TIFF50: TMU alumni directors to watch at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

This September, the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (external link, opens in new window)  (TIFF), presented by Rogers, will shine a spotlight on the incredible work of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) alumni of The Creative School. 

Whether revisiting iconic pop culture moments, celebrating groundbreaking music, exploring human complexity, world politics or tragedy, or experimenting with form, each film reflects the distinctive voice and bold artistry TMU nurtures in its filmmakers. Here’s a look at the alumni-directed films making waves at #TIFF50.

Degrassi — Whatever it Takes (external link, opens in new window) 

Lisa Rideout (external link, opens in new window) , Documentary Media (MA) ’13

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes charts the rise of the iconic Canadian teen drama through its creators, fans and stars — including Aubrey Drake Graham. Blending nostalgia and honesty, Lisa Rideout’s documentary celebrates the show’s fearless storytelling while revealing the behind-the-scenes challenges that shaped a cultural phenomenon.

Director’s Message: “It’s a dream to have a film at TIFF’s 50th anniversary. I’m honoured to have been able to tell the story of Canada’s iconic franchise and thrilled we will premier in Degrassi’s hometown of Toronto.”

This film was edited by award-winning Picture Editor Peter Denes (external link, opens in new window) , Film Studies ’03.

Lilith Fair — Building a Mystery (external link, opens in new window) 

Ally Pankiw (external link, opens in new window) , Journalism ’11

Lilith Fair celebrates Sarah McLachlan’s groundbreaking all-women music festival through performances, backstage moments and interviews with stars like Bonnie Raitt, Erykah Badu and Olivia Rodrigo. Ally Pankiw’s documentary captures the festival’s fight against industry bias and its enduring legacy as a cultural and musical revolution.

Modern Whore (external link, opens in new window) 

Nicole Bazuin (external link, opens in new window) , Image Arts ’10

Modern Whore is a bold, stylish and unflinching look at sex work through the experiences of Andrea Werhun. Directed by Nicole Bazuin, the film dismantles toxic myths, embraces candid storytelling and amplifies diverse voices to reveal the complexity, challenges and humanity of a profession that’s too often misunderstood.

Director’s Message: Modern Whore is born from my longtime friendship and creative kinship with author/performer Andrea Werhun. Together, we created Modern Whore: A Memoir, a collection of Andrea’s personal stories and my photographs, which we published in association with IMPULSE[b] in 2018, followed by an expanded edition, published by Penguin Random House Canada in 2022. Having also previously directed two award-winning short films featuring Andrea, the feature-length Modern Whore brings our cinematic work to the next level. 

Ramón Who Speaks to Ghosts (external link, opens in new window) 

Shervin Kermani (external link, opens in new window) , Image Arts ’09

For Ramón, a sensitive sound recordist and subject of Shervin Kermani’s delightful mockumentary, making sure that the ghosts of La Palma island are given a voice is a life’s purpose.

Director’s Message: “This film was made during a 10-day film accelerator under the direct mentorship of Werner Herzog and Peter Zeitlinger on the island of La Palma. While there, I was struck by the devastation of the Cumbre Vieja eruption and the many haunting, scorched landscapes of the island. I knew I didn’t want to approach the catastrophe head-on like a journalist, but to find a back door to the disaster. This image of a man with his microphone looking for ghosts felt like a metaphor that could unlock the larger themes of the tragedy and the everyday beauty that was lost. It’s an honour to have the world premiere at TIFF and to finally share the film with audiences.”

Bots (external link, opens in new window) 

Rich Williamson (external link, opens in new window) , Image Arts ’08 

A unit of dedicated bots schemes chaos and divisiveness from their office desks in Rich Williamson’s wickedly humorous and sharp satirical take on the absurd amount of power relinquished to the unhinged forces steering world politics.

Director’s Message: Bots is a satire that takes place in an office where they develop misinformation campaigns intent on sowing discord and division in the West. 

The film really emerged from the question: “Why at every holiday dinner does my uncle keep talking about QAnon?" It’s a common phenomenon. In fact, everyone on our crew had at least one family member that has, over the past 5–10 years gone down a disinformation rabbit hole. I wanted to create a visual metaphor for the forces that subtly work to nudge us into these detrimental pockets of thought. 

My hope is that audiences laugh of course, because it’s absurd, but the aim is that it gets people thinking deeply about their online interactions. I often say that I made this for my mom, because I wanted to her to consider that not all online discourse is in good faith. Sometimes that strange comment carries an agenda. What I find most pernicious is that the issues we’re most passionate and concerned about are often weaponized to inflame culture wars with the hope of distracting and disorienting.

It really means a lot to be part of TIFF’s 50th. I was first at TIFF as a cinematographer on Kazik Radwanski’s (my old classmate) TOWER in 2012. Then in 2021, Scarborough played at half-capacity just as we were coming out of lockdown. It was one of the highlights of mine and Shasha’s professional life. TIFF continues to be an incredible platform and meeting space for Canadian artists, and we’re always honoured and grateful to have their support. 

Additional alumni who worked on this film include: Shasha Nakhai (producer, Journalism ’09),  Stephanie de Bem (associate producer, Image Arts — Film ’19),  Jordan Kennington (director of photography, Image Arts — Film ’15), Krystin Hunter (dialogue editor, Radio and Television Arts ’09)

While the Green Grass Grows: A Diary in Seven Parts (external link, opens in new window) 

Peter Mettler (external link, opens in new window) , Former student in Image Arts

While the Green Grass Grows is Peter Mettler’s seven-hour, globe-spanning film diary, blending personal loss, chance encounters and cinematic experimentation. Filmed over three transformative years, it journeys from Canada to Cuba, exploring memory, artistry and presence with an openness that transforms everyday moments into profound meditations on life.

Director’s Message: “Now, more than ever, everything we do contributes to the character of the future. The cycles are what we are and there is always cause to celebrate the miracle. Always room for being in a state of AWE. And now we have our memories bolstered by technology taking in this life through recordings, like the very one I will present to you.”

Year of the Dragon (external link, opens in new window) 

Giran Findlay-Liu (external link, opens in new window) , Image Arts ’23

Beautifully lensed and brimming with tenderness, the delicate handling of a mother’s love resonates deeply in Giran Findlay-Liu’s poignant character study, starring Fiona Fu as a devoted mother making family rounds on her son’s birthday.

Director’s message: “This is my third time applying to TIFF and I guess the third time is the charm. Shoutout to all the other TMU alumni that worked on this: my producer Lina Li, editor Maria Bykina, production coordinator Renee Foy, as well as Paul Aguilera, Lizzie Han, Susan Liu, Katie Murday.”

Jacked (external link, opens in new window) 

John Fucile (external link, opens in new window) , Image Arts ’95

In the summer of 1987, after a perfect day at the lake, two small-town teenagers are stuck with a broken-down car and in a fight for their lives when they cross paths with a violent stalker.

A neo-noir suspense film, Jacked is based on actual events.