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Canada has a pretty rich film industry — not so much in terms of funding, but rich in terms of ideas, talent and history. TIFF’s ongoing series, Canadian Open Vault, showcases home grown cinema, giving us an opportunity to easily discover or revisit those Canadian gems.

Up this summer it’s Terrance Odette’s Heater (1999) on Monday, July 16 at 6:30 pm. The film, Odette’s first feature, tells the story of the friendship between two homeless men, looking for shelter from the bitter cold of Winnipeg. It stars Gary Farmer and Stephen Ouimette.

Thursday, July 26 at 6:30 pm is one of director Ron Mann’s few forays into fiction, Listen to the City (1984). A major city employer has gone belly up and much of the city is unemployed – leaving the populace anxious and the city council impotent (sounds fairly contemporary). Set right here in a “sunless Toronto made up of half-empty bars and coffee houses,” it sounds a bit post-apocalyptic. Stars P.J. Soles, Sky Gilbert, and even boasts an appearance by the late Jack Layton.

The 2012 summer season of TIFF’s Canadian Open Vault features screenings on July 16 and 26, 2012 at TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King Street W). For more information, please visit their website.

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Pam Fossen

Obsessed with watching movies as far back as she can remember, Pam loves film enough to have two university degrees in the subject. When not focused on a movie screen, she can usually be found reading, cooking, touring vineyards, or planning where to spend her vacation time.

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