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On Friday, July 16, 2010 Toronto is getting a new film festival — one targeted directly at the body image of this city. BITE ME! the Toronto International Body Image Film and Arts Festival kicks off its first year with a slate of films and talks in hopes of turning our collective eyes towards an issue that is never gone, even if it is often invisible.

Nine screening programs over two days will focus on exploring body image, media representation of idealized and undesirable physical shapes and sizes, and discuss identity and advocacy surrounding these issues. Films include Hot Docs alumnae The Story of Furious Pete and 65_REDROSES, as well as films to engage you such as Color of Beauty, model Renee Thompson’s look at what it means to be a model of colour when white is the standard by which all beauty is measured, and A Question of Beauty, which looks at beauty across generations. In addition to the excellent film programming, festival organizers have shown their firm desire to engage the community with scheduled talks throughout the festival after particularly poignant screenings — an essential element in looking at an issue as important and emotional as body image.

To further demonstrate their community involvement and understanding of these issues, BITE ME! YouthZone is a full-day workshop for girls from 12-18. Beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, July 17, the day will include free film screenings, media and literacy awareness workshops, books and lunch. To register for this incredible opportunity, email info@bitemefilmfest.com with the subject line BITE ME! YouthZone.

All films screen at NFB Mediatheque, 150 John Street, and you can find a full screening schedule at BITE ME!’s website. Ticket prices are extremely reasonable, with a full day pass being only $15.00 or a two-day pass (that’s the whole festival) for only $20. Tickets are available online or at Mediatheque.