Get ready to indulge in your favorite snacks and find a comfortable spot as we come together to honour the incredible short film finalists of this season. This is your opportunity to witness firsthand the creativity and passion that these filmmakers have poured into their projects.
Join us in celebrating the achievements of our nominees for the Inspired Dance Film Festival (IDFF), the Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival (IDYFF), and the Inspired Dance Photography Competition (IDPC).
As we showcase these remarkable works, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the dedication and talent exhibited by these artists who bring their unique visions to life. Their hard work deserves our recognition and applause, so let’s cheer for each filmmaker and photographer as they take the stage.
Sit back, relax, and prepare for an inspiring journey through the world of dance on film and captivating photography!
*Not in Screening Order
Queer Short
'Private Flowers' - 7:00 (Canada)
Director – HAUI aka Howard J Davis
In 1832, a Canadian Infantryman was hanged for making love with another man. The victim’s rank was Private, and his name was Flowers.
Commissioned by Toronto History Museums’ Artist Mentorship Showcase: Pride with Mentor Ashley Mckenzie-Barnes with additional support from the open space residency programme at the National Ballet, TD Bank, Pride Toronto and the Ontario Arts Council.
Created as part of Awakening with Toronto History Museums Private Flowers is part of a series of art projects by Black, Indigenous and artists of colour, operating under the principles of anti-oppression, anti-colonialism and anti-racism and is part of the City’s efforts to address anti-Black racism.
Dance Short
'Monday' - 5:08 (Hong Kong)
Director – Andreas Guzman
Nobody loves Mondays. The return to the grind haunts every office worker worldwide. Paperwork piles up, conference calls overload, and the suits and ties bind us to the monotony of the workday. But even within the overbearing nature of Monday, the everyday working person can find their escape from the corporate work culture and discover their inner peace.
Dance Short
'Hong Kong Ballet Tutu Academy' - 1:45 (USA)
Director – Dean Alexander
At Tutu Academy, where tutus are the uniform, students of all characters (geeks to goths) express themselves through ballet—and bizarro hair. One odd day, a UFO lands and an alien enters the classroom. Eager to connect with the visitor who doesn’t speak earthly language, the teacher starts a dance conversation—followed by the entire class. At first, the alien struggles to learn the artful language, until he’s gifted a magical tutu. With fresh confidence, the green-hued stranger joyfully joins the dancing crew.
But just as the bond deepens, the alien must return to his homeland. With bittersweet farewells, the UFO departs—donning a tutu too. On his planet, a stark contrast to Tutu Academy’s vibrant vibe, the alien proudly presents tutus to his commanders where they dance in celebration of the newfound connection with Earth.
Art/Experimental Short
'Morning Interlude' - 7:00 (France)
Director – Sirius
At daybreak on a country road, a young couple returns from a restless night visibly exhausted. Angry with each other the couple will in a magnetic dance try to reconcile.
Dance Short
'Layers' - 8:55 (Slovenia)
Directors – Michal Rynia, Nastja Bremec Rynia, and Fabris Šulin
Layers is a contemporary dance film that artfully explores the intricate layers of human connections, delving into the multifaceted nature of relationships, emotions, and personal journeys. By interweaving scenes from intimate home environments with industrial settings, the film symbolizes the complexities and interconnectedness of our daily lives, navigating the juxtaposition of personal and professional roles.
Through visually representing the juxtaposition of home and work, Layers invites viewers to contemplate the intricate layers of human experience and the delicate balance between different facets of our lives. Ultimately, the film offers a profound exploration of the complexities inherent in the human experience and the interplay between work and personal identity.
Art/Experimental Short
'Historiae Vivae' - 18:00 (Poland)
Director – Iwona Pasińska
Drawing from various forms of expression, from line drawing through collage, patchwork, and cartoons, Historiae vivae revives the unique atmosphere of silent cinema. It is permeated with the warmth exuded by body language, yet simultaneously surreal due to its black-and-white tonality—these are the “splinters of everyday life” that allow us to embark on a journey through time.
This journey takes us back to the origins of cinema, captivating us with the use of historical filmmaking methods, stylish frames, and the characteristic text boards seen in black-and-white films. Live music performed by a pianist adds another layer, reminiscent of the old cinema where live improvisation accompanied the displayed scenes.
Historiae vivae is also a journey into the second half of the 20th century, evident in the graceful references to fashion, social customs, and popular ballroom dances. The patina of the past, visible in both form and content, causes us to watch these “living stories” from a distance, as if in detachment. Yet, at the same time, we are aware that they could have occurred in the past, present, or future. We watch with attention, a desire to capture the quickly passing moment, with amusement at the comedic situations, and with tenderness for human quirks.
Student Dance Film
'GHOSTS IN YOU' - 3:06 (USA)
Directors – Rafael Alejandro Lopez, and Hanna Tzong-Han Wu
GHOSTS IN YOU is a poignant exploration of grief and the complexities of human experience. López, a Swiss-Venezuelan filmmaker, and Wu, a Taiwanese choreographer, draw from their personal encounters with loss to interrogate themes of identity, belonging, and the transient nature of existence. Through a unique blend of cinematic storytelling and expressive dance, the film seeks to transcend cultural boundaries and evoke the universal emotions tied to heartache and impermanence. Emphasizing an egoless collaboration and a holistic examination of grief, GHOSTS IN YOU invites audiences into a reflective space where personal and collective mourning intertwine, ultimately revealing the enduring connections that define our humanity.
Student Dance Film
'FIND' - 5:42 (USA)
Director – Yang Yiying
In a poignant exploration of identity and aspiration, this film delves into the journey of a young dancer yearning to carve out her own distinctive style amidst the weight of societal expectations. As she battles the pressures surrounding her future—questions of career paths and marriage timelines—her internal struggles intensify, creating a chasm between her dreams and daily reality. This tension drives her to seek refuge in her imagination, where she can express her true self away from prying eyes.
Through the medium of dance, she aims to encapsulate her confusion, navigating the complexities of various cultural backgrounds and dance environments. The film serves as a canvas, painting the desolate yet blooming landscape of the modern youth’s emotional world. With each movement, she transforms her silent turmoil into a vivid expression, revealing the profound stories that demand to be told.
Set against the evocative melodies of renowned musician Ezio Bosso, whose music adds depth and texture to her journey, this film becomes a dreamlike stage where the dancer can illuminate her inner struggles and aspirations. It is a heartfelt tribute to the necessity of self-expression, reminding us that everyone deserves a platform to share their dreams.
Australian First Nations Dance Film
'SMILEY' - 7:51 (Australia)
Directors – Beverley Marcusson
Smiley is a poignant film that delves into the bittersweet memories of a woman reflecting on the happier moments shared with the man she loves. Through a series of evocative flashbacks, the narrative captures the essence of their relationship, highlighting the joy, laughter, and connection that once defined their time together. As she navigates her feelings of longing and nostalgia, the film beautifully illustrates how love can leave an indelible mark on our hearts, even in the face of change. With its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth, Smiley invites viewers to cherish the moments that shape our lives and the enduring power of love.
Mobile Device Dance Film
'Ao pó voltaremos [To dust we will return]' - 5:31 (Portugal)
Director – Merli V. Guerra
Hailed as “a stunning piece, where landscape, heritage, movement, and dance merges in a poetic composition,” this striking screendance film features the 16th-century monastery ruins of Messejana, Portugal (the convent of Our Lady of Mercy / Order of Saint Francisco). Inspiration was derived from site-specific research of the space, as well as traditional “Ranchos Folclóricos” folk dances of the region, historical studies, and weaving motions specific to the town’s traditional “buinho” chairs.
In 2021, this site was purchased to become a “charming rural hotel” for tourists. While the main facade will be preserved, the majority of what is shown in this film will be lost forever.
Filmed in Messejana, Portugal.
Art/Experimental Short
'We Know Who You Are' - 3:40 (Australia)
Directors – Ryan Renshaw
Four talented female quadruplets form a rock band, but as success grows, they unearth shocking secrets, revealing a haunting truth that challenges their sisterhood. Based on a true story.