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. The program is also available to other film festivals and cinematheques.
Next Screening
A Useful Ghost
Directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, written by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke and Geoffroy Grison, 2025, Thailand
March 13, 2026
Nat, a young female ghost, refuses to accept death and possesses a vacuum cleaner in her quest to find her husband, March. Accepted as a good ghost, her role becomes uncovering the identities of wandering spirits throughout Thailand and sending them to the afterlife.
Canadian filmmaker Carol Nguyen will discuss the use of ghosts in storytelling, the morality of ghostbusting, and what haunts us.
Wild DIamond
Directed and written by Agathe Riedinger, 2024, France
March 22, 2025
Liane, 19, lives with her mother and sister in Fréjus in the south of France. Consumed by aspirations of beauty and stardom, she auditions for a reality show called "Miracle Island.”
Canadian filmmaker Jamie Miller joined Tish for a talk about the pressures and expectations put on young women, the extremes they’re willing to go to, and how we see this portrayed in films.
Tiger Stripes
Directed by Amanda Nell Eu, written by Amanda Nell Eu, Samm Haillay, 2023, Malaysia
March 16, 2024
The first amongst her friends to hit puberty, Zaffan, 12, discovers a terrifying secret about her body. Ostracized by her community, Zaffan fights back, learning that to be free she must embrace the body she feared, emerging as a proud, strong woman.
Critic and curator Saffron Maeve joined Tish for a talk about the inherent power of girls.
The Venus Effect
Directed by Anna Emma Haudal, written by Anna Emma Haudal and Marie Limkilde, 2021, Denmark
August 23, 2023
Liv is in her early 20s. She works in the family greengrocer business in the provinces when, without warning, she falls in love with the spirited and tempestuous Andrea.
Canadian filmmaker Jessie Posthumus joined Tish for a talk about queerness, family, and coming out.
Maya Nilo (Laura)
Directed and written by Lovisa Sirén, 2022, Sweden
March 18, 2023
Driving through five countries, sisters Maya and Nilo, and Nilo’s daughter Laura, are heading from their home in Stockholm to their mother’s home in Portugal, all with their own motives for the trip.
Canadian filmmaker Emily Diana Ruth joined Tish for a talk about the complexities of women’s inter-generational familial relationships.
Aren’t You Happy?
Directed and written by Susanne Heinrich, 2019, Germany
June 23, 2022
A girl roams through the city looking for a place to sleep, but between yoga studios, art galleries and the beds of strangers there is no space for her. A postmodern comedy in pastel pink and blue.
Canadian video essayist Maia Wyman (aka Broey Deschanel) joined Tish for a talk about the disillusioned modern woman in film.
Leading Ladies
Directed and written by Ruth Caudeli, 2021, Colombia
January 27, 2022
A welcome dinner is the excuse to discover that we always keep a secret from who know us the best. Five points of view that show us that each of these five girls tries, as best they can, to lead their own lives.
Filmmaker Rebecca Shoptaw joined Tish for a talk about perspectives in storytelling.
Sweetheart
Directed and written by Marley Morrison, 2021, UK
August 5, 2021
A socially awkward, environmentally conscious misfit named AJ becomes unexpectedly captivated by a chlorine smelling, sun-loving lifeguard named Isla whilst on a depressing caravan holiday with her family.
Ottawa filmmaker Jed Nabwangu joined Tish for a talk about teen angst on screen.
The Planters
Directed and written by Alexandra Kotcheff and Hannah Leder, 2019, USA
December 3, 2020
Awkward telemarketer Martha Plant lives a lonely existence burying treasure and eating split pea soup. When she takes in a vagrant with multiple personalities, she discovers having three friends in one may be more than she can handle.
Ottawa film critic Di Golding joined Tish for a talk about female friendships on screen.