TIFF Top 10: Celebrating BIPOC Filmmakers

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced its Canada’s Top Ten list for 2024, showcasing a remarkable lineup of films that reflect the diverse voices and talents shaping Canadian cinema. Among the honorees are Hadyn Wazelle, a current board member of the Canadian Independent Screen Fund (CISF), and Jennifer Holness, former CISF Board Co-Chair, who produced two standout films, Can I Get A Witness and 40 Acres, respectively. Their recognition underscores a strong year for BIPOC-led productions in the Canadian film industry.

This year’s Top Ten list features a variety of films that delve into complex themes and explore both present-day anxieties and futuristic visions. Notable among these is David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds, a masterful meditation on mortality. Joining Cronenberg’s work are R.T. Thorne’s 40 Acres, a gritty thriller set in a world of dwindling resources, and Ann Marie Fleming’s Can I Get A Witness?, which paints a somber picture of a future with a diminished population.

Alternative narratives are also prevalent on the list, with films like Universal Language by Matthew Rankin and Rumours by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson offering unique, often surreal perspectives on contemporary issues. Adding to the lineup is Kaniehtiio Horn’s debut feature Seeds, a grindhouse-inspired film brimming with chaos and suspense.

Several films draw inspiration from the past, providing thoughtful reflections on history. Sook-Yin Lee’s Paying For It revisits Toronto in the 1990s, vividly capturing its essence, while Michael Mabbott and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee’s Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story highlights the vibrant Yonge Street music scene of the 1960s. Meanwhile, Kazik Radwanski’s Matt and Mara offers a warm, insightful portrayal of contemporary life and relationships.

While last year’s list highlighted numerous first-time filmmakers, this year sees the return of several established talents, including Cronenberg, Mabbott, and Maddin, who have been integral to Canada’s cinematic landscape for decades. Veterans like Ann Marie Fleming, Kazik Radwanski, and Matthew Rankin also make repeat appearances, having previously earned recognition for their work in both feature and short film categories.

The Canada’s Top Ten shorts list is equally impressive, featuring celebrated filmmakers such as Torill Kove (Maybe Elephants), Amanda Strong (Inkwo for When the Starving Return), and Phillip Barker (Earthworm). Notable first-timers include Pier-Philippe Chevigny (Mercenaire), Alicia K. Harris (On a Sunday at Eleven), and Connor Jessup (Julian and the Wind), whose deeply personal and moving films promise bright futures in Canadian cinema.

Congratulations to all the filmmakers whose works have been recognized. Their creativity and vision continue to elevate Canada’s film industry on the global stage.