The Luminato Reel Series
Luminato Partners with National Film Board  

On April 22, Luminato – Toronto Festival of Arts & Creativity, announced a free film series as yet another component of its vast and varied 2008 program.  The collection of films is part of Luminato’s Illuminations program, a series of lectures, panels, public workshops and open houses intended to complement and enrich the Festival experience.

 

Luminato has partnered with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) to present The Luminato Reel, a series of free screenings to take place June 7-11 at the NFB Mediatheque, John Spotton Theatre, 150 John St .

 

The series includes a documentary that follows the creation of one of last year’s signature Luminato events, a film that inspired a Luminato 2008 world premiere and additional films created by or starring 2008 Festival artists.

 

The Channel 4 feature film version of Tim Supple’s re-imagined Twelfth Night, scored by Nitin Sawhney opens The Luminato Reel series.  This film links two Festival artists – Supple, director of the internationally acclaimed South Asian production of Shakespeare’s classic play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and composer and cultural prodigy Nitin Sawhney, a Luminato 2008 Artist in Residence.  Preceded by the NFB short The Stratford Adventure. June 7, 2:00 p.m.; June 8, 7:30 p.m.

 

The world premiere of Veronica Tennant’s vibrant and moving documentary Direct from Havana – VIDA! on the making of one of the theatrical hits of last year’s Festival will be followed by a conversation with the filmmaker (June 7 only).  Preceded by the Academy Award winning NFB short Flamenco at 5:15. June 7, 7:30 pm.; June 8, 2:00 p.m.

 

The PBS Nature documentary The Urban Elephant tracks the displacement of Asian elephants due to deforestation and industrialization. One of the more poignant stories from this film – the tale of two elephants reunited after many years apart – inspired Sanctuary Song, a new chamber opera by Toronto artists Marjorie Chan and Abigail Richardson which will have its world premiere at this year’s Luminato. The film will be followed by a chat with the creators of the opera.  Preceded by the NFB short Champions of the Wild – Elephants. June 8, 11:00 a.m.

 

A double-bill of filmed productions from the Brooklyn-based Mark Morris Dance Group includes Dido & Aeneas, featuring Tafelmusik, and Falling Down Stairs, featuring Yo-Yo Ma, both directed by one of Canada’s pre-eminent directors of dance and music films, Barbara Willis Sweete.  Preceded by the Academy Award winning NFB short Flamenco at 5:15. June 9, 7:00 p.m.

 

The screening of the CBC Opening Night documentary entitled A String Quartet in Her Throat on the making of Nunavut , the musical collaboration between Kronos Quartet and Inuit throat singer Tanya Tagaq, includes a post-film discussion with Kronos’ Music Director David Harrington and performer Tanya Tagaq.  Preceded by the NFB short Toonik Time. June 11, 8:00 p.m.

 

For the full film schedule, visit www.luminato.com .