Telling stories through film and conversation.
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WILDsound's The Film Podcast

In each episode, the C.E.O. of WILDsound, Matthew Toffolo, chats about all things storytelling and film. Conversations with talented individual from all around the world.

Posts in Documentary Film
September 6, 2022 - Filmmaker Teo Belton (CUIDANTSIQMI: Love and Care for the Land)

Teo Belton is a French and Mexican film director and screenwriter based in Peru. His talent for photography and storytelling is immense, and it really shows in his recent short film CUIDANTSIQMI: Love and Care for the Land.

“The Wari Indigenous people of the Llupa community, located below the Cordillera Blanca of the Peruvian Andes, are facing an environmental disaster that is directly affecting their physical and mental health.”

Director Statement

Dedicating myself to film directing has allowed me to be versatile in my interest and ability to reveal unique worlds and atmospheres in both fiction and documentary.

I am interested in staging singular worlds, since I can understand them from my own life, forged from encounters and dreamlike journeys, since my childhood since I was born in Zapopan, a town in Mexico, where I lived and grew up with native peoples. Native cultures have always accompanied me and today they persist as memories that direct my gaze towards different ways of existing.

The cinema is for me, the possibility of continuing with an oneiric journey that marked my existence.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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September 2, 2022 - Filmmaker Zhihao Deng (BLOSSOM IN SILENCE)

BLOSSOM IS SILENCE is an amazing extreme sports short documentary about the meaning of life.

“Laura ran away from home after junior high school, but she found her self in vertical caving and painting. This film is about extreme sports and meditations on how to live an authentic life.”

Director Statement

There are plenty of films about the coolness of extreme sports. However, I want to focus on the reasons behind it. This film is about caving but more about how to be a modern hermit. It's made for young people who are wondering about their place in this over-competitive society. I want to inspire them: it's okay to step out of what the society tells you.

Read blog interview with Zhihao Deng: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/blossom-in-silence

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service today. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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August 17, 2022 - Filmmaker Duffy Hecht (SHOPPING CART PEOPLE)

Shopping Cart People presents an unflinching exploration of people living in today’s world as homeless and those advocating for them. Stories are told, lives are shared, as a filmmaker delves into a community’s efforts to help those without a voice and protect their belongings. You’ll see interviews with community members and activists as they grapple with this controversial issue.

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/shopping-cart-people-trailer

https://matthewtoffolo.com/2022/07/28/interview-with-filmmaker-duffy-hecht-shopping-cart-people/

Director BIO:

As a producer, Duffy’s films include the independent feature “First, Last and Deposit.” Peter Marin of Atlantic Magazine called it “the best movie about the homeless since Midnight Cowboy.” After winning awards at the San Francisco and New York City Independent Film Festivals, “FLD” became a popular staple on TV's Independent Film Channel.

His next two films were with with writer-director Stuart Gordon (Honey I Shrunk The Kids, Re-Animator). Their first project was the film version of Charlie Higson’s novel “King Of The Ants,” followed by “Edmond,” written by Pulitzer-prize winner David Mamet. “Edmond” featuring William H. Macy (Best Actor winner at Mar del Plata and Newport Beach), Julia Stiles, Joe Mantegna and Mena Suvari.

His films and videos have screened at many of the world’s great film festivals including Venice, Telluride, Seattle, Sitges, Leeds, the Berlin Film Market (sponsored by IFP and Kodak), Vienna, Deauville, Santa Barbara (twice), Seattle, Rio De Janeiro, Puchon (Korea), Cinequest as well as IndieFests in the US and abroad.

A life-long political activist, Duffy served on the board of the Santa Barbara Legal Defense Center. This activist spirit is reflected in his directing debut, “The 8th Street Bridge,” as well as his next directing effort, “Occupy Santa Barbara.” Both were Official Selections of The Santa Barbara Film Festival.

In 2020, Duffy Produced and Directed the documentary “Our Two Years With Trump” which screened at film festivals in Los Angeles, Taos, Prague and Bengal, India, winning awards for Best Documentary and Raising Social Awareness.

His latest documentary as Producer/Director is “Shopping Cart People” a look at an underreported segment of the homeless community. This project reunites Duffy with composer Bobby Johnston (This American Life, Wristcutters) for their third project together.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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August 12, 2022 - Filmmaker Roshanak Jaberi (THE WOMAN IN WHITE)

From October 15, 1979 to January 16, 1992, El Salvador endured a civil war. More than 8000 people were forcibly disappeared, over 80,000 died, 1 million were displaced, and 500,000 were internally displaced. The Woman in White is a short documentary, produced by Jaberi Dance Theatre, that explores the true story of a nurse and mother, Juana Irma Cisneros Ticas, who was captured and forcibly disappeared in El Salvador during the Salvadoran Civil War.

"What an incredibly poignant film – it’s an amazing piece of work."
—Samer Muscati, Human Rights Watch

Project Links

Director Biography - Roshanak Jaberi

Roshanak is an Iranian-born Canadian artist, producer, director, and a Dora nominated choreographer and performer with a career that spans over 20 years. She is also the founding artistic director of Jaberi Dance Theatre, based in Toronto. Described as a “force to reckon with,” she has created and co-created over 30 works in dance, visual arts, film and music, has performed in numerous dance works, and has presented her work in Canada and internationally.

Roshanak is the recipient of the ISPA-International Society of Performing Arts Global Fellowship (2020, 2021) and the Chalmers Arts Fellowship (2019), and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours from York University. She has been a guest speaker and lecturer in various forums, and her work has been referenced in adult education courses and in critical pedagogy at the University of Toronto.

Director Statement

We often hear stories about victims of forced disappearance, but rarely do we experience them from the perspective of their families who are still searching. This photo exhibit and film offers an intimate look into a daughter’s journey through love and loss, and her quest for justice. The items featured in these photos–an ID card and graduation cape–hold special memories and are among the few remaining pieces belonging to Juana Irma.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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August 11, 2022 - Filmmaking team of WHERE THERE'S A WHEEL THERE'S A WAY

Conversation with directors Christian Montoya Johnson, Anton Ransom & the subject of the film Manny the Tru MC, a poet with Cerebral Palsy.

WHERE THERE'S A WHEEL THERE'S A WAY was the winner of BEST SHORT FILM at the August 2022 LA Feedback Film Festival.

"If you have the heart of determination, there is no such thing as limitations". -- Manny the Tru MC. This film is a testament to human determination and what is possible with a positive outlook and refusal to make excuses for your current circumstances. You will laugh. You will cry. You will leave grateful. Where There's a Wheel There's a Way.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 9, 2022 - Filmmaker Johanna J. Lunn (In the Realm of Death & Dreaming)

“In the Realm of Death & Dreaming” was the winner of BEST FEATURE FILM at the WILDsound Film Festival.

In the documentary they ask the big question: What happens when we die? Does consciousness continue or is it lights out? The director, Johanna Lunn, guides viewers on her quest to find out.

Project Links

Conversation with Johanna J. Lunn on the process making this film and the other films in the works.

Playing at the Virtual Festival on July 14/15 on the APP. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 3, 2022 - Filmmaker Gary Beeber (THE SAVIOR OF CONEY ISLAND)

THE SAVIOR OF CONEY ISLAND played to rave reviews at the June 2022 Toronto Documentary Film Festival.

https://www.filmsbygarybeeber.com/savior

“Meet Dick Zigun, “Honorary Mayor of Coney Island” and learn about the beginnings of Coney Island USA. Under Dick, Coney Island USA developed and produced a number of beloved summer programs including the Mermaid Parade and the Coney Island Circus Sideshow.”

Conversation with Gary Beeber about the making of the film and why he made it.

Watch film today! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 2, 2022 - Filmmaker Oliver Ponce (L.A. RISES)

L.A. RISES was the winner of BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY at the June 2022 LA DOCUMENTARY Film Festival.

“A documentary about the George Floyd uprising in Los Angeles in 2020.”

Conversation with Oliver on the making of this film and being literally on the front lines of the protest that occurred in Los Angeles in May 2020.

Watch film today! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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June 23, 2022 - Filmmaker Ileana Dana Darie (SPEAK KDSK)

SPEAK KDSK was the winner of BEST SHORT FORM SHORT FILM at the May 2022 Toronto Documentary Festival.

“This short documentary film pays tribute to the great painter Wassily Kandinsky, illustrating the fruition of his work, his artistic uniqueness and some stories of his life through animation.”

Ileana Dana Darie is a professor of 3D animation and traditional animation at NAD School since 2007. She started her 3D animation career in 1999 in charge of rigging. In August of 2008 she debuted her film “Abstract Trilogy” at the World Film Festival in Montreal. Her second short animation “The cage that is my beauty” received two international awards in 2010 and 2011, and played in numerous festivals around the world.

Go to the WILDsound TV app. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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June 22, 2022 - Filmmaker Martha Davis (PANDALAND: MAKING IT COUNT)

PANDALAND: MAKING IT COUNT was the winner of BEST FILM at the June 2022 Toronto DOCUMENTARY Film Festival.

https://www.instagram.com/davisphotog727

“PANDALAND:  Making IT Count” is about how children become engaged and learn to grapple with big social issues. The filmmaker accomplishes this by encouraging playful exploration in a multi-media installation of 70+ toy pandas she created in her neighbourhood. The vibe of the film is lighthearted and optimistic. As the children initiate an election on behalf of the pandas, their experience embodies community building, demonstrates acts of civic engagement and conveys the important message that, by working together, even young children can effect change.  The film is a life-affirming tribute to kids’ compassion and the birth of their activism!”

Go to the WILDsound TV app. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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June 9, 2022 - Filmmakers Jesse Grace & Steve Weiss (Democracy Vs. The Big Lie)

“Democracy Vs. The Big Lie: The Truth Behind Mail-In Voting,” narrated by Alec Baldwin, is a feature-length documentary that follows the controversy surrounding mail-in voting during the 2020 U.S. election.

Winner of best feature film at the POLITICAL FEEDBACK Film Festival.

Conversation with filmmakers Jesse Grave & Steve Weiss on the process from concept to distribution, and how to make sure the right people watch this documentary.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app next month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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June 2, 2022 - Filmmaker Morgan Emlyn Thomas (JOHN POP’S STORY)

JOHN POP’S STORY played to rave reviews at the May 2022 Under 5 Minute Film Festival.

https://www.morganemlyn.com/filmography

“A short documentary following the story of John Davies and his experience working within the Welsh mines.”

Conversation with director Morgan Emlyn Thomas on the making of the film.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app next month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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May 22, 2022 - Filmmaker Chase Gouthro (ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN)

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN was the winner of BEST DIRECTION at the April 2022 Toronto DOCUMENTARY Film Festival.

Project Links

“Faced with the possibility of her son Nicholas dying from intractable epilepsy, Dr. Jennifer Anderson, a Canadian physician and single mother of three, decides to treat her own child with cannabis. With the treatment, Nicholas goes from 3-4 seizures an hour, and in a near catatonic state, to playing with his twin brother and older sister, participating in life, and no longer needing emergency admissions to hospital.”

Conversation with Chase Gouthro on the making of the film.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app next month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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May 7, 2022 - Filmmakers Michael Barry & John Adams (REPAIR UP THERE)

REPAIR UP THERE is a short documentary film that follows a group of Wind Turbine Blade Repair Rope Access Technicians that travel around the world and by utilizing Rope access repair wind turbine blades.

This short documentary follows one crew as they complete a fiberglass repair on a wind turbine for Invenergy on a wind farm in Snyder Texas.

Conversation with director Michael Barry & producer John Adams on the making of the film.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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May 3, 2022 - Filmmaker/Editors Anna Auster & Jared Dubrino (Holky: The Steven Holcomb Story)

“Holky: The Steven Holcomb Story” was the winner of BEST FILM at the Documentary Film Festival.

Steven Holcomb, known to his team and friends as “Holky”, is a bobsled driver from Park City, Utah, who emerges as an unlikely best hope to end Team USA’s 62-year Olympic gold medal drought. But Steven has a dangerous secret: He is going blind.

In the last interview conducted before he passed away at the age of 37, Steven tells his own story of rising through the ranks as a bobsled driver, hiding his blindness from his team as he becomes one of the best sled drivers in the world, his struggle with depression, and how, with the help of an experimental surgery, he overcomes his obstacles and captures gold before his untimely death.

At a time when society is finally beginning to discuss the mental health of athletes, the film makes an invaluable contribution to this important conversation.

Conversation with director Anna Auster and Producer/Editor Jared Dubrino on the making of the film.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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April 28, 2022 - Filmmaker Fahim Hamid (COUNTY)

COUNTY was the winner of BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT at the March 2022 POLITICAL Feedback Film Festival.


”The biggest secret in politics is the smallest office you could possibly run for. "County" is a documentary about County Committee—the fundamental building blocks of our democracy that our Parties don’t want you to know about—and the activists in NYC fighting to unveil and reform a corrupt system.”

https://www.facebook.com/countyfilm

Conversation with Fahim about the making of this short film and his personal experience of not only doing political organizing but also running for County Committee himself.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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April 18, 2022 - Filmmaker Robert Darwell (THE 90's CLUB)

THE 90’S CLUB was the winner of BEST FEATURE FILM at the April 2022 LA Documentary Film Festival.

“A charming documentary film that showcases the vibrant wisdom and life lessons from a dozen diverse individuals between 90- and 99-years-old.”

Conversation with Entertainment Lawyer turned director on the making of the film and interviewing the 12 subjects in the film.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app today. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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April 5th 2022 - Filmmaker Gordon Yarley (WHEN THE STAGE LIGHTS GO OUT)

WHEN THE STAGE LIGHTS GO OUT played at the March 2022 Toronto Documentary Film Festival.

“Documentary about six actors from Broadway to Toronto dealing with the issues of COVID all while trying to navigate financial instability, and the complete loss of their industry. This is their story.”

Conversation with filmmaker Gordon Yarley on the making of the film at Humber College.

https://instagram.com/StageLightsDoc

Film also playing at the WILDsound TV app next month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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March 31st - Producer Samantha Schroeder (Roe v. Wade: A Legal History)

“Roe v. Wade: A Legal History” was the winner of Best Documentary Short at the 2022 Female Film Festival.

“As one of the most consequential decisions in the history of the Supreme Court, Roe v. Wade articulated the right to abortion as a fundamental right. But where did this landmark case originate? In this documentary short, six law professors discuss how and why Roe v. Wade made it to the Supreme Court.”

Conversation with producer Samantha Schroeder on the process making the film and her way of getting the best out of her interview subjects.

Film also playing at the WILDsound TV app next month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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March 27, 2022 - Filmmaker Col Dymock (LOVE DOESN'T EQUAL SEX)

LOVE DOESN’T EQUAL SEX played to rave reviews at the March 2022 LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

“Documentary about five people on the asexual spectrum sharing the stories of how they knew they were asexual, who they told, and how it affected their lives afterwards.”.

Conversation with Producer Col Dymock on the making of the film at Humber College and their reasons for making it.

Film also playing at the WILDsound TV app all day on April 3rd. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.



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