Wednesday, November 6, 2024​

Location: SilverCity
Showtimes: 6:30 & 8:30 pm

Director: Greg Kwedar
Cast: Colman Domingo
Running Time: 105 m  
Language: English

Based on the real-life arts rehabilitation programme founded at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Greg Kwedar’s new film follows a troupe of incarcerated actors who work on a play as part of a theatre workshop at the prison.

Every six months, the men gather in a circle of chairs, often looking to Divine G (Colman Domingo) to help decide their next play. When he recruits a new member called Divine Eye, he gets more than he bargained for. The group’s dynamic begins to shift as Divine Eye suggests they do a comedy for the first time, prompting the men to throw out a jumble of wild ideas — from pirate ships to Roman gladiators to Old West gunfights. 

Flustered at first, Divine G quickly starts to see Divine Eye’s discomfort with the vulnerability required for what seems like a silly pursuit. While planning for his own clemency hearing, he tries to forge a connection with Eye, as the men collectively unpack the pain of their experience while undergoing the joy and escape of creativity.

Domingo gives one of the most memorable and affecting performances of his career, bolstered by a cast made up almost entirely of formerly incarcerated actors and alumni of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts programme. Their participation brings an authenticity to the group’s founding principle that human dignity must be a part of the justice system. 

Directed with a dynamism that matches the charm, mischief, and compassion of the men themselves, “Sing Sing” recognizes the value of a place we can gather in which to discuss, debate, and create, wherever that may be. It’s an ode to art as a process, much the same as life, through which we can strive to better understand ourselves and each other.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024​

Location: SilverCity
Showtimes: 6:30 & 8:30 pm

Director: Pablo Berger
Running Time: 101 m  
Language: 

This animated, dialogue-free story about the miracle of true friendship between a dog and a robot was nominated for Best Animated Feature at this year’s Oscars.

Prepare to enjoy one of the best animated films of the year, as Spanish director Pablo Berger — last at TIFF with “Blancanieves (2012), his surprising black-and-white take on “Snow White” — returns with an enthralling, dialogue-free story about the miracle of true friendship and what the end of a platonic relationship feels like.

The hand-drawn film, based on the 2007 graphic novel by Sara Varon, is set in New York City in the 1980s. Paradoxically, the city’s relentless flow of activity can make for rather lonely lives, such as the one the quiet, composed Dog leads. But when Dog orders Robot from a TV sales channel and assembles him, he brings to life a kind, strong, and flexible buddy with a great smile and incredibly expressive eyes. 

Their instant, honest bond allows them to enjoy an unforgettable summer together to the beat of Earth, Wind & Fire’s funky “September”, only to be involuntarily separated at the beach after a day of underwater antics.

Unable to figure out a way to take Robot home with him, Dog leaves his dear friend behind. The seasons pass and, after countless failed efforts to reconnect, Dog tries to find new friends and has some success, while Robot has no choice but to dream of more ideal situations. They move on with their lives out of necessity.

Suitable for every family member, the beauty of this jewel of a film is its reminder of the good fortune of having a caring pal, even if it’s only for a brief time.