The Family Style shorts presentation program, held at TIFF Lightbox on November 8th, features a diverse collection of stories showcased in six different short films. These films include a range of styles such as materials-based animation, stop-motion, documentary, and personal projects, with runtimes varying from fifteen to twenty minutes.
Hair
Dir. Sara Jade Alfaro-Dehghani | English, Farsi with English subtitles | 15 min
This unique and striking film focuses on sisters Farrah, Miriam, and Layla as they gather for their monthly chai and hair removal ritual. As the gathering unfolds, it quickly becomes a heated whirlwind of arguments rooted in unresolved issues within the suburban Iranian diaspora. The film portrays the lengths women go to for hair removal in pursuit of modesty. However, beneath the surface lies a deeper narrative about a family feud and the journey toward forgiveness among family members. The actors’ performances evoke a style reminiscent of television advertisements. Given that the director, Sara, has a background in freelance commercial directing, the film incorporates elements of advertising-style editing, which is innovative but raises questions about its necessity within the film’s context. The diverse audio and camera transitions engage the audience as the actresses share more of their backstories while waxing each other’s hair.
Raja and the Wolf Girl
Dir. Nidhi Reddy | No Dialogue | 14 min
This story follows Raja, a lonely teenage photographer who captures the entertainment of a circus freak show until he is caught and ultimately transforms into one of the “odds.” The animation is exceptional, reminiscent of Tim Burton’s films, utilizing a combination of various materials such as thread, felt, digital drawings, 3D, 2D, and stop-motion to create an engaging visual experience. Despite the challenge of having little to no dialogue, sound cues and music effectively convey the narrative and the emotions of the characters. The film showcases diverse angles and depth, delivering a simple yet profound lesson: to appreciate and celebrate both the uniqueness of others and one’s own individuality.
Children’s Day
Dir. Giselle Lin | English | 20 min
Children’s Day is a Singaporean film featuring English audio and subtitles. It tells the story of eight-year-old Xuan, who struggles to find the perfect outfit for her school’s Children’s Day celebration while navigating a turbulent home life and friendship dynamics at school. The film resonates deeply with viewers, as many can relate to uncomfortable moments with friends or family, sibling rivalries, and the complexities of dealing with an angry parent. It possesses a unique softness in terms of its aesthetic, audio, and scene composition. However, there are several moments throughout the film that raise questions about the intention behind the soft focus and the technical aspects of shooting.
There Will Come Soft Rains
Dir. Elham Ehsas | English, Urdu with English subtitles | 15 min
This short film explores the unresolved drama between two sisters who are concerned about rising sea levels and their need to move their father’s body to higher ground. Directed by Elham Ehsas, who was BAFTA-nominated in 2024 for his short film Yellow (2023) and shortlisted for the Academy Awards, There Will Come Soft Rains showcases his ability to create engaging narratives. The film utilizes time-skipping transitions and sudden noise changes, which may be part of the director’s unique style. Despite its brief 15-minute runtime, the film delivers a compelling storyline. The transition at the end, following the sisters’ reconciliation for the sake of their deceased father, reinforces the importance of family.
Pear Garden
Dir. Shahdab Shayegan | Farsi with English subtitles | 7 min
In just seven minutes, Pear Garden portrays six-year-old Lily visiting her grandmother after a mastectomy. Confused by her grandmother’s missing breast, Lily embarks on a whimsical journey. A particularly striking moment occurs during a night scene when Lily, guided by her shadow, searches for her grandmother’s shadow—one that still has breasts. This visual metaphor, represented by pears, adds an abstract dimension to the storytelling, making it engaging and thought-provoking.
Take It Easy, Joey
Dir. Mateo Jose Ignacio | English | 18 min
This short documentary follows Joey, a Filipino-Canadian fashionista and professional wrestler, as he navigates the challenges of receiving his “green light” for wrestling. In an 18-minute narrative that is both strong and engaging, the film employs well-chosen music and camera angles, with transitions that support rather than overshadow the story. The interviews add depth to the emotional landscape and highlight the importance of the wrestling community to Joey. Blending moments of comedy and drama, the film concludes with a motivational message. One of the standout scenes features Mateo interviewing Joey’s parents and coach, documenting the pivotal moment when Joey receives his approval. This journey reflects Joey’s dialogue about wrestling being a means of self-representation—not just for himself but also for the children who look up to him, connecting back to his younger self.
The Shorts Program: Family Style features a diverse selection of short films, each with its own unique story, style, and method of storytelling. This program is rated PG, making it suitable for families and offering both entertaining and educational value through its narratives and visuals. You can still enjoy the program by visiting the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival’s website, where you can find a digital short pass available until November 24th.