The Senior Working Group (SWG) discussed how best to manage Canadian’s opposition to the annexation of Canada as the 51st state of the United States of America. The SWG has many recommendations which we will lay out in separate sections of this document.
It is the view of the SWG Canadian “gun legislation” has effectively neutered the ability of Canadian resistance groups to mount even a slight degree of harassment of American security forces. Unlike the Constitution of the United States Canadians, thank goodness, do not have the right to bear arms.
It is the view of the SWG the Canadian Armed Forces has been so beset by mismanagement, poor staffing and shortages, sexual harassment issues, rampant ineffective and divisive global inclusion and equity squabbles leaving its morale in tatters it poses no threat to U.S. security forces. The SWG does recommend creating a national guard force for military personnel wishing to be part of the United States military.
An advertising campaign is recommended to purloin the benefits of annexation. The SWG will not enumerate the benefits that can be marketed to Canadians leaving that task to the Bureau of Canadian Integration.
The SWG recommends a series of lotteries be held in the annexed state “The Golden Age Lottery” with substantial cash prizes and with higher odds of winning to incite a buying frenzy. To economically benefit Red States boycotted by Canadians such as Florida prizes will include all paid for vacations in such states. Prizes should include products boycotted by Canadians including Kentucky bourbon for example.
The tool of “Citizenship Awards” should be implemented to emphasize the attributes of good citizens of the 51st state with a particular focus on loyalty to the United States and its constitution. The attributes of these awards can be further developed by the Department of Homeland Security and Paranoia but the SWG stresses the importance of incorporating Citizenship Awards into the school curriculum. Inculcation at a tender age is essential and will reap future benefits.
Spoof reporter Costas Studialos took his family for an “all you can stuff your gullet ” luncheon buffet at an IHOP on Indian Canyon Road in Palm Springs and noticed in the bunk seat where the family settled down to a mound of flapjacks and shrimp grits a document with apple crisp toppings encrusted on it but scraping off the oatmeal topping the envelope had a white label affixed to it “White House Top Secret Document: Operation 51st State”.
Spoof will share its contents with you over the next few days. Its introduction read as follows.
“Strategies for seizing control of the Canadian government”
The Senior Working Group (SWG) discussed the best method for seizing control of or neutralizing the Canadian government.
The SWG recognizes Canadian poll results indicate only 8% of Canadians would consider becoming the 51st state of the United States hence a voluntary surrender of power by the Canadian government is impossible.
A military takeover by American forces would be guaranteed due to the minute size of the Canadian military and a lily livered culture frowning on ownership of guns by citizens but international condemnation can be expected if there was no reason for such a takeover. The SWG stresses an effective annexation must appear justified beyond the rambling and perceived antagonistic comments of the President of The United States.
Like the recent Hamas abduction and murder of Israeli citizens known as the October 7th incident the best offence is to focus on a reason to launch an offensive to justify such domestically and internationally.
The SWG recommends sending a busload of “elderly tourists” from Minnesota, all unemployed actors, to Toronto to watch a Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball series against the Toronto Blue Jays. While the charter bus carrying “the Minnesota fans” stops at an EnRoute rest stop on the 401 Highway outside of Guelph, Ontario a group of Canadian patriots/terrorists will hold the fans hostage in a busjacking demanding a ransom be paid to release the busloads of innocents. The terrorists, of course will not be Canadians as we know their pacifist nature but released from El Salvador prisons Tren de Aragua Venezuelan terrorists masquerading as Canadians. The terrorists shall be paid a large untraceable cash sum and granted an amnesty upon the completion of the operation.
The Canadian government recognizing a national crisis will in an attempt to restore order, particularly after several Minnesotans have been executed by the kidnappers, promulgate the War Measures Act suspending civil liberties and mass arrests of potential enemies of the 51st state will occur orchestrated by friendly Freedom Convoy Patriots in the Canadian military and local police forces that have been waiting for years to seize control of the Canadian government. As Canadian civil unrest increases in intensity and to save American lives, particularly those of the kidnapped Minnesota Twins fans, American forces will “arrive” upon invitation of the Freedom Convoy Patriots to rescue Canada from chaos. With martial law in effect the Freedom Convoy Patriots will establish a protective military junta to gradually transfer power to a newly appointed Governor of Canada.
We try a Smoke & Gamble Cabernet. What sin is left? Fornication?
It is a non vintage wine yet another possible sin but if you are engrossed in smoking and gambling the devil may care although penance may be possible considering it is a VQA Ontario wine. The label praises oak barrel ageing openly, unabashedly and without remorse! Is there hope for such a sinner?
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and less than 15% of Merlot.
The majority of the grapes were sourced from Beamsville in the Niagara region of Ontario with a portion of the Cabernet Franc from the South Coast’s Norfolk County.
Fermented in stainless steel then moved to a combination of French and American oak barrels for 21 months.
Aroma: Black cherry predominates. Cherry cola and of course smoky oak.
Palate: Red currant, lingonberry jam and cactus pear. A certain juiciness with a long Slovenian cherry nectar-tinged finish.
Personality: Admit it for a non-vintage wine with grapes from here and there and seemingly without “pedigree” I think I am decent.
Food Match: Sauteed pork medallions with this sinful wine and homemade raspberry jam in a reduction sauce.
Cellarbility: Drink in 2025.
Food Match: Roast Easter Ham with red pepper jelly.
The 1974 National Film Board of Canada documentary “King of the Hill” showcases black Canadian professional baseball pitcher Ferguson Jenkins and a slice of baseball as it was in 1972/73 when he played for the Chicago Cubs.
Who is Ferguson Jenkins you may ask? Born in Chatham, Ontario in 1942 just about says it all as by that time in baseball history only 117 Canadians had played in the big leagues and Jenkins, or “Fergie” as he was known to Canadians, was the best and about as beloved as hockey legend Gordie Howe to Canadians. I saw him playing in Montreal’s Parc Jarry when he pitched against the Montreal Expos. He played in the big leagues from 1965-1983 with 284 wins and 226 losses with an earned run average of 3.34. He is both a Cy Young winner and a Baseball Hall of Famer.
Classic throwback narration gives us a glimpse not only of Jenkins, his family and friends but of life on a baseball team, the history of blacks in baseball, chatter amongst coaches and players on the field and the locker room. We learn what life on the road is like, negotiations of contracts and the philosophy of baseball as perceived by its players.
This gem of a Canadian documentary was written and narrated by Donald Brittain.
Like a fine Bordeaux the documentary has aged extremely well.
World’s biggest press release for the world’s biggest film festival
TORONTO – April 1, 2025 – On April 16, National Canadian Film Day (CanFilmDay), will unite the nation in a massive, celebratory, elbows-up explosion of Canadian film.
Returning for the twelfth year, CanFilmDay will present nearly 2,000 FREE screenings in every province and territory, and in more than 43 countries around the world, in addition to hundreds of offerings on broadcast and streaming services for all to enjoy.
As popular as CanFilmDay has been in recent years, the current swell of cultural pride has given rise to a significant increase in participation, with registrations running 60% higher than last year for the past several months.
“In this time, our stories matter, and our culture matters – more than ever. They show us who we are, who our neighbours are, what we care about. CanFilmDay gives us all the opportunity to celebrate our country, and our shared values – together, with our elbows way up,” said Artistic Director Sharon Corder.
Programming highlights across the country include:
Elbows Up for Canadian Culture
A Town Hall-style event will take place in Toronto, featuring YannickBisson, Don McKellar, Mary Walsh, and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (Blackfoot/Sámi). Hosted by Ali Hassan, the special guests will share the Canadian films that have impacted them and engage in a dialogue about what Canadian culture and stories mean to us.
In an atmosphere of tariffs and trade wars, we’ve seen a groundswell of interest in these conversations from the film industry and the country at large, and are thrilled to have such a thoughtful and accomplished group of Canadian artists sharing their views with us and with you.
Premieres & Sneak Peeks
We have an exciting lineup of film premieres and sneak peeks, giving audiences nationwide a chance to see the next big hit before its release. Films include:
It Feeds, a pulse-pounding new horror film, will premiere nationwide at 20+ cinemas thanks to Black Fawn Films and the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE). In Toronto, the screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film’s cast and crew, including director Chad Archibald, and stars Shawn Ashmore (The Rookie, X-Men) and Ashley Greene (The Twilight Saga, Rogue).
The Westdale Theatre in Hamilton will show a sneak preview of the compelling drama The Players, followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Sarah Galea-Davis, and stars Eric Johnson and Stefani Kimber.
The comedy Please, After You will have a sneak preview in Mississauga, along with a Q&A with the film’s stars Neema Nazeri and Kris Siddiqi.
In Vancouver, a preview screening of the mind-bending new thriller Kryptic will be followed by a Q&A with cast and crew, including producer Amber Ripley and star Jeff Gladstone.
The Canada-Ukraine Foundation is partnering with Gambade Films for an online sneak preview of the inspiring documentary Doors of War, which will be accompanied by an introduction by co-directors Taras Lesiuk and Annick Sheedy McLellan.
The National Screen Institute will premiere the short The Difference Between Us, in a virtual event featuring a Q&A with the film’s director Dabi Anele. This film was part of an NSI training programme for refugees and newcomers in Manitoba.
Sometimes More is More
This year, several partners are expanding their Canadian film celebration into a full week of programming.
Vancouver International Film Festival is celebrating Canadian Film Week, with 18 features, including six Vancouver premieres and four new films from BC filmmakers, most of whom will join for Q&As. On April 16, VIFF will present a 40th anniversary screening of the beloved classic My American Cousin, featuring a Q&A with director Sandy Wilson. Also, Velcrow Ripper and Cari Green will present the 20th anniversary screening of ScaredSacred in a heartfelt tribute to much-loved industry leader Tracey Friesen.
Yukon Film Society in Whitehorse will host 11 screenings throughout the week.
Cinecenta cinema in Victoria, BC, will also present 11 screenings.
The historic Gem Theatre in Grand Forks, BC, is planning four “CanFilmWeek” screenings and a live show about their community.
Aeolian Hall Musical Arts Association in London, ON is also making it CanFilmWeek, with eight screenings scheduled.
Film Festival Partner Screenings
Over 50 film festivals are participating in CanFilmDay this year. Here are just a few highlights:
Edmonton International Film Festival is proud to showcase the inspiring documentary Ice Queens, featuring a Q&A with director Damon Kwame Mason.
A 40th anniversary screening of Crime Wave will be presented by Calgary Underground Film Festival, featuring an in-person Q&A with the film’s writer-director John Paizs.
In Toronto, TIFF welcomes former CEO Piers Handling to host a post-screening Q&A with filmmaker Deepa Mehta after a presentation of the 4K restoration of her debut feature, Sam & Me.
The Toronto Latin American Film Festival presents the new drama about undocumented workers, Sin Papeles (Undocumented), featuring a Q&A with director Christian de la Cortina and producer Vanessa Caceres.
The Bay of Blood Film Festival in North Bay, ON, is thrilled to feature a screening of the hilarious new slasher flick, Massacre at Femur Creek, followed by a post-screening Q&A with the film’s writer-director, Kyle Hytonen.
Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival will show the horror comedy The Last Video Store, with director Cody Kennedy, producer Greg Jeffs and star Vanessa Adams in attendance.
Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival in Halifax, NS, will present Welcome, a brand new psychological thriller from director Jevon Boreland. Boreland will join stars Emidio Lopes and Shailene Garnett for a Q&A after the film.
Saint John’s Women’s International Film Festival is pleased to welcome Tasha Hubbard (Cree) for a screening and discussion of her uplifting activist documentary Singing Back the Buffalo.
The Canada China International Film Festival is presenting a double feature with a matinee of the family-friendly fantasy Tia and Piujuq, including a recorded Q&A with director Lucy Tulugarjuk (Inuk), as well as a screening of the acclaimed drama Nadia, Butterfly with director Pascal Plante in attendance for a Q&A.
Anniversaries
2025 marks a major anniversary for many incredible Canadian films, and we have special events across the country to showcase them. In addition to the anniversary screenings listed above, dozens of screenings of anniversary titles are taking place, including a few that feature filmmakers, stars and other guests:
ReelWorld Film Festival, Director’s Guild of Canada and the City of Toronto are partnering on a 30th anniversary screening of Rude, with director Clement Virgo and producer Damon D’Oliveira in attendance.
Toronto’s Revue Cinema hosts a 25th anniversary screening of Waydowntown on 35mm, with a post-screening Q&A with director Gary Burns and star Fab Filippo (creator of CBCs Sort Of).
Toronto Jewish Film Festival hosts an anniversary presentation of the award-winning historical epic Sunshine, with a post-screening Q&A with producer Robert Lantos.
Future of Film Showcase in Toronto celebrates the 20th anniversary of C.R.A.Z.Y. with a screening and Q&A with actor Pierre-Luc Brillant.
Ottawa Film Office and Canadian Film Institute celebrate the 25th anniversary of La moitié gauche du frigo (The Left-Hand Side of the Fridge) along with a Q&A with director Philippe Falardeau, as well as presenting the 40th anniversary of My American Cousin, featuring an in-person Q&A with producer Peter O’Brian.
Indigenous Programming
There will be over 70 screenings of Indigenous-made films, plus 350 high schools participating in our Indigenous Realities livestream. Here, an estimated 15,000 students will engage in a live, nationwide conversation with Anna Lambe (Inuk), Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Inuk) and Stacey Aglok MacDonald (Inuk), the incredible team behind The Grizzlies – and the new hit comedy North of North. The event will be hosted by former executive and artistic director of imagineNATIVE, Jason Ryle (Anishinaabe).
French-Language Programming
Over 200 French-language screenings are scheduled around the world, including nearly 100 community screenings in Quebec. In collaboration with Mediafilm, independent theatres across Quebec are presenting over a dozen screenings of three exciting new Québecois titles, La petite et le vieux, Maurice, and Vil et Misérable, with many including special guest Q&As. Programming nationwide also includes over 20 screenings each of recent hits Une Langue Universelle (Universal Language) and Bergers (Shepherds).
International Canadian Film Day
A partnership with Global Affairs Canada will bring nearly 100 Canadian film screenings to 43 countries worldwide!
Notable events include: a screening of Paying For It with director Sook-Yin Lee in attendance, at the BAFICI film festival in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and a 60th anniversary celebration of Canada’s diplomatic relationships with Singapore hosted by the High Commission of Canada, which will screen Singing Back the Buffaloat a local theatre. France is embracing CanFilmDay in a big way – we’re expecting no fewer than 11 screenings this year, in eight cities!
In Schools
Over 20,000 students are participating, from 500 schools in every single province and territory, most notably by watching RCtv: Indigenous Realities, our annual interactive livestream for schools (see above). Special programming available for Kindergarten through to Grade 12 and CEGEP, including special lesson plans focused on “Canadians and their stories”.
In Communities
Communities across the country that are going all-out for CanFilmDay include:
Two outdoor screenings are planned, with the Creston Valley Film Society in Creston Valley, BC, and Victoria Downtown Residents Association in Victoria, BC – perhaps the only corner of the country where it will be warm enough to do so!
Red Deer Polytech’s Film Production program in Red Deer, AB, is partnering with the Red Deer Public Library and Lilearner High School to host a full-day event, using the CanFilmDay website to help students collaborate and learn how to host an event. Four screenings will take place, focusing on themes of our Something to Believe In programming spotlight: big dreams, community and family, fighting for your beliefs, the power of art, and resilience. Local schools will attend daytime events, while evening screenings will be tailored to the community at large.
Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum in Iqaluit, NU, has invited the local female hockey association to participate in their screening of Ice Queens.
Brampton Arts Organization in Brampton, ON, will show a short film programme of local filmmakers’ work with guests in attendance, and a networking event at a nearby restaurant to follow.
The Côte St-Luc Public Library is hosting director Barry Avrich and producer Mark Selby for a special screening of their documentary Without Precedent: The Supreme Life of Rosalie Abella.
Point Pelee National Park near Leamington, ON, and the Gananoque Legion in Gananoque ON, are both ordering chocolates from Peace By Chocolate to complement their screenings of the film, and the Legion will host a fundraiser for their veteran’s fund.
The Meaford Public Library plans to invite the local Junior Hockey Team, the Meaford Knights, to their screening of Score: A Hockey Musical.
On Broadcast and Streaming
Hundreds of Canadian films will be programmed on every major broadcaster and streaming service, including Hollywood Suite, Crave, Super Ecran, Corus, Super Channel, APTN, CBC, CHCH, OUTtv, Blue Ant Media, WildBrain, GameTV, Netflix, CBC Gem, NFB, The Roku Channel, APTN Lumi, Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube, iTunes, Kanopy, Cineplex Store, Microsoft Store, TVO, Apple TV+, Hoopla, Shudder, Mubi, Highball.tv, TFO and Viva.
Guests and Sponsors
Filmmakers, stars, and industry professionals participating in CanFilmDay include: Vanessa Adams, Stacey Aglok MacDonald (Inuk), Chad Archibald, Shawn Ashmore, Dabi Anele, Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Inuk), Barry Avrich, Liane Balaban, Brigitte Berman, Yannick Bisson, Jevon Boreland, Pierre-Luc Brillant, Gary Burns, Vanessa Caceres, Christian de la Cortina, Damon D’Oliveira, Sophie Deraspe, Philippe Falardeau, Colm Feore, Niv Fichman, Fab Filippo, Sarah Galea-Davis, Shailene Garnett, Jeff Gladstone, Cari Green, Ashley Greene, Piers Handling, Ali Hassan, Tasha Hubbard (Cree), Kyle Hytonen, Eric Johnson, Peter Keleghan, Cody Kennedy, Stefani Kimber, Anna Lambe (Inuk), Robert Lantos, Sook-Yin Lee, Taras Lesiuk, Emidio Lopes, Peter Lynch, Damon Kwame Mason, Don McKellar, Loreena McKennit, Deepa Mehta, Neema Nazeri, Peter O’Brian, John Paizs, Eric Peterson, David Phillips, Amber Ripley, Velcrow Ripper, Patricia Rozema, Jason Ryle (Anishinaabe), Mark Selby, Annick Sheedy McLellan, Kris Siddiqi, Ryan Singh, former MP Rathika Sitsabaiesean, Kendra Terpenning, Sugith Varughese, Clement Virgo, Vinay Virmani, Mary Walsh, and Sandy Wilson,and more.
For more detailed information about our extensive list of special guests and programming highlights, go to our website.
Founding Sponsor Cineplex is providing 33 cinema screens across the country. The Landmark Cinema chain is also contributing venues in several communities. Both partners will screen the CanFilmDay promo PSA as part of their pre-show presentations for the month of April.
CanFilmDay is a huge endeavour that’s made possible through the efforts of dedicated sponsors and partners who continue to support us year after year, including Telefilm Canada, Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, CBC, Hollywood Suite, Cineplex, Landmark Cinemas, Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council,DGC Ontario, Extreme Reach, Branded Cities, and more. The complete list can be found on the sponsor page of our website.
If you’d like to host a free CanFilmDay event for your community, visit canfilmday.ca/register and sign up today.
Visit canfilmday.ca for more information in the lead-up to April 16. You can also find us on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram: @CanFilmDay and #CanFilmDay.
Jack Blum and Sharon Corder, Executive and Artistic Director of REEL CANADA, are available for interviews, as well as Mina Shum, Yannick Bisson, Don McKellar, Mary Walsh and Colm Feore.
REEL CANADA is a charitable organization that promotes the diversity of Canadian film and its power to spark important conversations about what it means to be Canadian. Through our core programmes — Our Films in Our Schools, Welcome to Canada, Reel Opportunities, and National Canadian Film Day (CanFilmDay) — REEL CANADA has reached millions of students, new Canadians, and general audience members.
Pardon my “Rocky Horror Picture Show” Dr. Everett Scott attitude here but the Canadian documentary “Anything for Fame” is a deep dive into the elusive chase for fame on social media channels we can label “internet fame”. Jamie Cohen holder of a PHD in Digital Culture notes the odds of being a super famous internet celebrity within the 3,000 plus channels are equal to going to Harvard and being drafted by a professional sports team.
Of course these stupendous odds are challenged by several desperate youths featured in the documentary displaying such stellar talents as licking an airplane toilet seat, stapling ears to a wooden plank, having eyebrows ripped off by a speeding Lamborghini, selling JOI (jerk off instructions), urinating in the aisles at a Walmart or knocking goods off the shelves at a CVS pharmacy and more “culturally significant” acts fuelling the short attention span of our youth. Ahhh that Dr. Scott feeling is sweeping over me. Rome is indeed burning; social media is the fiddle and the thousands of followers are playing it.
While easy abhorrence/pity can be directed at those desperate for fame it is the followers and viewers that prop up this imbecilic nonsense. Thank you, Dr. Scott!
Fame, if ever attained and defined of course by those seeking it, can be analogized to a dopamine hit. The seeker is propelled for another moment of fame fuelled by inane and sometimes dangerous stunts.
Follow the dreams of those desperate for fame in this documentary and none are, except perhaps for one, obtaining it. In this Tik Tok world attention span and intelligence are instant and fleeting. The abbreviated mind can’t retain the outrageous for too long.
Receive the commentary from the experts too. But they are all old gizzards like me a bit Dr. Scottish as regards to the characters featured desperate for fame and their legions of followers and Propper Uppers. Unabashedly I say it feels good to be Dr. Everett V. Scott but I do not like the smell of Rome burning.
This 84-minute 2023 National Film Board of Canada documentary is directed by Tyler Funk.
Brofit Margin, Executive Officer of Ruthless Capital Management, announced today on the steps of the New York Stock Exchange the opening of two pop up mobile restaurants to be known as Yippy’s in consequence to the United States President Donald Trump’s remarks yesterday about the yippy people overexaggerating the tariff inspired crash of the world economies.
Initially two pop up mobile restaurants will be established in the coming days. The first will be outside the New York Stock Exchange and the second by executive order of New York Mayor Eric Adams on the Central Park baseball diamond. All commercial activities are prohibited by the municipal code of New York City hence a “friendly” executive order by Mr. Adams was required to override the code.
Mr. Margin reflected, “Not only is Ruthless Capital Management ruthless but we are also opportunistic feeding off the “excitement” roiling the New York Stock Exchange and by the entire population of the United States. This is a great moment in the world order and we should celebrate it. To the population of New York City we say come to us and eat real food.”
A limited menu will be available in two trucks completely manufactured in the United States with all-American parts assuming they can be found.
Menu items at the time of this news release are expected to be;
Trump Tartare
Lutnick Lasagna
Navarro Nachos
Vance Vindaloo
Homan Hot Pot
Rubio Texas Rice Balls
Bannon Banana Splits
Kennedy Apple Crumble
MAGA Muffins
Hawaiian Coffee
Wines from various Finger Lakes Wineries
Bourbon from Kennedy’s Measletown Kentucky Distillery
Beers from Bondi Brewery
Margin noted should the two Yippy’s pop-up mobile restaurants be successful operations will be expanded to Air Force One and American mega charter airline Overseas National Airways.
Original, bold and audacious Cabernet Franc so says the label? Can’t say I have had one of those wines with all three adjectives operating simultaneously so let’s put it down to marketing to catch the consumer with thrilling adjectives. A nifty name too for a Cabernet Franc wine, “To Be Frank”. Are we in Australia?
Let’s give this Niagara wine a whirl.
Aroma: Hefty amount of oak and a tinge of rawness perhaps because 23% new oak was used in ageing. Black cherry, red plum, blackberry, cassis and dark chocolate.
Palate: Big mouthfeel on this full-bodied wine with a long finish. Again some rawness. Cherry cola, chocolate bark candy and creeping tannins. Decant an hour prior to serving to calm down this fellah.
Personality: Many of my Cabernet Franc Niagara cousins are a bit more supple and soft but I can be tougher and still be a worthy wine. Right?
Food Match: The winery suggests Arrabiata or Bolognese pasta and that is a good choice although I might suggest the olives in a Putanesca sauce may pair well due to the slight rawness of the wine.
Cellarbility: Drink by 2027. With a bit of time in the cellar the wine will soften.
Price: $30 CDN.
RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine Rating: 90/100.
On further reflection the wine is quite brutish for an Ontario Cabernet Franc so I think I can at least agree to “bold”.
(Megalomaniac 2022 To Be Frank Cabernet Franc, VQA Niagara Peninsula, John Howard Cellars of Distinction, Vineland, Ontario, 750 mL, 13.5%).
The Kazakhstani documentary “We Live Here” unravels a story of criminal negligence or is it state manslaughter?
Between 1949-1991 over 456 nuclear tests were conducted by the USSR in a test site area on the Kazakhstani steppes covering an area of 18,300 square kilometers, roughly the size of Israel. Open air testing ceased in 1963 but continued until ended in 1991 by presidential decree and the fall of the U.S.S.R.
We hear from a few of its 1,500,000 victims who have lost family members and friends or are in the process of losing 3rd and 4th generation family members to radioactive caused illness. The scientists conduct frequent testing and the radioactive danger remains. It will take the plutonium some 24,440 years to decay.
There has been no governmental cleanup, resettlement, compensation or cordoning off severely contaminated areas. Cattle and horses continue to graze and crops continue to be cultivated on contaminated soil further condemning consumers of meat and dairy products to a shorter life span.
The story is beyond sorrowful and disgraceful and should be condemned as state criminal negligence as a minimum if not manslaughter. The establishment of negligence requires Russia as successor in title to the U.S.S.R. and Kazakhstan to have had a duty of care to the victims, failure to maintain that standard of care and as a result the victims suffered harm which is clearly the case here. The extent of the negligence is clearly criminal.
A very well paced documentary with gaps in dialogue where cattle and horses grazing, twisted wreckage, pockmarked landscape and grieving parents silently suggest the horror. Unfortunately there is no exploration of the responsibility, if any, Russia has taken for this historical and much unknown blot of callousness staining humanity.
The North American premiere of “We Live Here” is at Toronto Hot Docs 2/4May2025.
“Ultras” explores rather fittingly the culture of Ultras in 8 countries and 4 continents including England, Sweden, Italy, Morocco, Indonesia, Egypt, Mexico and Argentina.
Ultras are those noisy, swaying, boisterous and vociferous masses at football games. Are they suffering from Stadium Schizophrenia? Masses of the life weary, battered by ordinary cares and problems until they join their fellow Ultras in the stadium and become ensconced in the comfort of familial fanaticism.
A common global theme of the Ultras as recounted by the Ultras in the documentary is feeling like part of a family where ordinary cares of life are temporarily thrust aside with Ultras caring for each other in an imaginary familial web. They enter a different reality.
They are youthful and almost exclusively men fuelled by pride and litres of beer although the intoxication may be tribally induced more than through alcohol.
If there is one line of ultra significance it is from a Swedish Ultra stating Ultras make you more than a spectator. You become part of the match and in many ways “bigger than what happens on the pitch”.
You must have seen them on the telly in the stands unfurling massive tifos, singing and waving their hands in choregraphed fashion. But you may have seen and watched on the news the occasional violence of soccer fans but are they Ultras or legless lager lout hooligans manipulating high emotions?
As Ultras are young men in a macho movement some feel they represent a threat to the political order and police “control” is no more than provocation justifying police repression. Is it, as in Morocco where poverty, lack of housing and poor medical care a breeding ground for anti-power structure anger?
We have professional football in North America but it is distant and marginal compared to North American football, hockey and baseball. The documentary should be of keen interest to North American audiences who will be well rewarded with “Ultras” making its North American premiere at Toronto Hot Docs on 30April and 1May2025.
It is a story solely from the mouths of the Ultras and your conclusion may be Ultras transcend being a football fan. It is far deeper than that simplicity. It is a way of life founded in alienation, loneliness and powerlessness. Being an Ultra makes its cadres feel as if they are somebodies in some societies treating them as nobodies and treats them as such. Their fanaticism, marching, singing and costuming (particularly in Poland) has a chilling analogy to Hitler rallies.
This Swedish, Finnish and Danish 89-minute documentary is by Ragnhild Ekner.
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 