Richard Crouse

Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival Returns to Toronto’s
Assembly Hall April 20 and 21

– Tickets on sale Friday, March 23 at 10 a.m. ET on www.lakeshorts.ca –Toronto, ON (March 13, 2018) – Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival returns for its 8^th edition this spring, bringing the world of remarkable independent shorts to Toronto’s Lake Shore. The Festival, produced by Fifth Ground Entertainment Inc. in association with Lakeshore Arts, will celebrate 16 short films that range from thought-provoking dramas to charismatic comedies at The Assembly Hall (1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive) on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21, 2018.

Running for two evenings, the Festival will showcase some of the best independent short films from right here at home and around the world, including Apart from Everything (Canada, 19 mins) starring Tatiana Maslany as a women trying to reintegrate back into society after a two year absence and a recent stint in rehab; Jessica Jessica (Canada, 13 mins), a film about two friends with the same name and the depressing and hilarious truth of how hard it is to be a woman who wants to settle down, but won’t settle; and Second Best (Australia, 20 mins), a dark comedy about identical twins and their unbreakable bond, no matter what might try and come between them.

For a full list of films, please visit www.lakeshorts.ca.

On Friday, April 20, the focus will be on works of established and emerging Canadian filmmakers at the Scotiabank Loved and Local evening hosted by renowned film critic Richard Crouse. The AGF Gala on Saturday, April 21 will showcase international and award-winning short films and will be hosted by acclaimed actor Rick Roberts (Saving Hope, Republic of Doyle, Rookie Blue). Blue carpet arrivals for Scotiabank Loved and Local and the AGF Gala will commence at 6:30 p.m. followed by a pre-performance reception. The screenings will begin at 7:45 p.m.

Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival is helmed by husband and wife duo, actress Michelle Nolden, a Canadian Screen Award winner best known for her work on Designated Survivor, Impulse, Saving Hope and The Time Traveller’s Wife; and Fifth Ground Entertainment Inc.’s Chris Szarka.

“What started as a small grassroots initiative, has quickly grown into an annual favourite,” said Nolden. “We are pleased to continue to bring a diverse slate of though-provoking independent short films to Toronto audiences who share our passion for cinema.”

Tickets for the Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival go on sale Friday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Tickets for the Scotiabank Loved and Local evening are $45 and tickets to the AGF Gala and after-party are $65, both available for purchase online at www.lakeshorts.ca.

Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival is partnering with The Assembly Hall and the City of Toronto Arts and Culture to help support and develop local artists. The Festival acknowledges outstanding achievement for featured short films through awards donated by local sponsors Agency 71, Assembly Hall, Cinespace, City of Toronto, Post City Sound, Scotiabank, SteamWhistle and William F. White.

For more information and highlights from past editions of Lakeshorts, please visit www.lakeshorts.ca or follow @LakeshortsFilm on Twitter.

About Lakeshore Arts
Celebrating 25 years serving South Etobicoke communities, Lakeshore Arts is a community arts organization that strives to build a more vibrant community through the integration of arts and culture into all aspects of life for those who live, work and visit the Lakeshore. A not for profit charity that believes that art transcends barriers and fosters the social and holistic well-being of a community. Their programming reflects the community they serve and strives to engage all peoples through multi-disciplinary, accessible and inclusive art experiences.