They say there are two sides to every story, but how about five? In Leading Ladies, an evening welcoming home a friend gets told from each woman’s perspective revealing not only secrets but differences in how the evening plays out. What were they drinking? Who started singing the group’s favourite song? And how are words and actions perceived by others? Perspective, or point of view, is key in all storytelling; every story has a storyteller. Most stories get only one storyteller, but if a story can be revisited from a different perspective, like in Ophelia, the story changes. One character’s antagonist can become the protagonist, lies can become truths, betrayals can become misunderstandings. 

Films that explore multiple points of view of the story can be some of the most challenging we see; they will challenge what you think you know, reveal your biases, and maybe even help you rethink real life situations that could use a fresh perspective. Other films, like Wander Darkly and The Girl on the Train, play with points of view to keep their characters, and the audience, questioning what really happened. While films like Judy & Punch let the audience in on both sides to see how characters can turn their version of events into the truth, if enough people are on their side. 

Every film uses perspectives to tell a story, whether it is a single point of view, or multiple views of the same event, like in Leading Ladies. No matter the story telling technique, there is always a unique perspective added; that of the viewer.

The screening includes a talk hosted by Tish Chambers (IFFO programmer) with guest, filmmaker Rebecca Shoptaw (Girl, Sweetvoiced).

Tish is pleased to welcome Rebecca Shoptaw to “The Female Gaze” to talk about Leading Ladies and perspectives in storytelling. As a filmmaker, Rebecca has played with perspectives by reimagining classic literature (Middlemarch: The Series) and giving new, queer, life to the poetry of Shakespeare (Sonnet 23) and Sappho (Girl, Sweetvoiced). (Girl, Sweetvoiced precedes the feature presentation.)

Centered around Leading Ladies, Tish and Rebecca will have a conversation about perspectives in storytelling, the uses of multiple points of view, and, of course, how the female gaze is also a perspective.

Leading Ladies (plus short film Girl, Sweetvoiced and talk):
Available on-demand from Thurs. Jan. 27, 7pm EST - Sat. Jan. 29, 7pm EST across Canada.
Tickets:
$12 (plus HST, CFI Member discounts apply)
Pre-order to get a reminder!

Ophelia

Directed by Claire McCarthy and written by Semi Chellas, 2018, UK/USA

A reimagining of Hamlet, told from Ophelia's perspective.

Watch in Canada on Netflix and others.

Wander Darkly

Directed and written by Tara Miele, 2020, USA

New parents Adrienne and Matteo are forced to reckon with trauma amidst their troubled relationship. They must revisit the memories of their past and unravel haunting truths in order to face their uncertain future.

Watch in Canada on Crave and others.

Judy & Punch

Directed and written by Mirrah Foulkes, 2019, Australia

In 17th century England, puppeteers Punch and Judy try to resurrect their traveling puppet show. After he “accidentally” kills Judy and their baby, Punch places the blame elsewhere. Meanwhile, not-quite-dead Judy regains her strength and is hellbent on revenge.

Watch in Canada on Cineplex or Apple TV.

The Girl on the Train

Directed by Tate Taylor and written by Erin Cressida Wilson, 2016, USA/India

A woman’s fascination becomes a fixation when a young woman’s disappearance appears to be connected to her own life. Her view of her current self and her own troubled past come into question the deeper she ingratiates herself with the people involved in the case, including her ex-husband.

Watch in Canada on Cineplex, Apple TV, and others.