Air Canada enRoute Film Festival

Air Canada screened their 2014 short films at the Scotiabank Theatre on Richmond Street West in Toronto during the Air Canada enRoute Film Festival on November 5, 2014. The annual film festival showcases short films, which are shown in flight and screened in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

The friendly staff handed out tickets and free popcorn to all participants before we made our way into the Scotiabank Theatre to find seats.

The short film, Nathalie, is about a monster with a twist.

Bull is a story about a boy coming home from an eating disorder clinic and his family’s reaction.

Cycle is a tale about two robots whose lives are ruled by media and devices and has a message about pre-occupation with keeping ourselves amused.

Sebastian is about a man who finally meets the man of his dreams, and is faced with him leaving.

My favourite short film was probably The Hearing, about a boy who began to lose his hearing when he was very young. He lamented all the things he missed about the sense. I could empathize with his plight since I had tubes put in my ears when I was six years old and my hearing has never been very good. The Hearing won the award for Achievement in Documentary.

Light, directed by Yassmina Karajah, tells the story of a landed immigrant trying to fulfill his mother’s wish of performing a religious pre-burial ritual on the body of his deceased son. The film was awarded Best Short Film, which included a $5,000 cash award.

We made our way to the after-party at 2^nd Floor Events, located beside Brassaii Restaurant on King Street West, and hosted by etalk’s Devon Soltendieck.

Ontario wines and beer served on Air Canada flights were the featured alcohol. We enjoyed a few tasty dumplings and pulled pork dumplings, beef with red pepper and a delicious apple tart with a blue cheese crumble on top to give a sweet and savoury taste.

Canadian indie singer Maylee Todd performed for the crowd.