 | 106 Minutes | French with English subtitles
Tim, a shy 16-year-old athlete with a natural gift for running, is coming to terms with his sexuality and the loss of his mother. After a personal video is posted to social media, Tim's private life is about to explode into the public eye.
1:54 director Yan England has personally selected the short film Wanted: Strong Woman by Marilyn Cooke to precede this feature presentation.
Canadian Mosaic: Becoming Labrador preceded by the short film Black + Belonging
July 29th
Rohan Fernando, Tamara Segura, Justin Simms, 2018 | 70 minutes | English
In the stark Labrador interior, a growing number of Filipino workers have recently landed in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, traveling halfway around the world for jobs they hope will offer their families new opportunities and a better life. Becoming Labrador follows some of these women and men as they make a place for themselves in Labrador while dealing with the unexpected costs of living far from their family.
Becoming Labrador co-director Rohan Fernando has personally selected the short film Black + Belonging directed by Francesca Ekwuyasi to precede this feature presentation.
Caribbean Heat: Home Again preceded by the short film Pick
August 26th
Sudz Sutherland, 2012 | 104 Minutes | English
Three Jamaicans, who are deported from the U.S., Canada, and England travel through a land that they are not familiar with.
Home Again director Sudz Sutherland has personally selected the short film Pick directed by Alicia K. Harris to precede this feature presentation.
Asian Heritage: Window Horses preceded by the short film At the Bottom of the Sea
September 9th
Anne-Marie Fleming, 2016 | 129 Minutes | English
Rosie Ming, a young Canadian poet, is invited to a poetry festival in Shiraz, Iran. Never having been anywhere by herself, she finds herself on a journey of discovery in the company of Iranian poets, who force her to confront her past.
Window Horses director Anne-Marie Fleming has personally selected the short film At the Bottom of the Sea directed by Caroline So Jung Lee to precede this feature presentation.
Creative Spirit: Falls Around Her preceded by the short film Chocolate
September 30th
Darlene Naponse, 2018 | 100 Minutes | English
A world-famous Anishinaabe musician returns to the reserve to rest and refresh herself, but finds that her fame and the outside world intrude.
Falls Around Her director Darlene Naponse has personally selected the short film Chocolate directed by Charlene Moore to precede this feature presentation.
