Mitchell “Menace” Dubois, a Métis slacker with a heart of gold, attempts to achieve his dreams of becoming a big time rapper in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with some help from his cuzzin & ragtag group of friends, lovers, and enemies. Join us on April 26 for a post-screening Q&A with filmmakers Gavin Baird, Jacob Farrell, Kayla Peters and Ryley Konechny, moderated by Oliver King!

After living for nearly two decades in the U.S. and raising a family there, Ada Karmi-Melamede moved back to Israel in the early 1980s, where she became a very accomplished and prolific architect. From Jerusalem’s Supreme Court building to the Open University of Israel to Ben Gurion Airport, and beyond, Karmi-Melamede’s work has defined many corners of her home country. In this heartfelt and elegantly made documentary, her daughter Yael Melamede, a filmmaker and former architect herself, widens the scope on this pioneering figure, inquiring into the sometimes difficult choices instrumental in forming her family life and professional career. Sculpting with a cinematically architectural aesthetic all her own, Melamede had constructed a film that’s as much about how the public spaces around all of us are imbued with the personal as it is an intimate family portrait that only she could have told.

The uniqueness of the architecture of the Brazilian northeastern hinterland is at the heart of the work of photographer Anna Mariani (1935-2022). "Anna Mariani - Photographic Notes" retraces the dirt roads the artist followed between the 70s and the 90s, when she published her most famous works and helped an entire country rediscover the richness of the facades of popular houses as a phenomenon of visual perception and cultural identity. A discreet woman, Anna Mariani didn't like the title of photographer, but she created a series of iconic photographs: Pinturas e platibandas (Paintings and Parapet), a body of work that enchanted museums and galleries in various countries, as well as the audience of the 19th São Paulo Biennial. The presence of her work in this important exhibition highlights the artistic nature of her work.

ArchiShorts is a film contest celebrating the narrative potential of places, real and imagined. The contest is free and open to anyone interested in architecture and the built environment, and seeks to create opportunities for emerging filmmakers while building interest in the world around us. Winners of the annual 2-minute film contest will have films screened and a chance to speak about their films, and how they made them. Hosted by Kaj Hasselriis.

Arthur Erickson: Beauty Between the Lines offers an in-depth exploration of the extraordinary life of one of the 20th century's most iconic and influential modernist architects. The documentary weaves personal anecdotes and professional milestones to uncover the untold stories of Erickson’s journey, from his celebrated public achievements to his private struggles. Known for his visionary designs and ground-breaking architectural philosophy, Erickson’s work profoundly shaped the modern landscape, but behind the accolades lay a complex individual grappling with triumphs and tragedies. Through intimate interviews, archival footage, and a look at his most famous creations, the film reveals the delicate balance Erickson maintained between his creative genius and the challenges of his personal life, offering a deeper understanding of the man and the legacy he left behind. This documentary is not just a celebration of his architectural contributions but a reflection on the human experience of creativity, ambition, and the price of greatness.

While a major renovation forced Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen to shut its doors to the public in 2019, an entirely new building was about to open just metres down the road: the Depot – a shared dream of architect Winy Maas and Boijmans director Sjarel Ex. This documentary tells the story of the establishment of the world’s first museum depot that is entirely open to visitors, while using archival footage from Bouw Museum Boymans to draw apt parallels with the construction of the current museum building in the 1930s. Maas and Ex show the stripped-down museum and the brand-new depot with a pleasure that is contagious, sharing their passionate views on past and present. The film discloses the museum’s secrets in passing and divulges details that are normally kept out of view. Both buildings open up, revealing a treasure trove of artistic works. The result is a loving symphony for art and architecture.

Renowned Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato is a key figure in the ethical manufacturing movement. As the second Japanese designer ever invited to Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, Nakazato is dedicated to merging his unique artistic vision with sustainable, green technology. Dust to Dust chronicles Nakazato's journey towards socially responsible fashion, from the landfills of Kenya to the Paris runway. Through his ethereal designs, Yuima Nakazato offers a radical reimagining of the fashion industry, emphasizing a future where creativity and care for the world go hand in hand.

A cinematic journey into the mind of Eileen Gray. The Irish designer builds a refuge on the Côte d'Azur in 1929. Her first house is a discrete, avant-garde masterpiece. She names it E.1027, a cryptic marriage of her initials and those of Jean Badovici, with whom she built it. Le Corbusier, upon discovering the house, becomes intrigued, obsessed. He covers the walls with murals and publishes photos of them. Gray describes these paintings as vandalism and demands restitution. He ignores her wishes and instead builds his famous Cabanon directly behind E.1027, which dominates the narrative of the site to this day. A story about the power of female expression, and men’s desire to control it.

A documentary exploring the green architecture revolution through the seminal projects of Emilio Ambasz, a pioneer in the debate on climate impact. This film illustrates how, for forty years, Ambasz has redefined the relationship between humans and their environment, foreseeing a vision of nature as the fulcrum of a historic change. Featuring exclusive interviews with figures such as Tadao Ando and Kengo Kuma, the documentary highlights the importance of emotionally resonant architecture, capable of improving daily life and addressing urban and climate challenges.

Kensington Market: Heart of the City tells the story of the generations of immigrants, artists, families, and merchants who have called it home for over 160 years. Amidst a rising metropolis, Kensington remains a vibrant, eclectic hub, preserving its free-spirited charm. But change is accelerating. Now, gentrification and rising prices threaten its future, driven by developers and speculators. Will the heart of the Market endure?

Maurice and I is a film about creative partnership, about legacy, loss and the tough decisions communities face after natural disasters. The film centres on the transformative architectural partnership of Sir Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney, whose bold, brutalist designs reshaped Christchurch, New Zealand in the 1960s and 70s, enriching the city’s cultural and social landscape. Their most iconic work, the Christchurch Town Hall, faced demolition after the devastating 2011 earthquake - which killed 185 people and caused widespread destruction. In their late 80s, Sir Miles and Maurice are reunited in their fight to save this world-renowned concert hall from demolition. Through rare archival footage and exclusive interviews, including their final conversation together, the film reflects on their remarkable legacy, the community impact of their bold architectural vision, and the enduring importance of architecture in shaping and enriching our lives. North American Premiere.

Between the 1930s and 1970s, American Modernism established an exciting and provocative footing in New England. By the 1940s the work of American master Frank Lloyd Wright and European newcomers such as Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius influenced generations of young architects and inspired a surprisingly large catalog of important buildings throughout the region. Architects Marcel Breuer, Landis Gores, John Johansen, Philip Johnson, Eliot Noyes and many others led the charge. Dive deeply into this rich pool of talent whose buildings still hold international influence, despite the constant threat of redevelopment. These works tell the story of New England Modernism, a story rich with beauty, imagination, creativity and industriousness.

Narrated by Meryl Streep, with iconic actor Udo Kier giving voice to Schindler’s own words, this revelatory film brings the world of R.M. Schindler to life, a visionary who forever transformed the architectural landscape of the United States. A pioneering genius, Schindler’s inventive spirit and groundbreaking designs spanned 30 years, shaping modern architecture with his unique approach. This captivating film delves into the life and work of this extraordinary Jewish architect, tracing his journey from the influence of turn-of-the-century Vienna to his collaboration with the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. Featuring intimate interviews with some of the world’s most renowned architects—including Frank Gehry, Thom Mayne, and Steven Holl—the documentary offers a rare glimpse into Schindler’s profound impact. It also explores his complex relationships with Wright and rival Richard Neutra, revealing the struggles of a creative genius navigating artistic fidelity and innovation. Schindler Space Architect offers a rich exploration of how architecture shapes culture, society, and the human experience, reaffirming Schindler’s legacy as a trailblazer whose work continues to inspire generations. A film for art lovers and anyone fascinated by the lasting power of visionary design.

In a career spanning more than fifty years, Laurie Olin has built a reputation as one of the most visionary landscape architects in the world. In Sitting Still, Olin gives his life lessons. With his typical humanistic approach, he addresses his concerns about nature and how we interact with other people. He talks about his dreams, memories, thoughts, and the ideas behind his books such as the influential Be Seated, in which he wrote about the importance of public seating and public spaces. We also hear from, among others, Frank Gehry, Billie Tsien and renowned landscape architect Walter Hood. Olin himself, full of wisdom, understanding and humor, emphasizes the importance of the traces we leave behind in our lives. An antidote for a cynical age.

David Kolski oversees the construction of the tallest tower ever built in France. Promoters’ constant pressure, crushing delivery delays, overworked employees... David lives in a hurry. One night, while returning home for dinner, he meets a woman of astonishing beauty who captivates him. He is mesmerized. This woman is Victoria. Ambitious and intelligent, beautiful and independent, head of people at a multinational company, she runs her life as the ones of her employees, with an iron hand. Immediately, David also finds himself trapped in this fascinating system...

Charles Burnett’s films focus on everyday life in Black communities in a manner rarely seen in American cinema — combining lyrical elements with a starkly neorealist, documentary-style approach that chronicles the unfolding story with depth and riveting simplicity. Killer of Sheep examines life in the Black Los Angeles ghetto of Watts in the mid-1970s through the eyes of Stan, a sensitive dreamer who is growing detached and numb from the psychic toll of working at a slaughterhouse. Frustrated by money problems, he finds respite in moments of simple beauty: the warmth of a teacup against his cheek, slow dancing with his wife, holding his daughter. The film offers no solutions; it merely presents life — sometimes hauntingly bleak, sometimes filled with transcendent joy and gentle humor. Burnett once said of the film, “[Stan’s] real problems lie within the family, trying to make that work and be a human being. You don’t necessarily win battles; you survive.”

The ultimate disaster film parody. A nuclear-powered bus is making its maiden non-stop trip from New York to Denver. The journey is plagued by disasters due to the machinations of a mysterious group allied with the oil lobby. Will the down-on-his-luck driver, with a reputation for eating his passengers, be able to complete the journey? Join us for McDonald at The Movies, where comedian, star and co-founder of Kids in the Hall, comic Kevin McDonald will present a film handpicked from the archives of comic history. Generously sponsored by IATSE 856 Manitoba.

French-American artist Niki de Saint-Phalle, from the age of 23, is a model and an aspiring actor who is married and has a two year old daughter. Together, they flee the U.S. during the oppressive McCarthy era and come to France, where they experience a short-lived euphoria. Soon, distant and frightening memories begin to emerge in Niki’s mind. Her vocation as an artist will be her salvation.

A man takes his wife and their teenage children on a road trip down memory lane while facing divorce.

There's something going on behind the white picket fences of Lumberton, North Carolina. And after stumbling upon a severed human ear in a field, mystery-loving college student Jeffrey Beaumont is determined to find out what. Teaming up with the daughter of a local police detective, Jeffrey's investigation leads him into a strange world of sensuality and violence, with the intrigue of the missing ear seemingly stemming from the relationship between a troubled nightclub singer and a sociopathic sadomasochist.

David Lynch: The Art Life looks at Lynch’s art, music, and early films, shining a light into the dark corners of his unique world and giving audiences a better understanding of the man and the artist. As he says, “I think every time you do something, like a painting or whatever, you go with ideas, and sometimes the past can conjure those ideas and color them. Even if they’re new ideas, the past colors them.” We’re invited in and given private views from Lynch’s compound and painting studio in the hills high above Hollywood, as he tells personal stories that unfold like scenes from his films. Strange characters come into focus only to fade again into the past, all leaving an indelible mark.

A dream of dark and troubling things . . . David Lynch’s 1977 debut feature, Eraserhead, is both a lasting cult sensation and a work of extraordinary craft and beauty. With its mesmerizing black-and-white photography by Frederick Elmes and Herbert Cardwell, evocative sound design, and unforgettably enigmatic performance by Jack Nance, this visionary nocturnal odyssey continues to haunt American cinema like no other film.

A WOMAN IN TROUBLE An actress’s perception of reality becomes increasingly distorted as she finds herself falling for her co-star in a remake of an unfinished Polish production that was supposedly cursed.

"We've met before, haven't we?” A tormented jazz musician finds himself lost in an enigmatic story involving murder, surveillance, gangsters, doppelgängers, and an impossible transformation inside a prison cell.

A love story in the city of dreams . . . Blonde Betty Elms (Naomi Watts) has only just arrived in Hollywood to become a movie star when she meets an enigmatic brunette with amnesia (Laura Harring). Meanwhile, as the two set off to solve the second woman’s identity, filmmaker Adam Kesher (Justin Theroux) runs into ominous trouble while casting his latest project. David Lynch’s seductive and scary vision of Los Angeles’s dream factory is one of the true masterpieces of the new millennium, a tale of love, jealousy, and revenge like no other.

New 2K digital restorations of six early short films by David Lynch. Six Men Getting Sick, 1967, USA, 4 min Lynch’s first film project consists of a loop of six people vomiting projected on to a special sculptured screen featuring twisted three-dimensional faces. The Alphabet, 1968, USA, 4 min A woman’s dark and absurdist nightmare vision comprising a continuous recitation of the alphabet and bizarre living representations of each letter. The Grandmother, 1970, USA, 34 min To escape neglect and abuse from his parents, a young boy plants some strange seeds and they grow into a grandmother. The Amputee, Version 1 and Version 2, 1974, USA, 9 min A double amputee attempts to write a letter while her nurse gets in the way. Premonitions Following an Evil Deed, 1995, USA, 1 min A short film about the events following a murder.

In the town of Twin Peaks, everyone has their secrets—but especially Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). In this prequel to his groundbreaking 1990s television series, David Lynch resurrects the teenager found wrapped in plastic at the beginning of the show, following her through the last week of her life and teasing out the enigmas that surround her murder. Homecoming queen by day and drug-addicted thrill seeker by night, Laura leads a double life that pulls her deeper and deeper into horror as she pieces together the identity of the assailant who has been terrorizing her for years. Nightmarish in its vision of an innocent torn apart by unfathomable forces, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me is nevertheless one of Lynch’s most humane films, aching with compassion for its tortured heroine—a character as enthralling in life as she was in death.

Sailor and Lula are two lovers struggling to remain together even when fate seems intent on keeping them apart. In this case, fate is Lula's mother, Marietta Fortune; a desperate woman who hates Sailor and will do anything to keep him away from her daughter. After Sailor is released from prison for murdering a man in self-defence, he and Lula embark on a sex-filled, rocking road trip, aware all the time that they are being hunted by Marietta's cronies.

Dah and Jocelyn come from Benin, Africa, to coach their rooster, "S'en fout la mort", for an illicit cock-fight in the basement of a restaurant. Join us for our Staff Picks series, where our Winnipeg Film Group staff select and introduce new and old favourites. This month’s selection was chosen by Cinematheque projectionist Jonathan Lee-Wing. Generously sponsored by IATSE 856 Manitoba.

Lady Elisabeth Báthory lives a charmed life in a resplendent Romanesque castle, surrounded by Disney-esque wildlife and a colorful cast of obliging servants. Taking ill one day while traveling through the forest, she’s nursed back to health by a handsome woodsman, and in gratitude gifts him with her own heart. But upon returning home, Lady Báthory’s sunny disposition quickly turns murderous and vampiric once she discovers the secret to heart-less eternal youth lies in draining the blood of all the young women and men in her castle. Widely considered one of Slovak animation’s crown jewels, The Bloody Lady is an improbable and bewitching fusion of gothic horror and classic children’s animation, retelling of the infamous Čachtická castle and Báthory folk tale which is often cited as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Recently treated to haunting live score by celebrated indie musician claire rousay, this underseen gem is a new cult classic in the making. Restorations courtesy of the Slovak Film Institute.

Join us on April 19 for an evening of classic animation from the iconic Fleischer studios! Max Fleischer is one of the most renowned pioneers in animation. From 1919 to 1942, he and his company, Fleischer Studios, produced nearly 700 cartoons. Among his many achievements, his studio was the first to animate both Popeye and Superman — and he created the legendary Betty Boop, who remains an icon of American culture to this day. Featuring new restorations of A Song A Day (1936), Silly Scandals (1931), Betty Boop's Ker-Choo (1933), Small Fry (1939), Play Safe (1936), Terror on The Midway (1942), Koko's Klock (1927) and The Paneless Window Washer (1937).

Holly (Jenny Woo), Marvin (writer/director Jon Moritsugu), and Katzumi (Moritsugu again) are average Asian-American teenage siblings with not-so-average predilections for backstabbing, kinky sex, and drug-fueled freakouts. Neglected by their parents, the kids turn to outside “help” (including the scene-stealing Amy Davis, Moritsugu’s wife and longtime collaborator) in order to escape their bored existence. Naturally, this leads to gore killings, sex tapes, and the most hilarious phone conversations ever captured on 16mm film. A candy-colored hellscape that feels like an episode of Strangers With Candy that was filmed by Dario Argento during a three-day acid bender, Jon Moritsugu's Terminal USA is a crucial piece of 1990s alternative cinema—smart, shocking, and one of the most deranged films to ever be funded by American taxpayers. This is the film Heathers wished it could be.

It’s about teen love. It’s about teen dreams. It’s about digging your own grave with an electric guitar. An all-girl rock band sells out and becomes commercial pawns for the American beef industry in legendary underground filmmaker Jon Moritsugu's debut feature. A film so charged with punk rock energy that critic Roger Ebert had to walk out on it after seven minutes at its Sundance premiere, My Degeneration flows like a drunken semiotics presentation through a grainy sewer of filth and noise.

To escape the police, a father and his son are forced to find refuge in a summer camp for young adults with mental disabilities, taking on the role of an educator and a boarder. This is the beginning of troubles and a wonderful human experience that will change them forever.

In the depths of the underground coal mines, where danger awaits and darkness prevails, Nam and Việt, both young miners, cherish fleeting moments, knowing that one of them will soon leave for a new life across the sea. Just before its premiere at Cannes, Việt and Nam was banned by Vietnam’s Cinema Department for its “gloomy, deadlocked, and negative view” of the country. Although it tells a story specific to the place and its history, the film’s ambiguity and artistic approach render it an emotional, universal, and timeless exploration of the senses. Beautifully shot on 16mm by filmmaker Trương Minh Quý, Việt and Nam is like panning for gold. Its true value surfaces after you dig and let the water wash away the dirt.

With her first dramatic feature, writer-director Karen Chapman creates an emotional and authentic study of a single mother trying to hold herself together. Jean is the provider and (over)protector of her two teen children, Tamika and Tristin, and begrudgingly lives with her mother in a crowded Lawrence Heights apartment complex. Despite the kids learning to become more self-sufficient, Jean’s vision is too clouded by the past to see that they're growing. She is haunted by violence in both their past and their present, and must help her children cope. Expertly using sound and flashbacks to construct a layered and full portrait of this woman's life, Chapman reveals the trials and tribulations that women in Jean’s family carry with them.

With Toronto’s iconic modernist waterfront park, Ontario Place, set to close for redevelopment, an eccentric yet lovable group of park regulars and staff members live out its last year open to the public while confronting its controversial transformation into a private spa and waterpark.