The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has long been a stage for cinematic innovation, creativity and cultural conversation. This year, it also serves as a spotlight for the exceptional talent fostered within the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) at York University.
AMPD alumni, faculty and students have made their mark on the festival for a number of years, and the 49th edition of this prestigious film celebration is no exception. The AMPD community is creating films that push boundaries, challenge norms and captivate audiences on a global scale.
Meet the alumni and students from AMPD represented at TIFF in 2024.
Sofia Bohdanowicz (MFA ’19)
Film: Measures for a Funeral
Role: director
Bohdanowicz is a filmmaker celebrated for her reflective and poetic approach to cinema. After graduating in 2019 from AMPD’s film production program with a master of fine arts (MFA), she continued to gain recognition on the international stage. Her latest film, Measures for a Funeral is making its debut at TIFF.
“Developing Measures for a Funeral in John Greyson‘s production course at York was a pivotal moment in my creative journey,” says Bohdanowicz. “The insightful guidance from both John and my supervisor, Brenda Longfellow, not only shaped the film but also deepened my understanding of the craft. Their support was instrumental in refining my vision and bringing the project to life.”
Nicolás Pereda (BFA ’05, MFA ’07)
Film: Lázaro at Night
Role: director
Pereda, who completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies at York, presents his latest film, Lázaro at Night, at TIFF this year.
This evocative narrative centres on Lázaro, who works the night shift at a Cuban sugar mill facing imminent closure. Through Lázaro’s experiences, the film explores themes of identity, memory and the struggles of facing an uncertain future. Pereda’s most recent work continues to showcase his talent for blending personal stories with broader social and cultural reflections.
Kazik Radwanski (MFA ‘17)
Film: Matt and Mara
Role: director
Radwanski, an alum from AMPD’s film program, stands out at TIFF with his latest film, Matt and Mara. Known for his distinctive style that often focuses on intimate, character-driven narratives, Radwanski continues to impress with his eye for storytelling.
Matt and Mara explores the complex dynamics between two individuals as they navigate the nuances of their relationship, showcasing Radwanski’s talent for capturing human emotion and conflict.
Amar Wala (BFA ’08)
Film: Shook
Role: director
Wala’s first dramatic feature, Shook, is premiering at TIFF this year. After a decade of documentaries and episodic productions, Wala brings his keen eye for storytelling to this poignant film set in Scarborough, Ont. Shook follows Ashish, a writer navigating the challenges of his parents’ divorce and his father’s Parkinson’s diagnosis while finding solace in the diverse, vibrant community of the Greater Toronto Area. The film is both a love letter to Scarborough and an exploration of identity and belonging. Wala graduated from AMPD’s production program in 2008.
Alexander Farah (current MFA film student)
Short Film: One Day This Kid
Role: director
Farah, a current master’s student in the film program at AMPD, is showcasing his film One Day This Kid as part of TIFF’s prestigious Short Cuts program. The story poignantly captures the journey of a first-generation Afghan Canadian man as he navigates the complexities of forming his own identity while being ever mindful of his father’s influence.
Farah’s storytelling is marked by its careful attention to small yet pivotal moments, reflecting a deep understanding of character and cultural heritage.
Helen Lee (MFA ‘24)
Film: Tenderness
Role: director
Lee, a recent graduate from AMPD’s MFA film program, is showcasing Tenderness in TIFF’s Short Cuts program. Her film, a poignant drama, explores the intimate struggles of a 16-year-old whose personal catastrophe intersects with a larger tragedy off the coast of South Korea in 2014.
“AMPD has everything – stimulating courses and excellent professors, support for our thesis projects, a stellar cohort,” says Lee. “It’s a great place to do film.”
Chris Romeike (MFA ’13)
Film: The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsals
Role: cinematographer
Romeike is a seasoned cinematographer and filmmaker with over 25 years of experience in the film and television industry. An alumnus of AMPD’s MFA film program, Romeike has built an impressive career that spans music videos, commercials and experimental projects, eventually transitioning into documentary and hybrid work. This year, his four-part documentary series, The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, premieres at TIFF.
“In my late 30s, I decided to get my master’s in film from York University,” says Romeike. “This allowed me to explore other creative ways of telling stories and share my experiences and knowledge with others as a professor.”
His work has now taken him around the world, providing him with profound insights.
Learn more and check out the full schedule of screenings and events on the TIFF website.