TORONTO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC VIDEO FESTIVAL
@ PARADISE THEATRE & THE REC ROOM, TORONTO
NOVEMBER 8-10, 2024
Last year the Toronto International Music Video Festival established itself as a go-to platform for artistry and innovation within the world of music videos. Now spanning three days across multiple venues, this year’s run was even bigger and better. The events kicked off with a live concert and art gallery at The Rec Room in Toronto.
“We wanted to start the weekend with a bang” festival director Mac Downey says “and a concert felt like a natural choice for a festival rooted in the intersection of music and film. It was about setting the tone for the weekend and celebrating the collaboration that’s at the heart of this industry.”
Toronto Artists Tilsen, Laila, and Fox Revett lit up the stage with a non-stop stream of infectious music, from pop anthems to folk-driven songs. The energy was kept high all night long. “We aimed to cultivate a sense of community by selecting GTA-based musicians who already had relationships with one another” Downey explains. “This ‘family vibe’ brought an added layer of warmth to the concert, and it resonated beautifully. Their performances exceeded all expectations, from their stage presence to the thought and creativity they poured into every detail, special guests, stage props, and venue interaction. Watching the footage still gives me chills, their artistry truly shines.”
REC ROOM PHOTO GALLERY
Day two started fittingly with a screening of Jeff Toye’s documentary feature The Opener, a feel-good story about a street performer who wrote 30 songs in as many days to process his grief during the pandemic, eventually leading to him touring with Jason Mraz. Commenting on the inclusion of a feature film Downey says “We felt that the documentary screening was the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into stories within the music industry. Whether it’s about iconic artists, tours, or even the buskers in your local subway station, music documentaries offer incredible narratives that we’re excited to highlight in future festivals.”
Following the documentary screening was the Canadian Showcase, an exhibition featuring music videos created by Canadian filmmakers, and the Industry Roundtable, an informative discussion featuring local directors and producers. These segments highlighted the wide array of talent across Canada and were equally inspiring.
After breaking for a nice meal at the Paradise Café, it was time for the official Selection Showcase. The presentation featured an extensive mix of cutting-edge visuals from emerging and established filmmakers of all different styles. Notably, a lot of the music videos this year featured heavy use of VFX and the use of virtual production such as LED volumes, a new trend popularized by the series The Mandalorian. The crowd, buzzing with excitement then made their way over to Offworld, to enjoy the after-party and mingle with each other.
Day three encapsulated the festival’s commitment to both education and recognition of the art form. The Micro-Budget Showcase started the day off with an hour-long segment featuring videos made on shoe-string budgets. “Every filmmaker starts with little to no budget, and those early projects teach you creativity and resourcefulness” says Downey, who got his start producing music videos for local Toronto artists. “This showcase celebrates the ‘MacGyvers’ of the music video world. Those who turn minimal resources into remarkable art. As someone who’s been there, I know how pivotal these experiences can be in honing your craft.”
OFFWORLD BAR
Next was the Women X Film & Music Videos Panel featuring director Caroline Torti, filmmaker & writer Sara Jade Alfaro-Dehghani, and director and creative producer Ievy Stamatov. “The idea for this panel came from my time working as Leslie Ann Coles’ assistant at the Female Eye Film Festival.” Downey recounts, “She suggested creating a panel to honour the incredible women in the music video industry. With her guidance, we curated a lineup of immensely talented panelists, each with a unique approach to their craft.” The panel featured an engaging conversation about the speakers’ experience in the industry and the distinctive paths they created for themselves.
The last panel of the festival was The Anatomy of a Music Video. This highly educational, free event was perfect for any beginner interested in making music videos or even seasoned filmmakers looking for a spark. “One moment that stood out was seeing how many students attended.” Reflects Downey, “There’s so much gatekeeping in this industry, and I hope this weekend inspired them and opened doors for their futures.”
The festival culminated with the widely anticipated nomination showcase and award show, which delivered on its promise of excitement. It was a satisfying end to a jam-packed weekend.
Concert Photos
Artist Links
Main & Inlay Photo Credits: Hayley Keenen
SPILL FEATURE: I KNOW IT’S ONLY MISTLETOE (BUT I LIKE IT) – SPILL MAGAZINE DIGS DEEP INTO SOME OF THE BEST/WORST 2024 CHRISTMAS RELEASES (PART ONE)
SPILL FEATURE: NEW LIFE AND ESCAPE – A CONVERSATION WITH OBEYER
SPILL FEATURE: LOST TOGETHER – A CONVERSATION WITH GREG KEELOR OF BLUE RODEO
SPILL FEATURE: AS AUTHENTIC AS WE CAN BE – A CONVERSATION WITH RIVAL SONS’ SCOTT HOLIDAY
