Film Reviewer Keith Whittier Talks TIFF24 with Festival CEO Cameron Bailey

 The 2024 instalment of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is a week away. Once again, Ottawa Life Magazine will have full coverage of the 11-day festival. In keeping with tradition, I had the chance to speak once again with festival CEO Cameron Bailey, who joined TIFF in 1990 as

TIFF Movies to Keep an Eye Out for in 2024

 The 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) showcased several top movies that have already been released, such as American Fiction, The Zone of Interest, Fair Play and The Holdovers (and more), but here are six films to keep your eyes open for that will be in theatres this year. Daddio,

TIFF 2023 Review: Backspot

 Synopsis: Riley is given the chance to cheer with the all-star squad, Thunderhawks. With a competition looming, Riley must navigate her crippling anxiety, her relationship with her girlfriend, and her desperate need for approval from her new coach. Director: D.W. Waterson Stars: Devery Jacobs, Kudakwashe Rutendo, Evan Rachel Wood, Wendy

TIFF 2023 Review: Flora and Son

 Synopsis: Single mom Flora is at war with her son Max. Trying to find a hobby for Max, she rescues a guitar from a dumpster and finds that one person’s trash can be a family’s salvation. Director: John Carney Stars: Eve Hewson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Oren Kinlan, Jack Reynor The last

It’s Time to Get Excited For TIFF 2023

 The Toronto International Film Festival kicks off this week, and the excitement is ready to hit a crescendo. Considering the star power won’t be the same (writers strike and actors strike), the appreciation for film is still very much present as many of the titles are already sold out. TIFF

CEO Cameron Bailey says TIFF is an Audience-Driven Festival

 The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is just around the corner, and once again, Ottawa Life Magazine will be in Toronto to provide you with coverage. One of the biggest film festivals in the world, TIFF has seen incredible films like Slumdog Millionaire, Parasite, Moonlight, Green Book, Chariots of Fire,

Daniel Radcliffe is Amazing in “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story”

 Synopsis: Explores every facet of Yankovic's life, from his meteoric rise to fame with early hits like Eat It and Like a Surgeon to his torrid celebrity love affairs and famously depraved lifestyle. Director: Eric Appel Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Evan Rachel Wood The Midnight Madness program at the Toronto International Film Festival

Cameron Bailey remains passionate about films and their power to inspire.  

 We are just days away from my favourite month of the year, September. Specific things make September my favourite month of the year, and we kick it off with the 47th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Canadian and International films coupled with special events, celebrity appearances, and an

Interview with Canadian writer/filmmaker Danis Goulet

 Cree/Métis filmmaker, Danis Goulet, is showing no signs of slowing down. Her film Night Raiders was a success at the Toronto International Film Festival and she was recognized as a TIFF Tribute Award winner. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with her and talk about her recent accolades.

TIFF 2020 delivers in a time of adversity

 The filmmakers, actors, and the general public who participated in the 45th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) all agree that it was a huge success. There are a lot of businesses that have had to learn to pivot and come up with a ‘Plan B’ to survive in our current

The Toronto International Film Festival delivers again

 Photo: JoJo Rabbit (credit: TIFF) The 44th Toronto International Film Festival is in the books and my withdrawal has settled in. It is somewhat challenging going from watching five movies a day to three to four a week. The festival has something for everyone. Whether you want to see stars,

Q+A with Co-Head of TIFF, Cameron Bailey

 The Toronto International Film Festival is just around the corner, starting next Thursday, September 5th. Once again, Ottawa Life Magazine will be front and centre, bringing you coverage of the festival as we look forward to reviewing the movies expected to make waves this upcoming awards season. For over 40 years,

Celebrate local artists in the short film, Dirt Town

 Celebrate Canadians through the upcoming Ottawa-based short film, Dirt Town, directed by Lisa Meuser, the founder of The Meus Talent Agency. Dirt Town, a film about the discovery of Canada, explores the themes of heartache and bravery. A woman (Maissa Houri) is brought across Canada, alongside her lover, played by

TIFF 2018: Film spotlight continued

 Photos courtesy of TIFF TIFF 2018 has come to a close and I can’t wait to give you my thoughts on the greatest film festival in the world. Before we do that however, here I have reviewed some of the final films I saw at the festival. You can expect

TIFF 2018: Film Spotlight

 The Toronto International Film Festival has been a whirlwind so far and it is only halfway through. I am trying to see as many movies as my body can handle but also taking in different occasions open to the press such as red carpet events and press conferences. Having media

Ottawa Life at TIFF – Festival Survival Tips

 Ottawa Life Magazine's resident film buff Keith Whittier is on the scene as our correspondent for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). He's been there for a few days and has come up with some festival survival tips! I have been going to the Toronto International Film Festival for many

Guantanamo’s Child: Omar Khadr

 Focusing on one of Canada’s most controversial cases, Guantanamo’s Child is a documentary which tells the story of Omar Khadr, a Toronto-born Canadian citizen who was captured in Afghanistan by American forces in 2002 and convicted of war crimes at the age of 15. After spending a decade behind bars