Soon to embark on its 16th year, the Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival will be celebrating this historic anniversary from November 6 – 15th, 2008.
The Festival's mandate is to:
- Explore the facts and mythologies of mental illness and addiction as presented through film, with a special focus on Ontario and Canadian filmmakers,
- Facilitate discussion about these cinematic representations,
- Provide filmmakers with the opportunity to screen films that may otherwise not be seen, and
- Increase awareness, and advocacy for mental health and addiction issues and concerns
RWM has a long history of showcasing the work of filmmakers whose art explores madness and addiction. In previous years the Festival has showcased its diversity in work from artists such as Sturla Gunnarsson (Beowulf & Grendel), Guy Maddin (The Saddest Music in the World), Peter Raymont (Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Roméo Dallaire), Todd Solondz (Happiness) and Stewart Stern (Rebel Without a Cause), all of whom have also participated in post screening panel discussions.
Each of the festival's themed programmes includes a grouping of films and panel discussions or workshops involving filmmakers, artists and people with professional and personal experience with mental illness and addiction. The panel discussions provide context and encourage discussion about the images presented. Past panellists have included Dr. Sophie Freud, renowned Anton Kuerti, acclaimed singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk and Three Days Grace singer Adam Gontier.
Thank you for inviting me to 'Rendezvous With Madness'. I could not make it to the Festival because I'm trying to avoid a rendezvous with madness myself. I greatly appreciate the importance of the Festival.
From my own experience, even as a young boy I have been aware of my addictive nature. Because of this awareness, I can safely say I am an alcoholic and not just a 'drunkard'.
I believe the festival is one of the most important in the world and I am proud to be a participant.
Thank you so much.
- Ryan Larkin, Oscar© nominated Canadian Animator
Please consider supporting the Festival by becoming a Friend of Rendezvous with Madness.
