Festival Highlights: Rendezvous with Madness 2024
The Rendezvous with Madness Festival returns for its 32nd edition, running from October 25 to November 3, with a lineup that beautifully explores the intersections of mental health and artistic expression. As the world’s longest-running festival of its kind, Rendezvous With Madness continues to break ground with feature films, short programs, live performances, and a visual art exhibition—all designed to spark essential conversations.
HERE’S A LIST OF SOME HIGHLIGHTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:
Opening Night Film: “WaaPaKe (Tomorrow)”
Date: October 25 @ 6:30 PM | CAMH Auditorium
The festival kicks off with WaaPaKe (Tomorrow), a deeply personal documentary from Cree filmmaker Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin. Koostachin reflects on the impact of residential school trauma within her own family, confronting intergenerational wounds while contemplating her role as a mother. This emotional film, which premiered at VIFF 2023, asks the poignant question: “Who are we without our pain?”
•Pro Tip: The film is also available to stream on the NFB site, ensuring accessibility across Canada.
Centerpiece Documentary: “My Dad’s Tapes”
Date: October 30 @ 6:30 PM | CAMH Auditorium
Directed by Kurtis Watson, this documentary reflects on the lingering questions following his father’s suicide 14 years earlier. Using a collection of home videos, Watson takes viewers on a journey of reconciliation and discovery. This film earned a spot in the Top 20 Audience Favourites at Hot Docs 2023, making it a must-see.
Live Performances and Special Events
•Public Speaking Through Comedy: October 31 @ 10:00 PM | Tranzac Club
Celebrate Halloween with a night of laughs as Toronto-based MalPensando brings to life the culmination of an 8-week comedy program.
•Rhythm of the Night – Music Showcase & Night Market: November 2 @ 8:00 PM | Tranzac Club
A night of music, dancing, and community with performances curated by Smoking Room Only. Explore the mini-night market featuring Workman Arts members.
•We Lost You A Long Time Ago – Dance Performance: November 1 @ 8:00 PM | Tranzac Club
Presented by Nicole Decsey Dance Projects, this moving piece reflects on friendship, mental illness, and the grieving process, opening for the feature film Peter Doherty: Stranger in My Own Skin.
Visual Art Exhibition: “The Looms We Resemble”
Opening Reception: November 3, 3-5 PM | CAMH Auditorium
Exhibition Dates: November 3 – December 9
Curated by Fatma Hendawy, this textile-based exhibit explores themes of belonging, healing, and ancestry. Works by six artists, created in collaboration during a weaving class, emphasize the importance of shared experiences and slow, intentional creation.
More Festival Highlights
•“Drive Back Home” – October 26 @ 8:00 PM | CAMH Auditorium
This narrative feature from Michael Clowater is inspired by true events. It follows a rural plumber as he drives 1,000 miles to bail his estranged brother out of jail. The film, which recently won Audience Choice at Calgary FF, explores family, acceptance, and reconciliation.
•“A Man Imagined” – October 27 @ 5:00 PM | CAMH Auditorium
This visually arresting documentary from acclaimed filmmakers Brian M. Cassidy and Melanie Shatzky follows a homeless man with schizophrenia in Montreal, offering an intimate and empathetic portrayal of his life.
•“Malu” – October 27 @ 7:15 PM | CAMH Auditorium
In this powerful Brazilian film, director Pedro Freire explores motherhood and intergenerational trauma through the lens of emotional chaos and healing.
Short Film Programs
•If You Ask Me (IYAM): November 1 @ 5:30 PM | Tranzac Club
Featuring short films by emerging filmmakers with lived mental health and addiction experiences, this world-premiere program celebrates diverse storytelling.
•Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Shorts: October 31 @ 5:30 PM | Tranzac Club
A special showcase of short films from the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, exploring the theme of In/Visible and followed by a panel discussion.
Inclusive and Accessible Programming
The Rendezvous With Madness Festival is committed to making all events accessible and inclusive. Active Listeners will be available at every screening to provide emotional support, and select programs will offer ASL interpretation.
Tickets are pay-what-you-wish and can be reserved online or at the box office, which opens one hour before showtime.
Join the Conversation
Rendezvous With Madness is more than just a festival—it’s a platform for connection and conversation. With films, performances, and art installations designed to challenge assumptions and foster empathy, it offers a safe space to explore the intersection of mental health and creativity.
Don’t miss out—join us from October 25 to November 3 and be part of this extraordinary experience! Click here to learn more
Check the trailer for Rendezvous with Madness 2024 below
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