In Toronto, filmmakers talk about what makes a 'Canadian film'

The panel of filmmakers, which included Carl Bessai (Sisters & Brothers), Phillippe Falardeau (Monsier Lazahar), Ivan Grbovic (Romeo Eleven) and Ingrid Veninger (i am a good person/i am a bad person), discussed Canadian film and new Canadian stories.

“I just want us to have the freedom to make the kind of films that we want to make that are not compromised because of where we come from, or what language we speak, or what actors we have accessibility to, but just because we really desire to,” said Oscar-nominated director, Deepa Mehta, in her opening remarks.

Much of the conversation revolved around what makes a film “Canadian.” 

“What is a Canadian film? I don’t know. I don’t care,” said Falardeau. “For me it’s about meeting the other.”

“Don’t get caught into what’s Canadian and what’s not. Make a good film,” said Metha.

The panel was moderated by Laurence Kardish of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.