I believe that talent can be found in all walks of life. Finely-tuned, highly polished talent shines in the highest circle of celebrated academia. Expansive, collaborative talent grows in pockets in of urban areas, or blossoms in the suburbia. Yet still, gritty, raw, unchecked talent can be witnessed at the edges of every creative category of our world. Talent is does not discriminate; it transcends race, gender or age.
I come to you today to endorse a film festival that showcases one of these types of Talent- the talent of youth. The Toronto Youth Shorts Festival is a film festival that exclusively showcases the work of young local filmmakers.
This year 44 different works will be showcased in 4 specific divisions. Each short created by a young local filmmaker with a variety of different styles, voices and messages.
Why should you attend this screening? I was able to get in touch with the lovely Festival Director, Henry Wong, who gave a keen insight to the perks of this unique catalyst of artistic expression.
- Important Voices
Over 50% of the submissions this year are Female directors, a firm reason to support the festival, as female directors are still a vast minority in the industry. And on the topic of diversity, a large portion of the films are created by filmmakers that identify as a visible minority. - Topics of Interest
The topics of this year range from humor to drama, covering media representation, human rights, LGTB, disabilities, women’s issues, immigration and sexual assault, just to name a few. So this is a chance to explore hot social and political topics that are current and relevant to our present lives- while also examining from from the perspective lenses of Youth. - Locality
Not only are these local filmmakers, they are filming the amazing city of Toronto, AS TORONTO- not masking it as Chicago or New York. Better yet, many films cover local stories- such as the Bowmanville Zoo Scandal and Tiny Tom Doughnuts. So check it out to see the real backbone and heart beat of your own backyard.Now For the Nitty-Gritty Details
The Toronto Youth Shorts Festival will have its Opening Presentation on August 5. at SickKids
All other screenings on August 6 at Innis Town Hall
Toronto Youth Shorts on Twitter
Toronto Youth Shorts on Facebook
Toronto Youth Shorts Festival Line Up
Toronto Youth Shorts Website and Ticket PurchaseAnd of the utmost importance, check out there amazing trailer!
