The Cinematheque

Waiting for Lou (En attendant Lou) • Katerine Martineau • Concordia University, QC • 15 min.

With assured direction and a stellar lead performance, Waiting for Lou explores the complex relationship between 16-year-old Jess and her eccentric grandmother—and their against-the-odds dream of road-tripping to California.

Nana • Ali Kellner, Sheridan College, ON • 5 min.

This sentimental and surprisingly optimistic animated documentary identifies resilience and humanity in the face of atrocity as it deftly realizes the harrowing personal story of a Holocaust survivor.

Away Home • Jana Stackhouse • Ryerson University, ON • 21 min.

A man and his siblings return home to say goodbye to their terminally ill mother, in this quietly-moving family drama from director Jana Stackhouse.

If You Fall • Tisha Deb Pillai • Emily Carr University of Art + Design, BC • 6 min.

A cautious eight-year-old Lila struggles to find her balance while riding her bicycle, in this endearing, brightly-coloured animation about family love and support.

Meddy • Ted Sakowsky • York University, ON • 26 min.

This compelling and heart-wrenching drama offers a unique glimpse into the quiet life of Sam, a lonely young gamer, who is forced to face her insecurities and fear of losing her online friends.

Quarters • Virginia Findlay, Tiya Zhong, Emily Millard, Brad Flowers, Karliegh Ivens, Maude Ashby, Una di Gallo, Yingqi Wu, Airin Budiman • Sheridan College, ON • 5 min.

In this amusing animation, tenants in a run-down apartment complex are forced to leave their quarters—only to discover unwanted details about their annoying neighbours.

Mustard Seed • Lina Roessler • York University, ON • 8 min.

Visiting a peaceful, flower-covered field, an old man relives the landscape’s violent history and his traumatic childhood memories of war, in this affecting and visually arresting work.

Leila • Aziz Zoromba • Concordia University, QC • 11 min.

A careful combination of restrained storytelling and striking visuals marks this stylish and suspenseful coming-of-age drama about a Muslim teen’s rebellion against the rules set out by her parents.

Blindsided • Antonio Caggiano, Jay Yoo, Christine Chung, Sarah Park, Zarah Nguyen, Paul Kennedy, Eleanor Martins, Russell Denny, Michelle Castro • Sheridan College, ON • 5 min.

In this delightfully playful animation, two thieves’ crafty skills are put to the test when the unassuming homeowner unexpectedly returns.

Hold My Hand (Prends ma main) • Alexandre Lefebvre • Université du Québec à Montréal, QC • 22 min.

This intimate, inspiring, award-winning documentary follows the daily lives of Chloe (age 11), Alex (17), and Salma (21), all of whom are partially or completely blind.