Latest posts from National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI)

Overwhelmed by the trials and tribulations of high school, Arielle finds refuge in a dangerous habit – until her best friend discovers her secret.

Creative team

Writer/director: Catharine Parke
Producers: Leah Kimura, Catharine Parke

Filmmaker’s statement

Several years ago, I was researching self-harm among teens (cutting, in particular) as a possible topic for a documentary. I met with young people who were in recovery, read countless books and articles, and spoke with experts about this secretive and often misunderstood behaviour.

I discovered that, like other addictions, self-harm can be very challenging to stop. For many teens who self-harm, stepping out from the shadows to ask for help requires an enormous amount of courage. During this research stage a fictional story began to form in my mind about two best friends in high school whose relationship is tested when one discovers the other is cutting herself.

I am indebted to the amazingly talented cast and crew who brought this film to life as well as the local businesses who pitched in to provide everything from art supplies to catering.

About Catharine Parke

Catharine works as a director and writer on documentary programs and series for a variety of broadcasters including the Discovery Channel, Smithsonian Channel and CBC television.

On the side, she creates her own award-winning short narratives and docs which have screened at film festivals around the world. Lifelines is her fourth such venture.

The post Lifelines appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).

On the eve of his departure, an unhappy young man faces the explosive fallout his decision to travel causes in his relationship.

Creative team

Writer/director: Pierce Csurgo
Producers: Lindsay Christopher, Pierce Csurgo

Filmmaker’s statement

My short film, Takeoff, marked an important turning point in my filmmaking path. It was the first time that the setup of a film was based on lived, personal experience.

The protagonist, Alexander, is a reflection of myself at an earlier stage in life. Frustrated with a career in finance, desperate for escape but terrified of expression (and confrontation), I made a similar resolve to leave my established life behind to discover the world and get closer to my inner-self. While not as explosive and condensed as the 10-minute film, the impact the decision had on my romantic relationship at the time was just as significant.

In large part, the film operated as a way for me to explore the other side of making a life-changing decision. At the time I determined to go travel, I saw it as almost wholly positive. Years later, writing the script for the short, I could see there was empathy lacking in my youthful vision that I needed to atone for.

To show that Maya also has a valid and valuable perspective was key to making the film full in scope. I hoped to balance Alexander and Maya’s positions equally so the audience couldn’t easily side with one character over the other.

While we may feel it’s necessary to take off on our own adventures to break the mold of our stagnant lives, we must also appreciate the consequences of making such great decisions on those close to us.

About Pierce Csurgo

Pierce Csurgo is a writer, director and storyteller based in Toronto and LA.

Pierce is the writer and director of three short films: As Above, So Below (2017), Takeoff (2018) and Oh, Brother (2019). He is also the co-writer and co-director of the short web series, La Chasse (2017).

Pierce is the author of the upcoming novel, The Wanderer, based in part on his experiences in Asia and the Middle East.

The post Takeoff appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).