The 24th edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival will take place virtually from August 20 to September 2, including the premiere of more than 50 short films written and produced by local talent.
This year’s event features 20 films by Concordians, including Grooves, directed by recent film production graduate Danielle Caron (BFA 20). The film is winner of the university’s 2020 Fantasia Award.
Set in the late 1960s, Grooves is the story of a family and the hardships they endure while dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in their own unique way. The 10-minute short film will premiere internationally at the festival.
Caron explains how her own life was the main inspiration for this short film.
“This story is very close to my heart and I now get the chance to share my personal story, which is all I truly ever wanted,” she says.
“As a recent graduate, it’s often difficult to get that first film out there. I am so lucky to have been given the opportunity to finish university with a film already lined up for presentation. It’s helping my professional career in so many ways.”
Caron adds that she now has enough funds to complete the production of the film.
“I loved getting to work with so many different artists and creators. It’s amazing that they will be able to showcase their work through this film,” she says. “That’s why I love cinema — it brings so many people together.”
Here are 19 other films directed by Concordians that will be presented at the genre film festival. Some are programmed at specific times while others are available on demand.