Canadian filmmakers Matt Johnson and Kazik Radwanski believe that Canadian cinema is not taking enough risks. The duo, known for their work on the relationship drama “Matt and Mara,” feel that many Canadian films shown at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) are handled with caution by local critics. Their film, which stars Johnson as a novelist reentering the life of his ex, was made without a formal script, with actors improvising and creating the story during filming. Johnson, who directed “BlackBerry,” wants to see Canadian filmmakers be more daring and push creative boundaries.
Both Radwanski and Johnson have received acclaim for their work in the Canadian film scene, with Radwanski winning the Toronto Film Critics Award in 2020 for “Anne at 13,000 ft.” and Johnson for “BlackBerry” in 2023. Despite their success, they feel that this year’s TIFF is lacking in young Canadian filmmakers who are willing to take risks and innovate creatively. Johnson criticizes the Canadian film industry, stating that Canadian films are often treated with caution, both by critics and film festivals like TIFF. He believes that Canadian filmmakers need to be more daring and push the boundaries of their creativity in order to make more impactful and memorable films.
Johnson’s view is that Canadian filmmakers need to break away from mediocrity and embark on more daring and innovative paths in their film projects. He suggests that there may be a tendency to be too lenient with Canadian films, leading to a lack of groundbreaking and boundary-pushing work. Despite his criticisms, however, Johnson does not advocate for reducing the number of Canadian films shown at TIFF. Instead, he hopes for a shift towards more daring and crazy filmmaking from Canadian creators. By embracing risk-taking and experimentation, Canadian filmmakers have the potential to create more dynamic and impactful films that stand out on the international stage.
The pair, who are considered key figures in the new wave of Canadian cinema, have both made significant contributions to the industry in recent years. Their unorthodox approach to filmmaking, with a focus on improvisation and organic storytelling, has garnered attention and accolades. However, they believe that the current landscape of Canadian cinema at events like TIFF lacks the boldness and risk-taking that could propel the industry forward. Their call for Canadian filmmakers to be more daring and take creative risks is a rallying cry for the industry to evolve and produce work that is more innovative and impactful.
In conclusion, Canadian filmmakers Matt Johnson and Kazik Radwanski are advocating for a bolder and more daring approach to filmmaking in Canada. They feel that Canadian cinema has become too safe and predictable, with filmmakers needing to take more risks and push creative boundaries in order to stand out. Despite their own success, they believe that the current crop of Canadian films at events like TIFF lacks the innovation and boldness needed to make a significant impact. By encouraging Canadian filmmakers to be more daring and do more crazy stuff, Johnson and Radwanski hope to inspire a new wave of creativity and excitement in the Canadian film industry.
