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Three Canadian Films for Pandemic Times

Are you going to Scarborough? Can you See For Me? Do you care about All My Puny Sorrows?

Who knows? These are theatres-only films coming out this year – release dates may be delayed, theatres may have to close or go to reduced capacity, and you may just not want to take any risks with your health. If you do decide to go out to the movies, it’s more important than ever to check out reviews and recommendations to make sure the film is worth it – for you. Of course you can find recommendations online these days covering almost anything you can buy or use (like this site for online casinos).

So why am I adding to the ton of online opinions about films? I’m looking at these films while keeping in mind that we’re all going into year three of a pandemic. Are these three anything that you want to watch this year? Scarborough follows a trio of kids through their school year in an immigrant neighbourhood outside Toronto. They’re played by non-actors, giving the film a documentary feel. Scarborough won the Changemaker Award at TIFF 2021 for its strong social message, but it was also first runner-up for the People’s Choice Award, so it’s not all message and no entertainment. Still, daily life is a struggle for these kids and their families. You may not want to watch anyone having a hard time; then again you may be uplifted by the understated hope of this film.

See For Me, a Canadian thriller directed by Randall Okita, focuses on a different kind of struggle. Sophie, a young woman with a visual impairment and an independent spirit, reluctantly agrees to check out an app that will connect her with a sighted person whenever she needs help from one. She’s willing enough to use it when she’s accidentally locked out of the place she’s house-sitting. She’s really glad she has it when someone breaks in. You may see this story as a reminder of the horrific things that can happen when you’re alone in the house, as many of us often are these days. Or you can take away the message that even a remote connection can be a lifesaver.

All My Puny Sorrows was named Outstanding Canadian Feature at Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival. This story of two sisters, one of whom just wants to die, may seem too grim for our times. We may feel like the other sister, trying to bring back the will to live in someone else. How much can one person do, after all?

If any of these films seem like something you’d like to see – well, I hope you’re able to do that.

 

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