SHORT FILMS FROM AROUND THE WORLD – Student & Community Screening

Director: Sandra Desmazières

Two sisters grow up in Vietnam and are separated by the war between North and South. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, Thao, in her teens, must leave the country with her uncle. Her sister Sao Maï, only a little older, remains with their parents, hoping they will soon be reunited. But their separation will last nearly 20 years, and the letters they exchange are their only way to connect and relieve their loneliness. Thao and Sao Maï write about their everyday lives, their memories, the war, and its ghosts.

Directors: Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby

Two ships collide in a harbour, an explosion shatters a city, and a sailor is blasted skyward. With ears ringing, blood pulsing and guts heaving, he soars high above the mayhem and towards the great unknown. A bold blend of comedy, suspense and philosophy, The Flying Sailor is an exhilarating contemplation of the wonder and fragility of existence.

Director: Sandi Rankaduwa

Josh Crooks is a young, gifted African-Canadian hockey player in an overwhelmingly white sport. In its intimate story of transgenerational identity, Ice Breakers reveals the buried history of how Black athletes helped pioneer modern hockey, as Crooks discovers that his passion is tied to a remarkable heritage.

Director: Will Cyr

This animated clip illustrates the lives and realities of Nova Scotia Acadians. It comes from the game Ta parole est en jeu, which playfully explores the richness and variety of the French language in Canada.

Director: Echo Henoche

Shaman is a first collaboration between the National Film Board of Canada and Labrador Inuk artist—and first-time animator—Echo Henoche. The short brings to life Henoche’s favourite legend, told to her by her grandfather in her home community of Nain, Nunatsiavut, on Labrador’s North Coast. It is the story of a ferocious polar bear turned to stone by an Inuk shaman. Hand-drawn and painted by Henoche in a style all her own, Shaman shares with the world her perspective on this Labrador Inuit legend.

Director: Amy Bench

One night at her home in southeastern Congo, 14-year-old Mugeni awakes to the sounds of bombs. As her family scatters to the surrounding forests to save themselves, Mugeni finds herself completely alone. From there, she sets out on a remarkable solo journey across the globe, determined to reunite with her lost loved ones and lift up the Banyamulenge people. Despite unimaginable obstacles, Mugeni’s story is ultimately a portrait of hope, love, and family bonds.

Director: Meaghan Wright

Kanaan McCabe (they/them) is a queer Indigenous artist and mental health advocate. Kanaan struggled with self-identity and self-worth from a young age when members of their faith didn’t support their sexuality. Looking for ways to express themselves, they found a sense of calm through painting, spending time deep in the wilderness, and respecting how sacred water is in their life. Not taking access to water for granted, Kanaan connects to water by advocating for its protection and clean water for all communities through their artwork.

Director: Lulu Keating

King Covid describes how humans and viruses have interacted since the beginning of time. Now he wants credit for stopping humans before they destroy our shared habitat.