With a stellar line-up of films carefully selected by Carly Whitefield, Melissa O’Neill and myself, we guarantee your time at Planet in Focus will illuminate and transport you to all corners of the globe.

The films have issues, they have beauty and they have something to talk about. Be challenged and informed by the films in our spotlight selection on Renewable Energy and Sustainability. Canadian films are stronger than ever including our Opening Night Film, the world premiere of Lost Rivers, Occupy Love, directed by Canadian activist and filmmaker Velcrow Ripper, and the NFB production, Vanishing Point. Other highlights are the outstanding dramatic feature Future Weather, starring indie favourites Lili Taylor and Amy Madigan, Maori Boy Genius from New Zealand, directed by Pietra Brettkelly (The Art Star and the Sudanese Twins), and lastly, the award-winning film from the Netherlands, Wavumba. We are also pleased to present several films looking at daily life in Latin American communities: Cerro Rico, Tierra Rica, Raising Resistance, Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth and Canícula, a new film from Jose Álvarez (Flowers in the Desert).

We are thrilled to honour our two Eco Heroes: James Balog, whose work on climate change is featured in Chasing Ice (School Program, Closing Night Gala), and local Canadian multiaward-winning filmmaker Jennifer Baichwal. Baichwal will speak about her work and creative collaborations with Edward Burtynsky and Nicholas de Pencier at An Evening with Jennifer Baichwal.

Enjoy your time at our new Festival hub, TIFF Bell Lightbox, where we will host all our public screenings, a larger-than-ever Industry Series, the annual School Program and free Children’s Program.

Welcome to the exciting world of independent environmental cinema!

Kathleen Mullen
Artistic Director
Planet in Focus