Richard Crouse

After reviewing over one hundred submissions, a distinguished jury has selected a diverse slate of 17 short films from six different countries, ranging from inspirational dramas to sidesplitting comedies, for the seventh annual Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival. The Festival, produced by Fifth Ground Entertainment Inc. in association with Lakeshore Arts, will celebrate its seventh year at The Assembly Hall at 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, 2017.

Once again bringing the world of vanguard independent short filmmaking to Toronto’s lakeshore, Lakeshorts will feature homebred Canadian films such as Becoming Wigglesworth, a fun tale about taking a chance in life and doing what one really wants to do and Son, a poignant drama from Luxembourg which tells the story of a father who cannot come to terms with his son being in a coma.

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

On Friday, May 5, the focus will be on the Scotiabank Loved and Local selections, featuring the works of local, emerging filmmakers and hosted by renowned film critic Richard Crouse. The AGF Gala on Saturday, May 6 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 the AGF Gala will commence at 6:30pm followed by a pre-performance reception. The screening will begin at 7:45pm.

Lakeshorts is spearheaded by Artistic Director Michelle Nolden, a recent Canadian Screen Award nominee for her role as Dr. Dawn Bell in CTV’s Saving Hope and is produced by Fifth Ground Entertainment Inc.’s Chris Szarka.

“As South Etobicoke residents who are passionate about film, we are honoured to continue to bring a diverse offering of thought-provoking independent short films to Toronto audiences,” said Nolden. “Our hope is that film-goers will feel transported and inspired.”

Tickets for the Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival go on sale Friday, April 7 at 12:00pm ET. Tickets for the Scotiabank Loved and Local evening are $40 and tickets to the AGF Gala and after-party are $65, both available for purchase online at www.lakeshorts.ca. Door prizes offered include Samsung devices and virtual reality headsets, products and services from The Aries Group and a bicycle from Oxygen Bike Co.

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, Deluxe, Post City Sound, Scotiabank, SteamWhistle and William F. White.

For more information and highlights from Lakeshorts 2016, please visit www.lakeshorts.ca or follow @LakeshortsFilm on Twitter.