Hope Is in the Air
Short Films
No matter how distinct our cultural backgrounds or geographic locations may be, when it comes to experiencing injustice and inequality, we all share the same feelings of pain, and our ultimate goal is to create a better world.
All armed with hope, a group of hardworking Black men in Pendulum, a family fleeing war-torn Vietnam in Boat People, an ambitious female chef in High End Dying, a rebellious teenage girl in Zip, and four generations of libertarian women in Hope is the Thing with Feathers, sacrifice themselves for a brighter future and greater equality.
Hope is in the Air showcases five female-driven stories by talented filmmakers who all advocate for justice on the screen. - Reza Sameni
This year, we will be screening shorts from Alternate Worlds at Paradise Cinemas, 1006 Bloor St W, Toronto. Screenings will be held on Friday, November 3rd at 12:00PM (61 Minutes).
Following the screening will be a Q&A.
Pendulum
11 MINUTES 16 SECONDS | ENGLISH | CANADA
A woman carries on her shoulders her most precious heritage: the liberation of our souls. This liberation comes with a spiritual choreography that underlines the complexities of our humanity.
Boat People
10 MINUTES | ENGLISH | CANADA
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As a child in Vietnam, Thao’s mother often rescued ants from bowls of sugar water. Years later they would return the favour. Boat People is an animated documentary that uses a striking metaphor to trace one family’s flight across the turbulent waters of history.
High End Dying
12 MINUTES | ENGLISH | CANADA
When elite level chef Eloise Vaughn receives a scathing review from famed critic Alistair Brown, she invites him back for a private dinner service aimed at redeeming her name. Alistair accepts, and as the service commences, the pairs shared history is revealed, as are the extreme lengths Eloise is willing to go to impress him.
Content Warning: This film contains depictions of blood and gore. Some viewers may be sensitive to this subject matter.
ZIP
15 MINUTES | ENGLISH, FARSI | CANADA
Meet Melody; at fifteen, she is outspoken, intelligent and creative. Melody enjoys hanging out with her friends, keeping up with 70s pop culture, and dreams of performing in her school talent show. The problem? Her strict father, a traditionalist who shakes Melody's world overnight after sewing a zipper onto her mouth on her sixteenth birthday.
Hope Is the Thing With Feathers
12 MINUTES | ENGLISH | CANADA
Four women connected through time and space come together to save a girl from a tragic end.