Grade: Grade 12
BlackBerry

From its humble origins in Waterloo, ON, in 1996, nobody expected the massive global success that the world’s first smartphone would become. Nobody, that is, except Jim Balsillie (Howerton). Taking a chance on then-struggling startup Research in Motion (RIM), he joins BlackBerry creators Mike Lazaridis (Baruchel) and Douglas Fregin (Johnson) as co-CEO. Together, they form a massive multinational tech giant, but the power and wealth soon begin to eat away at their relationship, putting everything they built into jeopardy.
Based loosely on the true story of the extraordinary development and spectacular demise of the Blackberry, this high-stakes comedy featuring an all-star cast is a bona fide crowd pleaser and critical darling.
"An instant Canadian classic" – Barry Hertz, The Globe and Mail
Director
Matt Johnson
Writers
Matt Johnson, Matthew Miller
Cast
Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Matt Johnson, Kelly Van der Burg
Producers
Fraser Ash, Matthew Miller, Niv Fichman, Kevin Krikst
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Interests
Biography, History
Original Language
English
Without Precedent: The Supreme Life of Rosalie Abella

As a fierce advocate for human rights, Rosalie Abella casts a long shadow. This lively documentary explores her life and career trajectory, including her successes as an attorney and judge, culminating with her historic appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada, which made her both the first refugee and first Jewish person ever to sit on the country’s highest court. With Rosalie already being an icon and inspiration to many, this portrait also places a focus on Rosalie’s unique personality, style and love of life that carries through all that she does.
Featuring interviews with Margaret Atwood, Brian Mulroney, Joe Clark and, of course, Rosalie herself, this critically-acclaimed film from Barry Avrich is the perfect introduction to one of Canada’s most important figures.
Director
Barry Avrich
Prolific producer, director, and writer Avrich has made many acclaimed documentaries including The Last Mogul, Show Stopper: The Theatrical Life of Garth Drabinsky and David Foster: Off the Record, and the recent Oscar Peterson: Black + White. Avrich has also authored three books, and produced and directed several film adaptations of theatrical productions. He is currently working on 2022 doc The Talented Mr. Rosenberg.
Writer
Barry Avrich
Cast
Margaret Atwood, Rosalie Abella, Joe Clarke
Producers
Barry Avrich, Mark Selby
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Biography, Social Justice & Politics, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English
Bones of Crows

A powerful and moving exploration of the horrors and lasting impact of the Residential School System, Bones of Crows follows Aline Spears (Dove), a Cree musical prodigy forcibly removed from her family as a young girl. Following her traumatic experiences, Aline serves her country as a Cree Code Talker in World War II, and thereafter tries to carve out a life for herself, but the memories of what happened to her and her siblings never leaves her. Finding that her story is one shared by hundreds of thousands displaced Indigenous people, she sets herself on a pursuit of justice for herself and future generations.
This courageous generation-spanning epic premiered at TIFF to rave reviews, and received five nominations at the Canadian Screen Awards including Best Original Screenplay.
“[It] should be required viewing for all Canadians.” – Kim Hughes, Original Cin
Director
Marie Clements (Métis/Dene)
Clements works within a variety of mediums including film, television, radio, and live performance. Her work has screened at Cannes, TIFF, MOMA, VIFF, American Indian Film Festival and imagineNATIVE, and has garnered numerous awards. Her films include the musical documentary The Road Forward and Red Snow, her dramatic debut. She is currently directing the TV show Bones of Crows.
Writer
Marie Clements (Métis/Dene)
Cast
Gail Maurice (Cree/Métis), Phillip Lewitski (Mohawk), Grace Dove (Secwépemc), Rémy Girard, Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki)
Producers
Trish Dolman, Christine Haebler
Genre
Drama
Interests
BIPOC Stories, Discrimination, Family Relationships, Female Filmmaker, History, Indigenous Filmmaker, Social Justice & Politics, Strong Female Leads
Original Languages
Cree, English
Arctic Song

Directors
Germaine Arnattaujuq, Louise Flaherty (Inuk), Neil Christopher
Genre
Animation
Interests
BIPOC Stories, Female Filmmaker, Indigenous Filmmaker
Original Language
Inuktitut
Angel Money

Director
Ian Keteku
Genre
Animation
Interests
BIPOC Stories, Black Filmmaker
Original Language
English
Baba (Drama)

Director
Jay Kamal
Genre
Drama
Interests
BIPOC Stories, Global Experiences
Original Languages
English, Other Language
N’xaxaitkw

Director
Asia Youngman
Genres
Drama, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Interests
BIPOC Stories, Female Filmmaker, Indigenous Filmmaker, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English
Imran and Alykhan

Director
Shakil Jessa
Genre
Romance
Interests
BIPOC Stories, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
Superhero Inc.

Directors
Elizabeth Whitmere, Christine Bélanger
Genre
Animation
Interest
Discrimination
Original Language
English
Sensei

Director
Jill Roberts
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Female Filmmaker, Sports, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English