Rendezvous with Madness (RWM) presented by Workman Arts (WA), the first and largest mental health film festival in the world, will take place this year from November 6 – 14 for its 23rd edition. The nine-day festival showcases 20+ programs with almost 40 feature and short films, a multi-media installation exhibition and full day symposium with a spotlight on television and addiction.
The festival kicks off at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, 506 Bloor St West on Friday, November 6, with the World Premiere of Swift Current – the electrifying saga of former hockey star Sheldon Kennedy. From hotshot young prospect to shattered alcoholic to high profile advocate for victims of sexual abuse – Kennedy’s story is given potent documentary treatment by director Joshua Rofé, who creates an intensely affecting case for a culture that still has a long way to go when it comes to acknowledging both the frequency and the impact of the exploitation of the most vulnerable by those in positions of power. Special guests Rofé and Kennedy will participate in an in depth post-screening discussion. On Saturday, November 7 at the Workman Theatre, 651 Dufferin Street our annual symposium Transfixed: Addiction and TV takes place and will include three panels addressing the symbiotic relationship between digital media and addiction. Screenings continue on Sunday, November 8 with the remainder of the festival taking place at TIFF Bell Lightbox, Reitman Square, 350 King Street West, Monday – Saturday, November 9 – 14.
Distinguished author, movie critic, broadcaster and educator Geoff Pevere our new Program Director has chosen some outstanding films. “This year is the boldest, most eclectic and provocative programming yet,” Pevere says. “RWM will venture into the new frontier of public awareness toward the mysteries of the human mind, offering audiences an opportunity to watch films inspired by recovery and engage in dialogue with filmmakers, professionals and persons with lived experience.”
“This year’s RWM film line-up is extremely powerful. Many of the films are unflinchingly direct and provocative. We are sharing creative and insightful reflections and authentic portrayals of individuals who live with a mental illness and/or addiction,” says Rendezvous with Madness Founder and Workman Arts Executive Artistic Director Lisa Brown.
Most screenings are followed by a discussion with artists, mental health professionals and/or people with lived mental health experience. RWM presents powerful, entertaining and compelling images of mental health from around the world. These diverse viewpoints capture the global discussion surrounding mental health and encourage the breakdown of stigma across many cultures.
Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased by telephone between 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 416-599-TIFF(8433) or toll free at 1-888-599-8433, online at rendezvouswithmadness.com, or in-person at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West, Reitman Square, Toronto between 10 a.m.and 10 p.m.
- Festival Pass (tickets to all screenings only): $100
- Opening Night VIP event (Preshow Reception and Swift Current): $35
- Opening Night Screening Only (Swift Current): $15
- Symposium: Addictions and TV: $40 with lunch ($30 without)
- Regular Programs: $12 (a limited number of Pay-What-You-Can Tickets also available at the door for people on fixed incomes)
- Artist talks and Installation Exhibition: FREE
*Ticket prices vary. Please check with schedule before purchasing.
Schedule:
For full film descriptions, visit rendezvouswithmadness.com/2015-film-schedule
Venues:
- Workman Arts’ Pop Up Gallery at 1001 Queen Street West and Gordon Bell Road, on the grounds of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
- Workman Arts’ Window Gallery at Shoppers Drug Mart, 1033 Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue.
Art Installation:
Returning this year, November 6 – December 6, is a multi-media and collaborative installation, which responds to the 2015 festival symposium theme of ‘Transfixed: Addiction and TV’. A video/animation component will be displayed on digital screens and presented from November 6 – 14 at the opening night VIP event, Bloor Hot Docs Cinema and at TIFF Bell Lightbox prior to the film screenings.
This multifaceted artistic interpretation of how our brain works, survives and suffers through addiction reframes the excess of substance abuse seen on TV. In order to portray how normalized we have become to the viral image of addiction, images of addiction from mainstream television flash on the monitors alongside an overabundance of content gathered from the internet, movies and TV’s history. It creates a construct of a giant aggregate mind-presenting viewers with a snippet of the bliss and banality in the face of addiction. Furthermore, you can’t stop watching!
For more information, visit rendezvouswithmadness.com.
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