Film
Tiff Review: The Other Tom
It is estimated that something like seven million children in the United States suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This behavioural and mental disorder, characterised by bouts of excessive energy and often impulsive actions, affects around one in ten of all under-eighteens. While diagnosis is still an issue, treatment has become increasingly controversial; medical …
TIFF Review: Medusa
Since his victory in the elections at the beginning of 2019, President Jair Bolsonaro’s reign has been controversial, to say the least. Styling himself as a South American Donald Trump, his populist and militaristic leadership has resulted in clamp downs on individual freedoms, a rise in corruption and violence, and an elevation of the church’s …
TIFF Review: The Rescue
Sometimes truth can be more unlikely than fiction. A true story can grip an audience much more than even the best thriller. A lot of this can be attributed to jeopardy. We know bigshot Hollywood stars aren’t going to die but what about a person we don’t know? With their last film, Free Solo, Jimmy …
TIFF Review: Zalava
Iran has a rich history of making some of the best cinema coming out of the Middle East, despite the numerous obstacles placed in the way of directors. It has been Persian filmmakers who have often made the transition to European festivals and won international awards. Over the last decade we’ve seen a number of …
TIFF Review: You Are Not My Mother
Irish culture is awash with myths and legends. The lush green countryside of the Emerald Isle is fertile ground for all manner of magical and supernatural creatures. Fairies play a major role in Irish folklore, with myriad tales of the wee folk, An Saol Eile, hawthorn trees and fairy mounds. Indeed, the behatted leprechaun has …
Film Review: Escape from Extinction
For the vast majority of people, our ability to see even a tiny fraction of the diverse flora and fauna this planet has to offer is reliant on television or visits to zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums. Much of our knowledge has come via famous naturalists, with the likes of David Attenborough bringing wonderment to …
TIFF Review: Fahra
At the end of World War I, the territory of Palestine was ceded by the Ottoman Empire and governed under British Mandate. For three decades colonial rule was characterised by protests and violent clashes with both the Jewish and Palestinian Arab communities. When it ended in 1948, the withdrawal of troops left a vacuum in …
Film Review: Storm Lake
Back in the day, local newspapers played a vital role in the daily lives of every community across America. Not only were they the single source of information and news about the district, they provided a platform for residents to find, buy and sell services. That all changed with the arrival of the internet. Sales …
TIFF Review: Drunken Birds
Mexico is a troubled country. Rife with corruption, poverty and violence, often fuelled by drug cartels, it’s no surprise that many see the United States and Canada as a much better prospect for a good life. Much of the continent, especially Southern America, now relies heavily on Mexican labour to undertake low-paid jobs. Indeed, the …
TIFF Review: Becoming Cousteau
We are born inquisitive. Childhood is one great exploration. The world around us seems infinite, exciting and scary. As we grow older, it gradually shrinks. This curiosity usually fades as we enter a world of work and family. However, for some, it lasts a lifetime. These adventurers and explorers look to the stars and to …