Below is a preview with screening times in order for the Imaginarium 2024 Independent Film Festival!
Friday Screening Schedule
Friday Screenings begin at 11:00 AM
CYA
11:00 AM
Synopsis:
Chapter 1: CYA – Alice begins her violent katabasis.
“The new music video from rhythm & dance artist alice the g00n delivers an audio-visual experience akin to John Wick going all Lord of the Flies on corporate America. The first chapter of her hard-hitting, eye-popping sci-fi and horror series.”
–V13 Media
Director: Alice the GOOn
All I Ever Wanted
11:06 AM
Synopsis:
All I Ever Wanted is a riveting 7-year journey through the high-stakes world of professional basketball, showcasing NBA icons like Kevin Durant, Kyle Lowry, and Manu Ginobili. This deeply personal documentary unveils the untold story of Greivis Vasquez, former star of the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets, as he confronts the challenges of a sudden, career-ending injury. The film reveals the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that emerge in the aftermath of an athlete’s worst fear coming true.
Director: Carlos P. Beltran
You’re Not Alone
12:45 PM
Synopsis:
A creative writing professor suffering from writer’s block, imposter syndrome, and the loss of his long-term girlfriend makes several calls to an unconventional suicide hotline, hoping to compose the perfect suicide letter before checking out.
Directors: Chris “Booba” Young, Tom C. Hunley
THE TAKEN
1:08 PM
Synopsis:
In “The Taken” when a family outing turns into a nightmare as his loved ones are abducted before his eyes, Adrian, a devoted husband and father, embarks on a relentless mission to rescue them. Fueled by desperation and determination, Adrian channels the courage of action movie heroes as he battles through a series of intense fight scenes inspired by iconic action films of the past. From gritty hand-to-hand combat to adrenaline-pumping car chases, Adrian’s unwavering resolve is put to the ultimate test. Will Adrian’s determination be enough to overcome the odds and reunite with his loved ones, or will he be forced to confront the harsh realities of his mission? “The Taken” is a pulse-pounding short film that explores the lengths a father will go to protect his family in the face of adversity.
Director: Myla Tissandier
Beyond The Shoreline: Channel of Bones
1:27 PM
Synopsis:
Rising from the depths of addiction; ultra swimmer Steve Leitch embarks on an extra human journey to some of the most dangerous and beautiful locations in the world. Steve is on a mission to help others by completing the Oceans 7 Swim Challenge. Learn how an ordinary, flawed man overcomes challenges and uses his gifts to serve others.
Director: Herschel Zahnd
The History of Nursing Around the World
2:56 PM
Synopsis:
Origins of nursing in Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and the Americas from prehistoric times, through the Middle Ages, Renaissance, modernity up to present time. Discusses how role of nursing expanded from being a midwife or physician’s assistant into a full-fledged credentialed profession as superstition was replaced with scientific medicine. Discusses the role of nurses in major wars. Details contributions of major nursing figures such as Rufaidah bint Sa’ad, Florence Nightingale, Sister Dora, Mary Eliza Mahoney, Virginia Henderson, Dorthea Dix, Clara Barton, Mother Teresa and Margaret Sanger. And, how the recent Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in global nursing practice. Outline:
I. Traditional Medicine
II. Age of Reason
III. Wartime Nursing
IV. Modern Healthcare
V. Worldwide Pandemics
Director: Banning K. Lary
The One That Got Away
3:25 PM
Synopsis:
After a brutal string of murders comes to a halt with the death of the killer, Helen discovers she was going to be the next victim. The psychological aftershock of this revelation is made worse by the publicly-leaked evidence of the killer’s plans for her.
But did the cops catch the right guy?
Director: Alvin Sloan
Un Homme and a Lady
4:21 PM
Synopsis:
Un Homme and a Lady is a comedic homage to love in the French New Wave.
Director: Mitch Yapko
Group
4:31 PM
Synopsis:
At a group meeting for recovering drug addicts, not everyone is revealing the full truth.
Director: William A. Rush
The Darkside of Society
6:31 PM
Synopsis:
In 1989, Brian Yuzna’s SOCIETY was barred from a US release but resonated with audiences commercially and critically throughout Europe, particularly in the U.K. The film instantly became a cult-classic and its audacity has lived on through the years.
It has been analyzed and discussed all over social media with numerous video shows breaking down the structure, tone and satire and comparing it to other works on class warfare in society. Packing stomach-churning gore and thought-provoking social commentary in equal measure, Society was a biting horror satire culminating in one of the most gag-inducing “climaxes”’ in all of horror history. It has been considered a bona fide cult classic that continues to be watched, relished and enjoyed year after year to the delight of many.
However, little to nothing is known about the film’s origins and the original screenplay. And that is until screenwriter Zeph E. Daniel, formerly known as Woody Keith, stepped out of his closet-of-dark-secrets and told the incredible story behind this morbid, subversive oddity of a film. And the underlying truth that it was based on certain real-life events as horrific and outrageous as the actual story. In this case truth and fiction unite.
Director: Larry Wade Carrell
Saturday Screening Schedule
Saturday Screenings begin at 10:00 AM
Fisherman’s Song 10:00 AM
Synopsis:
A story of unrequited love and a fisherman who chooses solitude as his solace.
Director: Frank Joseph
A Theatre Near You
10:04 AM
Synopsis:
“A Theatre Near You” profiles a fun-loving Montana family that’s owned and operated an independent movie theater chain for 50 years.
85 year-old Howard Pickerill and his wife, Ayron have owned and operated Polson Theatres, Inc. for 52 years. Howard started his career working as an usher at a Polson, Montana movie theater some 70 years ago, and his daughter Becky and her husband Gary took over the day-to-day operations in 2013.
Like Howard Pickerill says, “It is a business of faith. You have to have the faith. Otherwise, it just don’t work. That’s all there is to it.”
The one-hour documentary film “A Theatre Near You” celebrates the independent movie theater exhibition side of the film business.
Director: David W. King
Rising Wings
11:03 AM
Synopsis:
“Rising Wings” is more than just a documentary about hunting; it’s a journey through America’s rich history, focusing on our evolving relationship with waterfowl. Beginning in the 1860s, when families relied on these birds for sustenance, to the rise of sport hunting clubs and the poignant decline of waterfowl populations due to overhunting, we unveil the intricate dance between man and nature. Through the tales of a nostalgic retired General, the insights of a prominent decoy collector, and the stunning visuals of both intricate decoys and the mesmerizing waterfowl they mimic, we spotlight a unique American Folk Art and delve into the pressing environmental challenges of today. This film serves as a powerful reminder that by preserving the habitats of these majestic birds, we not only uphold our cultural legacy but also ensure the health of our planet for future generations.
Director: Harun Kazaz
Ariel
1:57 PM
Synopsis:
In the world of the Ottoman Sultans, a poor child from Jerusalem makes an unimaginable desert journey to Cairo and back to save his mother and siblings from a rapacious aristocrat.
He has nine days…
Director: C.A. MacFinn
Carrots for Conrad
12:19 PM
Synopsis:
After a curse is placed upon Conrad, he suspects he might be turning into a carrot. He has to race against time and find the person responsible for the curse before it’s too late.
Director: Jared Kunish
Fungus Jar
12:32 PM
Synopsis:
Two sisters come home for the holidays. Awkward conversation turns to headlocks and heimlichs!
Director: Evan Sims
iSwap
12:46 PM
Synopsis:
A consumer body swapping device is used as a party favor. But sometimes a harmless prank can go too far.
Director: Shane Devon
The Demon Box
1:03 PM
Synopsis:
When his father passes under mysterious circumstances with only the delivery of a strange box left as a clue, David finds out quickly that the box was more than it seems and contains deadly secrets.
Director: Deaton Gabbard
The Fort
1:19 PM
Synopsis:
Erin and Tim head out to their Fort, an old reclaimed RV, before the end of summer break. They arrive to discover someone has replaced the old rotted entry door with a pristine new one.
Strangely, nothing else has changed. The windows are still busted out. The interior still sits under decades of dust and grime. But this smooth white door is an unnatural shining beacon in the otherwise overgrown woodlands.
They cautiously make their way inside the Fort to investigate, but when Erin cuts herself on a piece of glass, they head home to clean her wound.
The next day they arrive to find a new tiled floor has replaced their old knotted wooden floor.
Who is remodeling their Fort after all this time? Is it still okay for them to be there?
Uncovering answers might cost them more than they’re willing to sacrifice.
Director: Victoria McDevitt
Enter the Room
1:38 PM
Synopsis:
A young adult (Brian) is visited by his brother, Jeremy, who needs a place to stay as he settles into his new city. The two polar opposite personalities begin to clash as Jeremy’s presence poses a threat to Brian’s way of life. Brian’s uptight personality and unreasonable living standards rub off on Jeremy, creating an incredible amount of tension. Bad blood, stemming from a traumatic past event reveals the shocking truth of the brothers’ current situations, as Brian struggles to differentiate between reality and his worst nightmares.
Director: Harry Waldman
Mourn
2:00 PM
Synopsis:
From the minds of front man Jayson William Allen and Director Herschel Zahnd comes the tragic tale of Mourn. An elder man remembers his past life and lost love in this epic rock anthem from Poetry Of The Dead
Director: Herschel Zahnd
What Ever Happened
to Jonny Faith
2:06 PM
Synopsis:
A famous country singer, who disappeared at the height of his career 30 years ago, tries to make things right with his son before it is too late.
Director: Benjamin Pollack
Pollo Loco
2:31 PM
Synopsis:
When a young, power-hungry drug dealer discovers the love of his life has been unfaithful with a member of his crew, he and his right-hand man seek revenge.
Director: Derek Bauder
Old Friends
2:56 PM
Synopsis:
Two friends reconnect after a long time apart. What seems like a typical evening of catching up turns into something neither of them expected, and their lives will soon never be the same.
Director: Kenric Durst
Piece for Piece
3:13 PM
Synopsis:
The unfolding of the complicated relationship between Jaden and his mother told through various chapters of his musical journey.
Director: Ian Wang
Broken Innocence
3:25 PM
Synopsis:
When a young girl suffers years of horrendous sexual abuse from her monster of a father, she finally breaks spawning a cold, hateful and manipulative teenager, that will stop at nothing, to get her own way – including murder.
Director: Chase Dudley
Sunday Screening Schedule
Sunday Screenings begin at 10:00 AM
His Name Is Ray
10:00 AM
Synopsis:
(June 2024 update) The main character Ray has passed away from a drug overdose. After discussions with his family, we have added a memoriam at the end of the film.
HIS NAME IS RAY puts a face on the growing homelessness and opioid crises.
After special presentations at TIFF and HOT DOCS, the documentary is now looking for Regional and European Premieres as well as distribution.
Ray once had everything. A job that he loved with the Coast Guard. The father to a family. But his addiction took it all away. Now, the former sailor lives on the streets of Toronto with an entire population that seems to have just fallen through the cracks.
With a remarkably compassionate and intimate lens, the audience follows Ray on his precarious journey to get off the streets and back on the water, where—in the ultimate achievement of the oblivion he craves—he could just sail away from it all.
Director: Michael Del Monte
Illuminagents: The Musical Episode
11:23 AM
Synopsis:
Illuminagents is a web series that deconstructs conspiracy theories and examines people’s belief systems. In the season finale, two secret agents orchestrate a plan to find a defecting operative
Director: Herman Wang
Smile Library
11:28 AM
Synopsis:
A six-episode series that celebrates the power of smiles and the noble profession of dentists. Presented by Fábio Bibancos, the ‘Bibliotheca do Sorrir’ is a celebration of smiles.
This production, brilliantly directed by Bernardo Bibancos and with photography direction by Lara Dias, is a celebration of smiles. She leads us to reflect on the importance of a smile, which ranges from masterpieces like Mona Lisa’s to moments as simple as a child’s first smile. The series uses Newton Moreno’s poetry and dramaturgy to show that the right to smile should belong to everyone, not a privileged few.
What many see as something simple, for others it is a serious problem. Missing teeth, untreated dental problems, and pain drastically affect the lives of people who do not have access to adequate dental care. From food to employment, every aspect of life is influenced by oral health.
Director: Bernardo Bibancos
Inspiration the Hour of Diluculum
11:33 AM
Synopsis:
Ginevra (Chiara Genna) and Filippo (Samuele Mancini), two people with their own lives. Two lives tormented by their own lives.
Thus begins the film, interpreting the essence of the characters’ lives.
Ginevra, following her dismissal from the hairdressing shop where she worked, set in motion a long path of dissatisfaction, disappointment and frustration, a driving force that immobilizes her motivational energies.
Filippo, a boy, mistreated by society only to have as his fault, being closed, solitary, asocial.
Filippo, on the other hand, is full of emotions that he is unable to express to others because he is blocked by the premature death of his two parents.
Philip, like Ginevra, also seeks understanding and explanations. But who can decipher their state of mind if not themselves?
So the two of them, at the same time, begin the search for reality, their reality, but this paradoxically happens through a contradictory logic that is contrary to their expectations, that is: through their dreams.
In fact, their dreams will be the key to understanding their life.
It will be their dreams that will guide them towards the resolution of their abandonment.
Director: Alberto Rizzo
The Imposters
1:11 PM
Synopsis:
Maya has just split from her long-term girlfriend and meets the enigmatic Hattie. Together they travel to Hattie’s house, and Maya is impressed with Hattie’s success and attitude towards life. They fall for each other, but soon, things begin to unravel as Maya realises that Hattie is perhaps not who she says she is, and everything is not as it seems.
Director: Nicholas Winter
Have a Good Day
2:39 PM
Synopsis:
n the bustling home of horror writer Jodi Sloan (LUCY DAVIS), she battles creative block by exploring gripping ideas, only to discard them in absurd ways. On one particularly uninspired day, Ben, (ERIC JOHNSON) her overly optimistic mailman interrupts her solitary routine delivering not only her mail but also a cup of tea, eerily tailored to her tastes. Despite Jodi’s discomfort, she engages in awkward yet polite conversation, mirroring the contrived nature of her writing.
As night falls, a sinister masked figure lurks outside. Though initially dismissing it, she finds herself haunted by its presence in her dreams, awakening to genuine fear. Determined to harness her terror, Jodi channels her emotions into her writing, only to be confronted by a voice questioning her authenticity. Ignoring the criticism, she faces the masked figure, only to realize its horrifying reality. In a deadly struggle, Jodi and the intruder collide, leaving both bleeding on the floor.
As dawn breaks, Jodi lies lifeless lays on the floor. In a chilling twist, Ben, now clad in her clothes, fervently types away at her computer, shedding the superficial persona he once wore. Removing an eye patch to reveal an unblemished eye, he acknowledges his transformation, leaving behind the facade of Jodi’s fame. With a nod to a magazine featuring her as a famous model, Ben embraces his newfound freedom, reclaiming his identity and natural writing skills.
Director: Lisa Soper
Emily’s Mountain
3:07 PM
Synopsis:
Emily celebrates her 6th birthday on a magical trip with her family and is slowly exposed to the horrifying reality that her parents are trying to conceal from her using modern technology and entertainment systems.
Director: Tal Somech
Maison
3:29 PM
Synopsis:
An African man seeks directions to the airport at a rural gas station.
Director: Christopher Easterly
Once Love
3:38 PM
Synopsis:
After a 30-year separation, a pair of once teenage lovers meet to rekindle their lost romance. Amy, a waitress in the restaurant where the couple meet, witnesses this rekindling of love and realizes true love is possible.
Director: Mike Stinnett
Darkness Hunting (Showcase)
3:50 PM
Synopsis:
In search of monumental fame, a small group of would-be ghosthunters investigate a notoriously haunted location, only to unleash a terrifying darkness that they will remember forever – if they survive.
Director: Adam Sergent