RTA Media alum Angelica Stirpe’s film takes centre stage at TIFF 2023

RTA alum Angelica Stirpe attended the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September to screen her newest project, Bloom: a film that explores the relationship between nature and humans. The film focuses on the main character, Laurel, who grows a strange connection with a houseplant after being abandoned by her partner. Stirpe reflected on the process of juggling acting and producing the film, along with her time at TIFF.

Stirpe said that Bloom showcased a fundamental and influential relationship that exists on this planet, nature and humans.

“What I love about Bloom is that it showcases how direct and close this connection is. This abstract and unusual feeling about it, but it’s also rooted in truth,” said Stirpe. “I wouldn’t say it falls in the cautionary tale category but sits on its shelf where we’re reminded of how powerful the intrinsic nature of this relationship can be.” 

The inspiration for this film was born out of the director Kasey Lum’s experience during the pandemic, when he began to think deeply about the relationships he has with the environment surrounding him. 

“Observing plants and flowers and how they changed so quickly inspired the surreality within the film,” said Lum, “It pushed me to think about the complex relationships we create with the world around us, whether with people or nature and how we take these relationships for granted.” 

From RTA to the big screen

Between producing, rehearsing and acting, Stirpe said her diverse set of skills originated from the structure of the RTA program at The Creative School.

“One of the most valuable and wonderful things about RTA is that it’s structured in a way that it allows you to explore different streams and try different disciplines that fall within the creative media industry,” said Stirpe.

For students who one day hope to make it in the industry, Stirpe said that not every opportunity you want is the one you want, but it certainly gives you new perspectives.

“I once read somewhere to approach life and opportunities in ‘angles’, which I think is pretty wonderful advice […] be open to trying different jobs and stepping into different roles,” she said. “I think approaching it all with an open attitude and following what interests you is huge when first starting and realizing this may change as you learn and have more experiences.”

Bringing new perspectives to TIFF

Stirpe is no newcomer to TIFF, as she has been attending since she was in high school and even worked at the press junkets for some years after graduating from RTA. As such, having her film screened at the festival this year was a full-circle moment. For Stirpe, the most notable part of TIFF was bringing together two different film communities between Toronto and Vancouver. 

“I had some dear friends, family and creatives in Toronto that were able to meet and connect with an incredible group of creatives that came from Vancouver to celebrate the film,” said Stirpe.

But going beyond Stirpe’s film communities, she explained that TIFF provided her with insight into the International side of the festival and how inspired she is to be a part of the lineup.

“It is remarkable to be programmed in a slate of films representative of multiple places around the world,” said Stirpe.

You can check the trailer for Bloom here (external link) , and also Stirpe’s website here (external link) , or follow her on Instagram @pbandjelly (external link, opens in new window) . 

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

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