Created along with IFFO in 2020 by IFFO programmer Tish Black, The Gaze series brings the audience into the screening experience to discuss films from underrepresented filmmakers.
Originally focusing on women’s representation (formerly known as “The Female Gaze”), programmer Tish Black expanded the idea to encompass what the series was really about: bringing the audience into the screening experience to discuss what they see on screen. Whether the audience sees themselves represented in the identities and experiences of the characters on screen or are being exposed to people and worlds very unlike their own, the post-screening discussions bring everyone together to share their perspectives with Tish and a guest from the film industry.
Previous guests include Canadian filmmakers Emily Diana Ruth and Jessie Posthumus, film critics Di Golding and Saffron Maeve, and YouTube sensation Broey Deschanel. Audiences have shared personal stories, debated what the so-called female gaze is, and learned more about filmmaking.
Tish continues the series every IFFO, bringing a thought-provoking film and a knowledgeable guest to spark inspired discussions with the audience.