The Cinematheque

October’s program revolves around the work of Rylan Friday (Saulteaux Ojibway/​Plains Cree/​Métis), a director, writer, curator, and producer from Cote First Nation. ​“Choosing Selfhood” presents three of Friday’s short films, which range in genre from horror to arthouse cinema. Each work shares a journey of actively defining and honouring one’s boundaries, needs, and values, rather than just living for others. Filmed in one take, Terror/​Forming follows Parker and his boyfriend Darren, who find themselves detoured on a trip and end up at Parker’s late kokum’s cabin. The Sound of You Collapsing is a visual poem that reflects on toxic masculinity, queer identity, Indigeneity, and healing. The lyrical Musk. centres on an Indigenous womxn’s healing journey as she connects to the land and its medicine to process her grief.

Post-screening discussion with Rylan Friday.

Terror/​Forming
Canada 2022
Rylan Friday
23 min. DCP

The Sound of You Collapsing
Canada 2023
Rylan Friday
12 min. DCP

Musk.
Canada 2023
Rylan Friday
6 min. DCP