Going beyond Argo in Our Man in Tehran

While they are very different cinematic projects, the principals of Our Man In Tehran, which premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, aren’t about to criticize Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning Argo.

The documentary is a factual representation of what was known as “The Canadian Caper”, a joint Canadian/CIA venture to rescue six American diplomats, who were sheltered in the home of then Canadian Ambassador to Iran Ken Taylor. The U.S. embassy in Tehran had been seized by Islamic students and militants. American diplomats, except the six that had evaded capture, were held hostage beginning November 4, 1979.   To read more click here

Exploring the world of Dick Knost with Bruce Sweeney

By GEOFF DALE

VANCOUVER – A cinematic project to help him and his friends get through the winter months has been transformed into an unexpected invite to this year’s prestigious Toronto International Film Festival for writer/director Bruce Sweeney.  .....click here for more....

TIFF 2013: Interviewing Alanis Obomsawin about Hi-Ho Mistahey!

For internationally acclaimed filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin the luxury of having plenty of time to listen to the people of Attawapiskat was a key in making her latest documentary Hi-Ho Mistahey, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival this year.“I spent a long time listening to the people and for me that is the most important thing,” she said. “I have so much feeling for this cause – getting proper education for young children. This is a major interest in my life and I wanted to share this with a much wider audience .     click here for more.”.....

Chatting with Alan Zweig

Up until now, acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Alan Zweig has studiously avoided, in his own words, “invoking my Jewish background.” Now with the world premiere of his engaging and thought-provoking documentary When Jews Were Funny set for the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, he explains how his change of heart came about and why his resistance was broken and he “went Full Jew.” To read more of my interview with Alan Zweig on the Press+1 site, click here.