I’m a little late considering the announcement was made a while back but Canada’s Top Ten is back and this year’s list of films is as, if not more, impressive than last year’s.
The panel of judges have, as far as I can tell, outdone themselves with their selections and the list features entries from some of Canada’s most notable filmmakers, a few films that I’d yet to hear anything about and one that I downright despised (though they’re allowed to make mistakes too so we’ll just over look it).
The list of short films sounds interesting but admittedly, the only film on that list that I’ve even heard of is Denis Villeneuve’s Next Floor, which I posted about a few months back.
The feature films:
Adoration – Atom Egoyan
Before Tomorrow – Marie-Hélène Cousineau & Madeline Piujuq Ivalu
Ce qu’il faut pour vivre – Benoît Pilon
C’est pas moi, je le jure! – Philippe Falardeau
Fifty Dead Men Walking – Kari Skogland
Heaven on Earth – Deepa Mehta
Lost Song – Rodrigue Jean
Maman est chez le coiffeur – Léa Pool
La Mémoire des anges – Luc Bourdon
Pontypool – Bruce McDonald
The short films:
La Battue – Guy Édoin
Block B – Chris Chong Chan Fui
Drux Flux -Theodore Ushev
Ghosts and Gravel Roads – Mike Rollo
Green Door – Semi Chellas
Next Floor – Denis Villeneuve
Nikamowin (Song) – Kevin Lee Burton
Passages – Marie-Josée Saint-Pierre
Princess Margaret Blvd. - Kazik Radwanski
Mon nom est Victor Gazon – Patrick Gazé
If you’re not in Toronto, don’t despair. The majority of the films will open across Canada throughout the year, while other will screen as part of the First Weekend Club’s Canada Screens series and a few lucky cities, including Vancouver, will be screening all of the feature and short films as part of Canada’s Top Ten travelling roadshow.
So, which was the one you despised?
I always try to catch up with Canada’s Top Ten, but usually after the fact when they (or if) they come in release.
I saw a few of these are TIFF’08 already, and I’m catching the majority of films when they play here in Toronto. Seeing Pontypool again will be rocking and C’est pas moi, je le jure! was quite the delight.
I really didn’t like 50 Dead Men Walking. More than anything it was disappointing because I’ve liked the director’s work to date and it features a great cast who, for the most part, are really good. The movie is just so badly put together.
The only other film I’ve seen from the list is “Heaven on Earth” so I’m hoping to catch up with the rest of them when they play here in March. Last year, I skipped most of the screenings and regretted it when the majority of the film’s didn’t open locally or opened when I, for one reason or another, couldn’t see them. Not making the same mistake again!
I’m thinking the Ragtag should get Adoration, as they get most of Atom Egoyan’s flicks. As to the rest, well, I’ve complained in the past about rare it is to see Canadian movies here in the States (especially in rural areas like this one)!
Your image of “The Necessities of Life” sadden me a little. I tried to make that movie at the MSPIFF last week and my friggin bus was late. Had to catch something else instead. Ah well.