Last week, the 2013 Toronto Film Festival began announcing its line up. However that came with dismaying news for female directors–out of the 16 galas not one was directed by a woman. And of the 55 special films in the special presentations section, 8 were directed by women.
The documentary numbers are slightly better–of the 22 documentaries, 7 are directed by women. We’ve included all the women directed and women centric docs at TIFF below.
(All descriptions courtesy of TIFF)
Women Directed:
Beyond the Edge — Leanne Pooley, New Zealand (World Premiere)
It was an event that stunned the world and defined an era. Sir Edmund Hillary’s incredible achievement remains one of the greatest adventure stories of all
time: the epic journey of a man from modest beginnings who overcame adversity to reach the highest point on Earth. Screening in 3D.
The Dark Matter of Love — Sarah McCarthy, UK (North American Premiere)
The Dark Matter of Love follows three Russian children learning to love their adoptive American family through a scientific programme. From the director of
The Sound Of Mumbai: A Musical.
The Dog — Allison Berg and Frank Keraudren, USA (World Premiere)
In 1972, John Wojtowicz attempted to rob a Brooklyn bank to pay for his lover’s sex-change operation. The story was the basis for the film Dog Day
Afternoon. The Dog captures John, who shares his story for the first time in his own unique, offensive, hilarious and heartbreaking way.
Hi-Ho Mistahey! — Alanis Obomsawin, Canada (World Premiere)
Alanis Obomsawin tells the story of Shannen’s Dream, a national campaign to provide equitable access to education for First Nations children, in safe and
suitable schools. She brings together the voices of those who have successfully brought the Dream all the way to the United Nations in Geneva.
Mission Congo — David Turner and Lara Zizic, USA (World Premiere)
Death, diamonds and greed — a story of a US businessman’s pursuit of an irresistible opportunity during one of the worst humanitarian crises of modern
times.
The Square (Al Midan) — Jehane Noujaim, Egypt/USA (World Premiere)
The story of revolution — behind the headlines. From the 2011 overthrow of a 30-year dictator, through military rule, and culminating with the overthrow of
the Muslim Brotherhood president in the summer of 2013 — follow a group of Egyptian revolutionaries as they battle leaders and regimes, risking their lives
to build a society of conscience.
Unstable Elements — Madeleine Sackler, USA (World Premiere)
Comprised of smuggled footage and uncensored interviews, Unstable Elements introduces viewers to artists struggling under Europe’s last dictatorship. When
the KGB targets dissenters, the members of the Free Theater find themselves torn between their art and safety. This compelling documentary showcases the
power of art to change the world.
Women Centric:
Finding Vivian Maier — John Maloof and Charlie Siskel, USA World Premiere
A mysterious nanny, who secretly took over 100,000 photographs that
were hidden in storage lockers and discovered decades later, is now
considered among
the 20th century’s greatest photographers. Maier’s strange and
riveting life and art are revealed through never before seen
photographs, films, and
interviews with dozens who thought they knew her.
