This Place

 

 

Last night, I watched the world premiere of This Place, been screened as part of TIFF 2022. It was an amazing way to start my TIFF 2022 experience and return to the festival as the last time I attended was 2013.

It's become pretty clear that I gravitate towards films with themes of identity, culture, and coming of age. I also like over the top spy and heist films, but I'll get to those later in the festival.

I am also leaning in pretty hard to issues of race. BIPOC stories are particularly interesting to me. 

This film checked off a lot of boxes for me and the bonus was the fact that it was set in Toronto (which I obviously have a strong affinity towards).

While the film explores some very serious themes, there were quite a number of light moments as well. I would hope that the film would be similarly received by any audience, but it was such an enthusiastic crowd at this premiere. The film was incredibly well-introduced by director, executive producer, and co-writer V.T. Nayani. And co-lead, executive producer, and co-writer, Devery Jacobs sent a video introduction as she couldn't be in attendance. The Q&A was also incredible, with thoughtful questions and insightful answers. It really was the perfect TIFF experience.

As I said, a great start to TIFF.

Picture courtesy of www.tiff.net
 

Bones of Crows

I just got home from watching Bones of Crows at TIFF 2022. It just so happened that I was at the first public screening of the film. I feel like I was part of history. 

I had selected the film because of the content. I have a lot to learn. And while this film delivered on that front, it's also an incredible piece of art.

Watch this film. 

Picture courtesy of www.tiff.net

Little wins

Today, I got some ice cream. I even got it in a waffle cone. Roasted white chocolate and it's yummy. 

I also went to the public library to work. I haven't done that since early 2020.

Five Little Indians

 Five Little Indians, by Michelle Good.

I just finished reading this book. It's one of the best books I've read in awhile. I mean, I know I don't read a lot, but this one stands out. I woke up at 2.45am, for some reason, unable to sleep. I haven't been sleeping too well recently. Anyway, I was about 3/4 done this book and thought that this might be a good time to finish it.

Some of the earlier chapters were tough. But important. There were chapters that seemed hopeful. I'm glad.

Everyone should read this book. Or at least, know about our history and its implications.

The book is about residential schools and their survivors. It is about family and community. It is about trauma and inter-generational trauma. There is substance abuse, sexual assault, and suicide. 

Related, but by no means a comparison to communities who are deeply affected and effected by residential schools, I'm reflecting on the difference between trauma and discomfort. I think of people who get uncomfortable and mistake it for trauma. I absolutely believe trauma to be real (I surely live with it, and thankfully on a much smaller scale than others), but feel ______ (still working on identifying my emotions) about those who aren't willing to sit with their discomfort. To unpack it. To turn the attention inwards.

Changing topics again (maybe this is what happens when you can't sleep), I have been trying to read again. I'm trying to be intentional in my reading. My recent books were:
- The Reason You Walk, by Wab Kinew
- Interior Chinatown, by Charles Yu
- Klara and the Sun, by Kazuo Ishiguro

Up next will be Motorcycles & Sweetgrass, by Drew Hayden Taylor. I had actually watched this video a couple years ago and didn't put two and two together until I was doing a little digging with regards to my booklist.

- picture courtesy of www.chapters.indigo.ca

"Can I charge my therapy to the university?" and other 'fun' titles

Never did a Table of Contents feel like my truth.

I'm hesitant to read the book for fear that it will re-traumatize me. It's a tough balance between reaffirming that I am not alone and self-preservation. I know that there's tons of literature about this topic for me to consume (I've only skimmed the surface in my efforts, and that has already taken me through a range of emotions)...I have to pace myself.

Upcycling a paper carrier bag

I really appreciated seeing the process of putting together this bag. Lots of respect for all the artisans out there.

Created by Hahns Atelier.