Film 1 – Bring them Down (2024)
With a roiling, unceasing pace from the first moment, this is a master class in unceasing tension.
The cinematography is spectacular, leaning in closer than is comfortable at moments, the right amount of handheld shakey cam, a brilliant use of shooting via a rear view mirror, and blowing out to wide shots to give a grim perspective on the whole story.
The actors play on the unspoken so well, creating an air of emotional as well as story based tension. It really is an incredible movie, but is not a feel good movie by any stretch.
Who I Recommend this For: anyone for whom a unique thriller is of interest, and wants to see an incredible ensemble cast bring nuance to each character and moment.
Film 2 – My Dead Friend Zoe (2024)
This film is funny, very very funny. And then, it gets less funny. And that doesn’t mean it’s bad or it drags, but it’s a gut punch and it’s well earned one at that.
Zoe and Merit served together in Afghanistan, and their story contains a tragedy. Zoe is gone, but she hasn’t left Merit.
Beautifully blending hard-knuckle optimism with PTSD that brings her back to earth, Merit’s journey is multifaceted and speaks to the weight that being a person and a veteran in the modern world carries.
This may be one of my favourite reflections on friendship that I have seen on screen for years. I highly recommend checking this one out.
Who I Recommend this For: anyone interested in the intricacies of what coming home means for modern veterans, anyone interested in seeing so many facets of a beautiful friendship, anyone looking for a laugh and a good cry.
Film 3 – Bob Trevino Likes It (2024)
Bob Trevino is an asshole. The other Bob Trevino, on the other hand, is not.
This beautiful film’s premise seems a bit weird and mostly impossible. But it’s at least a little bit true.
Speaking to the passable connections that become so important to us, Lily’s impulse decision to reach out to someone on Facebook who shares the same name as her dad becomes a journey of self esteem and self worth.
This is such joyful look at the brokenness of a young person and the power and meaning of real connection at a time of increased disconnect.
Who I Recommend this For: for basically anyone, honestly. People who love real, powerhouse dramas of parent-child relationships, or, again, anyone looking for a good cry.
Film 4 – Adult Best Friends (2024)
I loved that this movie looked at adult friendships as something unique and important unto themselves. That a romantic relationship is not the only relationship that matters. That while we may fall in love and get married or what have you, our friendships are precious and something to be treasured.
But also, that like any relationship, friendships need to be nurtured and protected as we grow and change. Katie and Delaney are growing in separate directions, but they love each other and have so much shared history. But what happens when things really change?
Who I Recommend this For: anyone who is finding it hard balancing friendships with being a grownup.
Film 5 – And Now for Something Completely Different (various)
I made it to my first short bursts this year! I love short films and things that are, well, different, so this one seemed to fit the bill!
I’ve noticed in the past when trying to buy tickets to short bursts they sell out fast and this one sold out too – and a lot of the audience in the small metro studio seemed to be filmmakers or industry professionals, so I was initially pretty intimidated. But, the love of film makes everyone friends and the experience was exceptional! If you want to enjoy your movie going experience, watch movies with people who love movies!
Each film was a little gem unto itself, some touching, some lyrical, one an honest short documentary, and even a humorous horror flick!
Who I recommend this for: Anyone interested in storytelling that is unexpected, and wants to see something they have not seen before!
Film 6 – Sweet Summer Powwow (2025)
Catching this on their premiere screening was an absolute blast! The community showed up and there was such a sense of fun and excitement.
This movie focuses on two young indigenous people who meet at a powwow. There’s lots that I could share about with this one, but it is an absolutely sweet, lovely love story with plenty of laughs to be had!
Who I Recommend this For: anyone interested in a sweet, funny indigenous flick!
Film 7 – Chef and the Daruma (2024)
This was such a gentle, joyful telling of someone fully committed to following his dreams, but doing so with an eye to life outside of that dream.
Chef Tojo cares not only about being innovative and challenging his industry, but about helping others succeed too.
This is a beautiful story of connection, community, and sharing what you love with people who you love.
Who I Recommend this For: any foodie, or anyone who loves the power of connecting over delicious food!
Film 8 – Ari’s Theme
This was such an incredibly special screening – taking place with a live orchestra doing the score, and the screening was in the place where this documentary was filmed, which was so very special.
This is a moving and magical documentary, blending archival footage, interviews with Ari, and magical animations to tell his story. Ari’s incredible composition skills come to life while telling his life story. He shows us that he is not an incredible composer who has a disability, but simply, an incredible composer.
Who I Recommend this For: anyone interested in learning more about Ari’s story. Anyone interested in discovering more about a unique composition process, or anyone interested in how technology can be used to allow persons with disabilities to reach their dreams.
Films I didn’t see that hope to catch soon!
It didn’t time out for me to catch these ones at film fest, but I hope to have an opportunity to see these soon!
Universal language
This just didn’t work in my schedule and I’m heartsick to have missed this. Everything about this innovative film looks right up my alley!
The Day Iceland Stood Still
This film took Best Documentary, and everyone who saw it described it as inspiring and timely.
A Samurai in Time
This looks so unique and interesting! I absolutely adore the premise!
Meet the Barbarians
Everything I heard about this was that it was funny, pointed, and political!
Frieda’s Case
This film scooped the Best Feature Film at the festival, which only makes me more excited to see this when I can!
My Thoughts on VFF 2025
I commend the inclusion of more venues this year! Lots of my friends made it out to the Star, I caught shows at multiple venues myself, and the idea of a popup (Toaster Rocket Cinema) is so cool, wholehearted props must be given. I’ll say that while I loved the idea of Toaster Rocket, the amenities and lighting (and it sounds like heating one night) would need to be addressed before something similar was attempted again – and I truly hope they do! It’s an awesome, fun idea, and done right it’s a great way to use dead spaces in our core and give people a truly unique moviegoing experience!
On a personal note, as a former front of house, I always feel like more signage and more direction around people flow would be helpful in the winding lineups. I have noticed some positive changes in the last couple of years, but I feel like a little more work on this would make for an even better experience overall.
Most importantly of all, I have to commend the programmers at film festival! If I had an unlimited budget and vacation time, I could see another ten films and have dozens more that I would have loved to see. The programming is diverse, exciting, and the writeups have personality and are so clearly thought out. Bravo!