CineSiege 2015

Tuesday, October 20, 2015 — 7:00 pm
The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
506 Bloor St. West, Toronto

Admission: Free

HomeThe JuryNominees INominees IICineSiege Awards 2015

Now in its 13th year, CineSiege presents a collection of short films – riveting fiction, cutting-edge alternative works and provocative documentaries – selected by leading lights of the Canadian film and media scene.

Screening one night only, this juried showcase features the best productions created in 2014-2015 by talented young undergraduates in AMPD’s Department of Cinema & Media Arts. The films selected for CineSiege 2015 were chosen from a shortlist of 32 nominees, culled from 137 productions made last year.

The jury:

  • director, producer and cinematographer Nicholas de Pencier
  • media artist Gisèle Gordon
  • filmmaker Keith Lock
  • Charlotte Mickie, president of Mongrel International at Mongrel Media
  • Jason Ryle, executive director and programmer at imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival

Jurors will be in attendance at CineSiege to introduce the winning films and explain why they were selected.

CineSiege is made possible through the generous support of:

Cinespace Film Studios

Nicholas de Pencier
Nicholas de Pencier
Nicholas de Pencier is a director, producer and cinematographer working in documentary, performing arts and dramatic film. His credits include Let It Come Down: The Life of Paul Bowles (International Emmy), The Holier It Gets (Best Canadian, Hot Docs), The True Meaning of Pictures (Gemini, Best Arts), Hockey Nomad (Gemini, Best Sports) and Manufactured Landscapes (TIFF best Canadian feature; Genie best doc). He produced the feature drama The Uncles (TIFF Top Ten) and shoots factual TV series and documentaries which he often also directs. De Pencier’s feature doc Four Wings and a Prayer won the Grand Prix Pariscience, a Banff Rockie and the Jules Verne Nature Award, and was nominated for three Geminis and an Emmy. He shot the documentary adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s Payback, which was released theatrically in North America, and was producer and director of photography for the feature doc Watermark, which premiered at TIFF and Berlin, won the Toronto Film Critics Award for Best Canadian Film and the CSA for Best Documentary, and is in theatrical release worldwide. De Pencier was admitted as a full member to the Canadian Society of Cinematographers in 2012.

 

Gisèle Gordon
Gisèle Gordon
Gisèle Gordon is a media artist with an interest in exploring enigmatic connections. Her video installations and single channel films have shown internationally including at the 2013 Moscow Biennale; Toronto’s Nuit Blanche; the Marshall McLuhan Salon at the Canadian Embassy in Berlin; the Art Gallery of Edmonton; and the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Kingston. She has also been collaborating with Canadian Cree artist Kent Monkman on film and video projects since 1996. Gordon is currently working on Listening to the City, an interactive, reality-based narrative.
Keith Lock
Keith Lock
Keith Lock holds an MFA in film from York University. He worked as Claude Jutra’s assistant as well as Michael Snow’s cinematographer on a number of productions. He was a founding member and first chair of the Toronto Filmmaker’s Co-op, which later morphed into LIFT. His TIFF screenings include the experimental film Everything Everywhere Again Alive and the dramatic feature Small Pleasures. His production A Brighter Moon was nominated for a Gemini Award for Best Short Drama. Credited by Cinemaya as the first Chinese-Canadian filmmaker, Lock was the first recipient of the Chinese Canadian National Council’s Media Applause Award (1998). His TV documentary The Road Chosen: The Lem Wong Story received the NFB Innoversity Conference Award in 2002 and his short The Dreaming House (2005) won the Best GTA Filmmaker Award at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. His short film Magical Coincidence was the winner of Reel Asian’s ‘So You Think You Can Pitch’ competition in 2011.

 

Charlotte Mickie
Charlotte Mickie
Charlotte Mickie has been instrumental in bringing some of the most iconic independent films and directors to the world’s attention. She is president of Mongrel International, an operating division of Mongrel Media. Previously she served as EVP at eOne Films International, a company she joined in 2008 when it acquired Maximum Films, where she had been managing director. During her tenure at eOne, Mickie oversaw sales on Beasts of the Southern Wild, Animal Kingdom, Incendies and The Babadook, among others. Prior to Maximum Films, she was managing director of Celluloid Dreams, selling films by Jacques Audiard, the Dardenne brothers, and Michael Haneke. She oversaw sales at Alliance Atlantis and founded the Alliance Independent division.

 

Jason Ryle
Jason Ryle
Jason Ryle is the executive director and a programmer at imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival. He also serves on the board of directors for Vtape, an independent video distributor, and is a script reader for The Harold Greenberg Fund, which provides financial aid to Canadian filmmakers. An award-winning writer, Ryle has written for the Smithsonian Institution and numerous publications throughout North America.

Nominees I – Externally juried 3rd & 4th year productions

A Woman Departed A Woman Departed
9 min.
Director: Steven Czikk
Cinematographer: Jonathon Elliot
Editors: Steven Czikk and Julian Papas
A letter to a loved one, now lost.
Asteroid Asteroid
12.10 min.
Director: Kristina Mileska
Cinematographer/Editor: Andy Kloske
Sound: Emmerek Vanleur
A young girl’s fantasy adventure with her grandfather allows her to come to terms with his illness.
Breach Breach
15.50 min.
Director/Producer/Sound: Connor Johnstone
Editor: Gebriel Balcha
Cinematographer: Peter Howie
A documentary about the faults of a friend, and the degree to which an audience can judge his actions.
Built On Water Built On Water
4.20 min.
Director: Alec Bell
Archetypes through artifice.
Cupid Cupid
14 min.
Director: Maria De Sanctis
Writer: Devon Bain
Producers: Maria De Sanctis, Devon Bain, Megan Berg, Rany Naser, Nathan Street, Lina Evans
Cinematographer: Megan Berg
Editor: Rany Naser
Sound: Nathan Street
The typical story of boy meets girl, except the boy is a magical figure sent from above and a complete f****** baby.
Fear Fear
7 min.
Director/Writer/Producer/Editor/Sound: Gebriel Balcha
Cinematographer: Marco Lamera and Rany Naser
The story of Tyler and his inevitable descent into the gruesome world of drugs and gang violence.
The Gift The Gift
14.35 min.
Director: Esery Mondesir
Writer: Kyle Francis
Production Manager: Lesley Myers
Cinematographer: Abdul Malik
Editor: Dylan MacVicar
Sound: Josh Devenyi
Production Designer: Kayla Wemp
Based on a story by Edwidge Danticat, this film tells the story of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti through a couple’s chaotic relationship in Toronto.
Haunted by Presence Haunted by Presence
16 min.
Director/Cinematographer: Jack Weisman
Editor: Ashlee Mitchell and Jack Weisman
Sound: Kieran Sherry
“You have no control.”
Jew Girl #2 Jew Girl #2
16 min.
Director, Writer: Adam Singer
Production Manager: Robert Murdoch
Cinematographer: Gabriela Osio Vanden
Editor: Alanna Smith
Sound: Emmerek Vanleur
Assistant Director: Cristina DiGiulio
Production Designer: Lina Evans
In this musical comedy, Jodie Blondelle wants nothing more than to play the lead in her high school’s Jewish version of the musical “Hairspray”. But the director has other plans in mind for her.
Knots Knots
12 min.
Director: Kristina Wong
Writer: Kristina Wong. Developed by Nikki Foy
Producers: Kristina Wong, Jessica De Los Santos, Mong Tho Mach
Cinematographer: Jessica De Los Santos
Editor: Vanesa Chow and Kevin Luttman
Sound: Joelle Leboutte
A grieving father must accept his persistent father-in-law’s heritage in order to mend his relationship with his distant daughter.
Lola Lola
13 min.
Director: Mathew Murray
Production Manager: Nathan Street
Cinematographer, Editor, Sound: Dmitry Lopatin
Music: Spencer Creaghan
A young waitress faces a potentially life-altering decision after a violent confrontation with her sleazy boss.
Muna Muna
12.35 min.
Director: Lekeeya King
Cinematographer: James Poremba
Editor: Maria Todorov-Topouzov, Lekeeya King
Sound: Phoebe Sequino
Production Designer: Mong Tho Mach
The story of a girl soldier.
Only For the Afternoon Only For the Afternoon
15.30 min.
Director: Julian Papas
Production Manager: Gordie Rogers
Cinematographer: Ryan McIntyre
Editor: Jesse Wyatt
Sound: Imaad A. Bhatty
Production Designer: Steven Czikk
Leigh and Jonathan meet up in a hotel room.
Rough housing Rough housing
7.30 min.
Director/Cinematographer/Editor: Jeffrey Holiday
Memories of growing up with brothers.
Shot in the Dark Shot in the Dark
15 min.
Director: Alanna Smith
Writer: Tyya Emberley
Production Manager: Meagan Webb
Cinematographer: Nicole Ng
Editor: Michael Maddeaux
Sound: Michael Holz
Assistant Director: Lane Proto
When the power goes out in their hotel room, a dysfunctional young couple must face the awkwardness of their dead-end relationship.
Tiny Mighty Tenma! Tiny Mighty Tenma!
14.10 min.
Director: Maria Todorov-Topouzov
Writer: Grahame Hinton-Barber
Production Manager: Kevin Luttman
Cinematographer: Aaron DiMaria
Editor: Kevin Luttman
Sound: Peter Nielsen
Production Designer: Erica Orofino
“Tenma, Tenma, Tenma…Ah!!!”
The Urban Hive The Urban Hive
15 min.
Director: Alex Brock
Cinematographer: Gabriela Osio Vanden
Editor: Peter Howie, Alex Brock
Sound: Emmerek VanLeur
A look into the lives of bees in the city.
Waya Waya
15 min.
Director: Adrian Cheung
Writer: Daniel Gennara
Production Manager: Stefan Jablonski
Cinematographer: Nicolas St-Amour
Editor: Carlie Macfie
Sound: Megan Webb
Two bickering brothers venture into the forest with their father’s hunting rifle in an attempt to catch their first prey.
What If He Lives What If He Lives
17.30 min.
Director: Peter Nielsen
Cinematographer: Jeffrey Holiday
Editor: Josh Devenyi
Sound: Kevin Lutttman
A mother’s struggle to ensure her son has a normal life.
Woven Together Woven Together
12.50 min.
Director/Producer/Editor: Nathan Street
Cinematographer: Megan Berg, Maria DeSanctis, Abdul Malik, Spencer Maurice, Nathan Street
Sound: Joelle LeBoutte
Sex takes many forms. Love takes many forms. A fragmented view of sex, intimacy, connection and love.

Nominees II – Internally juried 1st & 2nd year productions

The Departure The Departure
11.29 min.
Director: Sarah Aminuddin
Cinematographer: Christian Harrison
Editor: Mina Beronja
Sound: Marianna Urrutia
Writer: Omar Bishir
The story of a woman attempting to get her son out of an abusive home, in hopes of a better future.
In Between Words In Between Words
5 min.
Director/Writer,/Producer/Cinematographer/Editor/Sound: Samira Kia
A man covered in newspaper tries to find a key to a locked box. Opening the box, he finds a mirror his mother had put into it. Finding the mirror makes him see his face and find his true self.
Lumps Lumps
9.44 min.
Director/Writer: Aaron Fauteux
Producers: Aaron Fauteux, Ted Sakowsky, Ramona Caprariu
Cinematographer: Ted Sakowsky
Editors: Aaron Fauteux and Ted Sakowsky
Sound: Ramona Caprariu
Writer: Aaron Fauteux
When Neil, whose face is covered in unusual lumps, meets Lola at a bus stop, he learns to see the world in a different way.
Missing Pieces Missing Pieces
8:24 min.
Director: Mariana Urrutia
Cinematographer: Tamara Moos
Editor: Van Loc
Sound: Lucas Treleaven
A short look into Sergio’s routine as he goes through life with autism.
No Say No Say
3.30 min.
Director: Sarah Aminuddin
Editor: Marianna Urrutia
Sound: Karly Ruesen
A glimpse inside the mind of a child bride.
Omnom Omnom
3.17 min.
Director: Nancy Asiamah-Yeboah
Editor: Adam Schurman
Cinematographer: Rachel D’Ercole
We are what we eat.
One Nice Stand One Nice Stand
10.48 min.
Director: Eric Bizzarri
Writer: Connor Savage
Cinematographer: Elston Wong
Editor: Alexia Daila Rosa
What happens when your grandmother sets you up on a blind date?
One Step at a Time One Step at a Time
8.03 min.
Director/Producer: Aaron Fauteux
Editor/Cinematographer: Christophe Vaugeois
Sound: Ted Linden
A documentary about a family’s struggle with the debilitating disease, ataxia.
The Pleasure Principle The Pleasure Principle
8.10 min.
Director: Ted Sakowsky
Cinematographer: Andrew Morel
Editors/Sound: Andrew Morel and Ted Sakowsky
Reflexive documentary following a “Lady Azelle” while drawing attention to the filmmaking medium.
Recondite Recondite
4.11 min.
Director: Jess Paquette
Writer: Conner Emans
Cinematographer: Will Christiansen
Editor: Daniel Blium
Sound: Elana Emer
The interconnected passage of time.
Staple Staple
4.20 min.
Director: Danielle Beckford
Writer/Producer/Editor/Sound: Danielle Beckford and Brandon Tang
Cinematographer: Brandon Tang
The dangers of miscommunication between mothers and daughters.
Withdrawal Withdrawal
4.08 min.
Director/Writer: Alex Ketchum
Producer/Sound: Alex Ketchum and Eric Schweiger
Cinematographer: Eric Schweiger
Saturday morning withdrawal

Award GraphicOutstanding First Year Film

Withdrawal Withdrawal
4.08 min.
Director/Writer: Alex Ketchum
Producer/Sound: Alex Ketchum and Eric Schweiger
Cinematographer: Eric Schweiger
Saturday morning withdrawal

Award GraphicOutstanding 2nd year Alternative film

No Say No Say
3.30 min.
Director: Sarah Aminuddin
Editor: Marianna Urrutia
Sound: Karly Ruesen
A glimpse inside the mind of a child bride.

Award GraphicOutstanding 2nd year Fiction film

Lumps Lumps
9.44 min.
Director/Writer: Aaron Fauteux
Producers: Aaron Fauteux, Ted Sakowsky, Ramona Caprariu
Cinematographer: Ted Sakowsky
Editors: Aaron Fauteux and Ted Sakowsky
Sound: Ramona Caprariu
Writer: Aaron Fauteux
When Neil, whose face is covered in unusual lumps, meets Lola
at a bus stop, he learns to see the world in a different way.

Award GraphicOutstanding 2nd year Documentary

The Pleasure Principle The Pleasure Principle
8.10 min.
Director: Ted Sakowsky
Cinematographer: Andrew Morel
Editors/Sound: Andrew Morel and Ted Sakowsky
Reflexive documentary following a “Lady Azelle” while drawing
attention to the filmmaking medium.

Two Award GraphicBest Fiction Film & Best Sound Award

Asteroid Asteroid
12.10 min.
Director: Kristina Mileska
Cinematographer/Editor: Andy Kloske
Sound: Emmerek Vanleur
A young girl’s fantasy adventure with her grandfather
allows her to come to terms with his illness.

Award GraphicBest Alternative Film (2 winners)

Fear Fear
7 min.
Director/Writer/Producer/Editor/Sound: Gebriel Balcha
Cinematographer: Marco Lamera and Rany Naser
The story of Tyler and his inevitable descent into the gruesome
world of drugs and gang violence.

Award GraphicBest Alternative Film (2 winners)

Rough housing Rough housing
7.30 min.
Director/Cinematographer/Editor: Jeffrey Holiday
Memories of growing up with brothers.

Award GraphicBest Documentary Film

Haunted by Presence Haunted by Presence
16 min.
Director/Cinematographer: Jack Weisman
Editor: Ashlee Mitchell and Jack Weisman
Sound: Kieran Sherry
“You have no control.”

Two Award GraphicBest Screenwriting Award & Best Script

Jew Girl #2 Jew Girl #2
16 min.
Director, Writer: Adam Singer
Production Manager: Robert Murdoch
Cinematographer: Gabriela Osio Vanden
Editor: Alanna Smith
Sound: Emmerek Vanleur
Assistant Director: Cristina DiGiulio
Production Designer: Lina Evans
In this musical comedy, Jodie Blondelle wants nothing
more than to play the lead in her high school’s Jewish
version of the musical “Hairspray”. But the director
has other plans in mind for her.

Two Award GraphicBest Cinematography Award & Special Jury Citation for Production Design

Tiny Mighty Tenma! Tiny Mighty Tenma!
14.10 min.
Director: Maria Todorov-Topouzov
Writer: Grahame Hinton-Barber
Production Manager: Kevin Luttman
Cinematographer: Aaron DiMaria
Editor: Kevin Luttman
Sound: Peter Nielsen
Production Designer: Erica Orofino
“Tenma, Tenma, Tenma…Ah!!!”

Award GraphicBest Editing Award

Muna Muna
12.35 min.
Director: Lekeeya King
Cinematographer: James Poremba
Editor: Maria Todorov-Topouzov, Lekeeya King
Sound: Phoebe Sequino
Production Designer: Mong Tho Mach
The story of a girl soldier.

Award GraphicHonourable Mention for the Fiction Film

Cupid Cupid
14 min.
Director: Maria De Sanctis
Writer: Devon Bain
Producers: Maria De Sanctis, Devon Bain,
Megan Berg, Rany Naser, Nathan Street, Lina Evans
Cinematographer: Megan Berg
Editor: Rany Naser
Sound: Nathan Street
The typical story of boy meets girl, except the boy
is a magical figure sent from above and a
complete f****** baby.

Award GraphicHonourable Mention for the Documentary

What If He Lives What If He Lives
17.30 min.
Director: Peter Nielsen
Cinematographer: Jeffrey Holiday
Editor: Josh Devenyi
Sound: Kevin Lutttman
A mother’s struggle to ensure her son has a normal life.