THE LOWER PLATEAU
FEATURED SCREENING
A formerly successful Montreal musician trudges through the darkest days of winter, armed with a backpack full of weed and a repertoire of Alanis Morissette covers. Dogged by her ex-band mate’s new hit song, Jaine mourns the loss of her career, her band and her self respect. In the heart of the city’s independent music scene, the snow covered Plateau, Jaine encounters both allies and obstacles, including her best friend-slash-roommate Mari, her married ex-lover-slash- manager David, and her charming new customer-slash-potential love interest, Darren. When a glittering opportunity in the Emerald City of Toronto threatens to lure her into a shiny new life, Jaine struggles to sever old ties.
Her ex wants her to move on, her mom wants her to move to Toronto, her best friend wants things to stay the same forever, and her clients just want weed, but Jaine has other plans.
Runtime: 82 min
Country of Production: Canada
ABOUT THE FILM
Liz Singh spent nearly half a decade working on her first film, The Lower Plateau, which was released in 2018.
THE WATER WILL CARRY US HOME
directed by Gabrielle Tesfaye
FEATURED SCREENING
Through living ritual and stop motion animation, The Water Will Carry Us Home reveals the story of stolen Africans being thrown off the slave ship whilst sailing through the Middle Passage. Upon crashing in the waves, the unimaginable happens when mermaids dwelling in the waters save these spirits.
Runtime: 7 min
Country of Production: USA
CINEFAM MICROCINEMA SHORTS



DADDY'S NOT AROUND: DNA
directed by Sandy Daly
SHORT DOCUMENTARY
Meaghan and Nathaniel live in a marginalized community in Canada in the late 1970’s, strugglinh to keep their family together. Meaghan’s parenting skills are being questioned by the Child Welfare Services, a very common practice of that institution.
Runtime: 5 min
Country of Production: Canada
THE STORY MA NEVER TOLD
directed by Shanti Dore
SHORT FILM
The Story of Vidya explores a harsh reality many immigrant parents face in searching for a better life. Vidya, one of this immigrant couple’s two daughters, was four years old when killed by a drunk driver in Trinidad, while they were working and studying in Montreal.
Runtime: 5 min
Country of Production: Canada
WEEPING WILLOW
directed by Monica Mustelier
SHORT DOCUMENTARY
Anita has always been sharp, witty and passionate especially today as she recounts the story of her lover and their meeting under a particular willow tree.
Runtime: 5 min
Country of Production: Canada
TENDER MOIST
directed by Tara Hakim
SHORT FILM
An intimate, ephemeral, suggestive and tender reflection that embraces experiences of desire, intimacy and sensuality between two women, two lovers. Through a non-linear and associative exploration of the five senses during sex, Tender Moist invites viewers to take a plunge into the sensorial aspects of sex and pleasure and simply be, simply feel.
Runtime: 5 min
Country of Production: Canada
SEPTEMBER 20, 7:30PM
20 Carlton St, Toronto ON, M5B 2H5