In keeping with the theme of spotlighting local events, I’m dedicating this post to the movie buffs of the city.  From April 30th to May 10th, 09, I encourage you to take to the cinema’s and enjoy this years hotDocs film festival.  hotDocs is in it’s 16th year, and proudly presenting over 150 films.  After checking out their schedule, it’s clear to see there’s something for everyone. 

My film ”du jour”  would have to be “The Jazz Baroness“  – the story of  “Nica” Rothschilds support and cultivation of Thelonious Monk!! What makes it even sweeter is it’ll be screened at my favourite place to catch a flick; The Royal Cinema

I also wanted to dedicate a part of my post to an up and coming Toronto film maker:

His name is Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi, and in just 2 years has pumped out 4 intriguing short films, all of them i’ve personally watched!

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi ritually watched movies as a child at his grandfather’s of whom his middle name is derived. Also a lyricist, he took the musical poems he had written and translated them to scripts when the band became defunct after two years. Attending York University for less than a month, Alfredo found his way to Trebas Institute (Toronto Campus) where he graduated with honours in the Film & TV Production Program in 2005. Since tossing his graduation cap in the air, he has freelanced as a composer, photographer, and production assistant for various independent short film and music video productions in Toronto. He also founded Arcilesi Films in 2007 where four short films were written, produced, edited, composed, and directed – among other creative tasks – by Alfredo. As the future gets brighter, he looks to pave a path into higher-budgeted feature films.

I particularly like how each film is totally different, both in themes and context. For example, the “Roadside Florist” gives the viewer a strong emotional connection to what it’s like to lose someone to drunk driving, in a very subtle and non dramatic way. In “Reverie Three”, you get a much more lively delivery mixed with fast paced camera angles. Savel Salutes Arcilesi Films for his hard work, professionalism and confidence to tackle such a wide range of topics!

You can watch the four films by clicking on their respective links below:

GAME OF LIFE: http://revver.com/video/938018/game-of-life/
ROADSIDE FLORIST: http://revver.com/video/933336/4-may2008/
SCENT OF ROSEMARY: http://vimeo.com/3271769
REVERIE THREE: http://vimeo.com/3990361

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