Canadian Crossing

2023 TIFF preview

TIFF 2023 — the 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival — runs today through September 17.

The collection of films from around the world starts tonight with the opening night (non-Canadian) film The Boy and the Heron from Hayao Miyazaki.

Bell announced last month that this TIFF will be the final one of its sponsorship after a 28-year arrangement. The decision was announced as mutual. Bell cited the need to "invest in other opportunities that are core to our business.”

That could be tied to the larger presence of Netflix at the Toronto International Film Festival, given Bell's interest in Crave. That could be due to the many cuts at Bell Media in the past few years.

The Bell Lightbox, the theatre at 350 King Street West in Toronto, will likely get a new name in 2024.

We are focused on the films, especially the Canadian films. One element that will be missing from TIFF 2023 is the lack of famous actors roaming the streets of Toronto. Directors can promote their films but not the actors due to the ongoing SAG/AFTRA strike. Some of those directors are also known as actors. Writers also can't promote their work but writers sadly aren't as famous as the actors who say their words.

Amanda Seyfried is starring in Seven Veils from Atom Egoyan, which will be at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. "@sagaftra has given us a waiver to promote this fully, magically independent Canadian movie but it doesn't feel right to head to the fest in light of the strike." — the actor said on Instagram.

We support fully the combined strikes of writers and actors. We understand and support Seyfried's decision.

2023 TIFF Rising Stars

We are excited to see the class of 2023 TIFF Rising Stars in their films this fall: Amrit Kaur, Cody Lightning, Kudakwashe Rutendo, and Mark Clennon. We don't know about any of them other than what we have read. There is an excitement to that approach.

2023 TIFF Canadian film preview

While Molly McGlynn's second feature Fitting In will have that title at TIFF 2023, the film will be released as Bloody Hell. Regardless of the title, this film is on my list, especially with Emily Hampshire playing the mother role.

CanadianCrossing.com film coverage

The running joke with the American films that play at TIFF is that they end up in regular theatres shortly after they run at TIFF.

Regardless of country origin, the resale value via Ticketmaster is growing to be extremely ridiculous. There is a novelty to seeing a film before most people but there is a monetary limit to the value of that accomplishment.

This ruins the spirit of a film festival where the joy of film is celebrated.

The spike isn't likely to hit the Canadian films at TIFF 2023 so you can enjoy them at regular prices.

Rojek is Canada's entry into the Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film

There is not a requirement that the Canada entry into the Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film play at the Toronto International Film Festival. This year's entry could use a boost that TIFF can provide.

Are you ready to rock n’ roll?

Toronto’s biggest street party kicks off Sept 7–10 with performances from @Nickelback, @MichieBadgalMee, and a #TIFFNextWave Block Party, presented by @Snapchat, featuring STRANGER THINGS star Finn Wolfhard's band The Aubreys. #TIFF23 pic.twitter.com/OuWsPgdfyc

— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) August 31, 2023

We noted the upcoming documentary Hate To Love: Nickelback at TIFF about the Canadian band people love to hate. If you are an actual fan of the band, Nickelback will play as part of the Block Party this weekend in Toronto. If somehow you've never heard of Nickleback or wouldn't know any of their songs, you can find out for yourself by watching them live.

There are other bands, too, so you don't have to see Nickleback if that makes your stomach more nauseous than riding the Ferris wheel at the CNE after filling up on fair food.

Join us at @TIFF_NET Festival Street this weekend for a reel good time as we dive into the world of Canadian film trivia — test your knowledge, show off your cinephile skills, and win some EPIC prizes along the way! 🏆🍁 pic.twitter.com/btEjY1J4KR

— REEL CANADA 🍁 (@REELCANADA) September 5, 2023

You had me at Canadian film trivia. Would love to know the questions. As much as I know, we can always learn more about Canadian film.

When TIFF concentrated on Canadian films for the opening night film

The Boy and the Heron from Hayao Miyazaki is the opening night film for TIFF 2023. The last Canadian film to open TIFF remains Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band, the Robbie Robertson documentary in 2019. Robertson passed away last month at the age of 80.

That is the 10th Canadian film to get the opening night status since 2000, though the first since 2010.

• Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band (2019)
• Score: A Hockey Musical (2010)
• Passchendaele (2008)
• Fugitive Pieces (2007)
• The Journals of Knud Rasmussen (2006)
• Water (2005)
• The Barbarian Invasions (2003)
• Ararat (2002)
• Last Wedding (2001)
• Stardom (2000)

Denys Arcand had 2 films on the list: Stardom (2000) and The Barbarian Invasions (2003). 2 films reached the Oscars Top 5 cut for what is now the Best International Feature Film: The Barbarian Invasions (2003) and Water (2005). The Barbarian Invasions (2003) is the only Canadian film to win an Academy Award in that category.

We have seen all of these films except for Fugitive Pieces (2007) and The Journals of Knud Rasmussen (2006).

Highly sincere question for @TIFF_net and @TIFF_Industry. Why has the Best Canadian First Feature Film award disappeared from #TIFF. Great way to reward debut feature filmmakers. #cdnfilm https://t.co/Bu8xGnYBJW #TIFF23

— Chad Rubel (@canadian_xing) August 25, 2023

We ask very little from TIFF in terms of Canadian films. TIFF picked a similar type Canadian film in name only (to Rojek) as the Best Canadian Feature Film last year in To Kill A Tiger. Rooting for a Canadian film that feels like a Canadian film to win that award at TIFF 23.

The streak continues where TIFF has stopped the Best Canadian First Feature Film, last handed out in 2019. That was helpful to encourage young Canadian filmmakers.

TIFF 2023 starts today and runs through September 17.

photo credit: TIFF
Instagram post: mingey
Twitter captures: @TIFF_NET;  @REELCANADA; @canadian_xing

2023 Civic Holiday notebook: Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau get a separation

‘This is really sad’: Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau draw attention and sympathy as they announce separation https://t.co/MbPbfDk3qT

— Toronto Star (@TorontoStar) August 2, 2023

Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, and his wife Sophie Grégoire announced a separation this past week. The couple have been married since 2005. The couple have 3 children: Xavier (born 2007), Ella-Grace (2009), and Hadrien (2014).

The couple met again as adults. Grégoire was a classmate and childhood friend of Trudeau's late brother, Michel.

We are consistent in the sense that a separation is just that and to give said couple respect for the process.

William Lyon Mackenzie King and R.B. Bennett were Canadian prime ministers who never married. Sir Mackenzie Bowell was a widower. Kim Campbell was freshly divorced before taking on the role as prime minister in 1993. You might recall The Twentieth Century was about William Lyon Mackenzie King.

Canadian film review: The Twentieth Century

The most obvious comparison is the prime minister's father Pierre Trudeau. The elder Trudeau was not married when he took office in 1968. Trudeau and Margaret Sinclair were married on March 4, 1971. The couple were separated on May 27, 1977 yet did not divorce until April 2, 1984, a couple of months before Trudeau left office for the final time on June 30, 1984.

As we have seen, comparing the two Trudeau prime ministers is an exercise in failure.

Even before this announcement, there has been speculation as to whether Trudeau will hand the reins over to Chrystia Freeland before the next scheduled election in October 2025. There is no "First Lady" concept in Canada, unlike the United States.

We wish the couple of best of luck in working out a solution, politics aside.

We’re ready for it.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 3, 2023

Taylor Swift ignored Canada in recent announcement on her Eras tour in North America. Finally, Canada has been included for Taylor Swift fans … just until late in 2024.

The American singer-songwriter will play Rogers Centre for 6 dates in November 2024: November 14-16 and November 21-23.

We imagine that Swifties in western New York might find an advantage in seeing her in Toronto: the tickets would be cheaper with the exchange rate between U.S. and Canadian currencies.

We've written about Ottawa's light rail troubles and Toronto's confusion over light rail thanks to Ford Nation. Montréal has a new light-rail system, the REM. There are a few open stops with many more to come.

So far, you can get from Broussard on the South Shore to Gare Centrale. Eventually, the light rail will serve Trudeau Airport, a welcome addition to the Montréal transportation infrastructure.

The trip into downtown should reduce traffic on the Champlain Bridge, a route known for heavy travel from the south suburbs into downtown Montréal.

The Metro in Montréal is a very good system if where you need to go is along the system. Bus service in Montréal isn't bad but surprisingly sparse in the arrivals.

Construction moves slower than the old Grade B maple syrup in Quebec. At least we have some progress in the light rail in Montréal.

CanadianCrossing.com journalism coverage

Meta (Facebook) and eventually Google will deprive Canadians of news from Canada via their platforms thanks to Bill C-18. This should eventually get settled on some level but childish acts need to, somehow, be a part of this. 

We will have more tomorrow on this topic. Stay tuned.

CanadianCrossing.com Canadian politics coverage

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CanadianCrossing.com travel coverage

CanadianCrossing.com Quebec coverage

"Americans" complain that there are no holidays in August. Canada, well, most of Canada, celebrates a civic holiday on the first Monday in August. The name depends on where you are: Civic Holiday in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. British Columbia Day, New Brunswick Day, and Saskatchewan Day are obvious.

The holiday is also Heritage Day (Alberta), Natal Day (Nova Scotia), and Terry Fox Day (Manitoba). There are different names in some Ontario cities, such as Simcoe Day (Toronto), John Galt Day (Guelph), and Colonel By Day (Ottawa).

Enjoy the holiday wherever you are in Canada. Canadian summers are too short.

Twitter captures: @TorontoStar; @JustinTrudeau
photo credits: @JustinTrudeau; Réseau express métropolitain

CFL in Halifax: 2023 Touchdown Atlantic observations

The Toronto Argonauts went 6-0 in the CFL by beating the Saskatchewan Roughriders 31-13 at the 2023 edition of Touchdown Atlantic at Huskies Stadium in Halifax. Toronto had an offensive touchdown, a DaShaun Amos Pick 6, and a Javon Leake punt return touchdown.

The Roughriders finally scored a late touchdown after Jake Dolegala replaced Mason Fine at quarterback. The two combined for 402 passing yards yet had little to show as a result.

What we really care about was the impact of Touchdown Atlantic 2023 and a possible future for the Atlantic Schooners and a 10th CFL team.

#TDAtlantic: The Motion Picture. pic.twitter.com/YI1ChlACtg

— CFL (@CFL) July 30, 2023

If you have been to a sporting event in a downtown stadium — think SkyDome in Toronto, BC Place in Vancouver, TD Place in Ottawa, even Mosaic Stadium in Regina — there is a joy to be within walking distance of restaurants and bars after that sporting event. The game ended just before 8 pm Atlantic time with plenty of time for a lovely dinner or hearing live music in a bar.

The crowd could easily walk to places in downtown Halifax. In 2022, the fans might have driven 90 km back to Halifax but that is the not the same feeling.

Being in Halifax, not Wolfville on Moncton, is part of the point. Downtown Halifax is easy to get around, though uphill is a concern if you have had a few drinks.

The 11,555 crowd is slightly larger than Halifax is used to hosting for events. Halifax and Moncton co-hosted the 2023 World Juniors hockey tournament. Scotiabank Centre (the former Halifax Metro Centre) seats just under 11,000. The idea is to have 9 days where Halifax draws such a crowd. There is a difference between an occasional tournament in the middle of winter versus summer evenings.

"We certainly haven't been shy in making the point that we would really like to be here. We think this is a perfect market for the CFL. We believe we would have a big, very positive contribution to this community and frankly to all of Atlantic Canada," CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said.

"But at some point, you have to say, we’ve tried and done everything we can. I’d like to believe that when all is said and done, the region knows that we love being here, that we respect everything about them and we’d like to be part of their community. But at some point, they have to kind of pull us in the rest of the way.”

This is not Ambroisie's fault in this regard. The CFL played several games in Moncton and even Wolfville before coming to Halifax in the regular season. Let's see how being in Halifax makes an impact on a potential Atlantic Schooners team.

Sue Linnen is battling life-threatening cancer but that didn’t stop the Regina fan from travelling across the country to watch the Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Toronto Argonauts at Touchdown Atlantic in Nova Scotia on Saturday.https://t.co/gFCG0oA4ka

— CBC Nova Scotia (@CBCNS) July 29, 2023

We talk about how well the Saskatchewan Roughriders fanbase travels for road games. This was a really beautiful story. We hope Sue Linnen, her husband, and her loved ones enjoyed that experience of seeing the Roughriders in Atlantic Canada.

2023 CFL Week 8 preview: Touchdown Atlantic finally comes to Halifax

We mentioned the Nova Scotia history with Roughriders kicker Brett Lauther (born in Truro and played for Saint Mary's). Toronto offensive lineman Gregor MacKellar was born in Timberlea and both MacKellar and linebacker Henoc Muamba played at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish.

Lauther had the opening kickoff and then didn't appear on the field until kicking a field goal with 5:43 left in the 3rd quarter. Lauther ended up with 7 points with an added field goal and extra point. Glad Lauther got to score on his old university field.

Touchdown Atlantic 2023 preview: CFL finally comes to Halifax

3 Down Nation had a nice summary of the 2 viable locations for a potential home for the Atlantic Schooners in Halifax. The distance is about 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) walking from the Wanderers Grounds just north of Sackville Street to Huskies Stadium on Saint Mary's University campus. The walk is downhill from the Wanderers Grounds, uphill from Huskies Stadium.

The consensus is that Wanderers Grounds has a better footprint and is closer to nearby establishments. Huskies Stadium has a few advantages, such as not being on city property.

Duane Forde and Rod Smith talked about the legacy of Huskies Stadium in terms of university football. We tend to believe them but you couldn't really tell that from watching Touchdown Atlantic 2023. Also, if that were true, then Huskies Stadium would have more than 2,000 for its normal capacity.

The expansion to 11,000 looked really tight. The vast majority of seating was on the west side. The east side seats looked more intimate than the west side seats. An expansion might mean getting rid of the track, which would increase intimacy in watching an Atlantic Schooners game.

There is still the thought of a split schedule, where Croix-Bleue Medavie Stadium in Moncton could share games with Huskies Stadium in Halifax. The NFL Green Bay Packers played 2-3 home games each year in Milwaukee from 1934–1994. Both stadiums would need a seating expansion.

A Halifax stadium could be a quality home to the Atlantic Schooners, Halifax Wanderers FC, Saint Mary's University, and various outdoor events. That would seem to be enough to justify an outdoor stadium.

CanadianCrossing.com CFL coverage

TSN had a screenshot of the panel in Halifax in 2005 for the preseason game at Huskies Stadium. Dave Randorf was the host with Matt Dunigan, the late Chris Schultz, and Jock Climie. The panel was there in Halifax in 2023 with Kate Beirness, Dunigan, Milt Stegall, and Davis Sanchez. Stegall mentioned "cheap lobster" in the preview. The seafood is so good out in Nova Scotia.

We even saw Dunigan on the Toronto sidelines during the game.

The CFL on TSN panel has been live in Vancouver and Halifax, showing the coast-to-coast part of the coast-to-coast-to-coast part of Canada.

CBS Sports Network earned points just by not screwing up the telecast. The ESPN+ disaster of the 2022 version from Wolfville still burns in our collective minds.

photo credits: @CFL; @CEdwardsTSN
Twitter captures: @CFL; @CBCNS
map credit: Google

Touchdown Atlantic 2023 preview: CFL finally comes to Halifax

There is an excitement about finally having a regular season CFL game in Halifax. Then again, Nova Scotia has had extreme wildfires and now, massive flooding in the summer of 2023.

Touchdown Atlantic during the regular season has been in Moncton, New Brunswick and Wolfville, Nova Scotia in 2022. Croix-Bleue Medavie Stadium, formerly Moncton Stadium, hosted regular season games in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2019.

Halifax did host a CFL exhibition game in 2005. The city was scheduled to host another preseason game in 2006 but that was cancelled thanks to the folding of the Ottawa Renegades.

The CFL scheduled a Touchdown Atlantic in 2020 in Halifax but we all know what happened to that game.

There were other CFL preseason games out east before the Touchdown Atlantic concept was born. Saint John, New Brunswick, hosted exhibition games in 1986 and 1987. The 1986 crowd was a sellout at 11,463 fans at Canada Games Stadium. The Ottawa Renegades and Montréal Alouettes had an exhibition game in Quebec City in 2003 at PEPS Stadium in front of 10,358.

Touchdown Atlantic 2022 showcased Nova Scotia and its love for the CFL

2022 CFL Week 6 preview: Touchdown Atlantic comes to Wolfville, NS

CFL finally puts a regular season game in Nova Scotia

Riderville at TDA, the Pre-game Tailgate and more.

Events at this month's #TDAtlantic have been announced ⤵️#CFL https://t.co/WFJErssd0Z

— CFL (@CFL) July 20, 2023

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be the road team and the Toronto Argonauts will be the home team in Halifax on Saturday. These were the same 2 teams that played in Wolfville in 2022.

The CFL has a number of family friendly events surrounding the 2023 version of Touchdown Atlantic.

Saskatchewan kicker Brett Lauther played his university football at St. Mary's Stadium in Halifax, home of the 2023 Touchdown Atlantic game. Lauther is from Truro, Nova Scotia. Toronto linebacker Hénoc Muamba played for St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Though Muamba will be on the sidelines for this game, being back in Nova Scotia is a thrill for him.

Atlantic Schooners: the mysterious CFL team has a name and an ideal location in Halifax. The success of the Wanderers FC club leads to visions of a shared stadium. If you build it, they will come. Building the stadium has been the most difficult part of a possible 10th CFL team in Atlantic Canada.

Chris Cuthbert picks Stanley Cup final over TSN, jumps to Rogers Sportsnet

Chris Cuthbert called the exhibition game in Halifax for TSN in 2005. Cuthbert got to call a Grey Cup for every CFL team during his time at CBC and TSN. All the boxes have been checked, except for a regular season game in Halifax.

There is a soft spot for sneaking Cuthbert into the booth. We know the rivalry of Sportsnet and TSN wouldn't allow for a kind gesture.

CanadianCrossing.com Nova Scotia coverage

CanadianCrossing.com CFL coverage

CanadianCrossing.com travel coverage

Yes, the CFL wants a 10th team and for that team to be in Atlantic Canada. Nova Scotia should also want the CFL to draw in tourists to visit Halifax as well as elsewhere in the province. Nova Scotia is a gorgeous place to be. More Canadians and yes, Americans, should see how wonderful Halifax is to visit.

Your humble narrator has been to every single CFL city and Moncton. The chase for a CFL game likely led me to Moncton and Regina. I found other great things to do in all of these Canadian cities.

I've been to Nova Scotia a couple of times. There are plenty of great day trips from Halifax such as Lunenberg and Peggy's Cove. I would love to go back for this game.

Touchdown Atlantic is about football but discovery of Nova Scotia is also on the agenda. If you are in Halifax for the game, have a donair, a true lobster roll, and plenty of good fried seafood.

The 2023 version of Touchdown Atlantic airs at 4 pm EDT (5 pm Halifax time) on Saturday from St. Mary's Stadium in Halifax. TSN will have the game in Canada with CBS Sports Network airing the TSN feed in the United States. CFL+ will have the game outside those countries. 

photo credit, Twitter capture, and video credit: @CFL

Mourning the loss of The Main in Montreal

Ouch. Surprised at how much this hurts. An end to decades of The. Best. Smoked. Meat. In. Montreal. https://t.co/BQsZWjSNEt

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 9, 2023

I remember eating at The Main in Montréal in my travels. Excellent smoked meat. The best? I don't want to disagree with the prime minister of Canada. I liked the smoked meat at The Main and Schwartz's, across from each other on St. Laurent Boulevard in Montréal.

The fun in Montréal is the competition. The Main and Schwartz's for smoked meat. St-Viateur and Fairmount for bagels. While I don't have a smoked meat preference, I do have a bagel preference: St-Viateur.

Our sibling blog, BalanceofFood.com, took a look at the closure of The Main as part of a bigger restaurant when you lose one of your favourite restaurants.

Mourning the loss of your favorite restaurant (BalanceofFood.com)

The smoked meat battle was also about style. Schwartz's had more flash and style while The Main quietly went about its business. If the line at Schwartz's was too long, you could go across the street.

End of an era with closure of The Main, an iconic Montréal deli (The Current CBC Radio)

CanadianCrossing.com BalanceofFood.com coverage

CanadianCrossing.com food and drink coverage

CanadianCrossing.com travel coverage

I hope to get back to Montréal this summer. A city I adore and have not been there in too long. I have a list of favourites in Montréal and plan to try some places where I have never eaten.

Twitter capture: @JustinTrudeau
photo credit: CFCF Montréal/CTV News
video credit: YouTube/Educate@DIYdocufilms

Where to visit Canada in 2023

"The ArriveCAN app is optional." That might be the most glorious Canadian travel news of 2022.

We have feigned hope for more travel in the last couple of years but that hasn't been a reality. Canadians, who were vaccinated, were encouraged to come to the United States. Americans to Canada? Not so much.

Let's hope 2023 sees a return of Americans to Canada, swayed by beautiful scenery and landscapes as well as a cheap Canadian dollar.

Making up for lost travel time is an ideal goal for 2023, provided you have the time and money.

Experiencing marijuana tourism in Canada

Your humble narrator finally got to be on Canadian soil. As tempting as kissing the ground might be, didn't get that literal in my appreciation for being in Canada. Poutine, ketchup chips, butter tarts, even a decent shawarma were on the menu. All of that went well with legal marijuana in Canada.

Pope Francis I arrives in Canada on Sunday for an expected apology on residential schools

The most famous person who isn't Canadian who came to Canada in 2022 was Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church. The trip was mostly to Alberta with a brief stop in Quebec and an even briefer stop in Iqaluit in Nunavat.

The trip was good in that attention was brought to what happened in residential schools. Unfortunately, after the trip, the issue of reconciliation disappeared from the headlines.

Canada drops all COVID-19 measures at borders as of October 1

Canada to finally lift pre-arrival COVID-19 tests for air and land border crossings

Making travel plans for Canada in 2023 will be a lot easier now that restrictions have been lifted. You should be vaccinated but that isn't a requirement. Just a healthy suggestion.

Touchdown Atlantic 2022 showcased Nova Scotia and its love for the CFL

We are partial to Nova Scotia and happy for those who finally got to see a CFL game in that province. The 2023 version will be in Halifax proper. The donair is a beautiful local food to enjoy as well as amazing seafood.

Stanley Tucci has plenty of love for Toronto

Toronto, among many other Canadian cities, are great eating destinations. We aren't sure how many of those places are still in business. The pandemic did a lot of damage to restaurants.

Greyhound leaves Canada for good

If you want to travel by bus and haven't done so recently, Greyhound abandoned Canada in 2021 with the grand exception of incoming buses to Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver. If we travel by bus, we will share our experiences.

How the Canada-U.S. border closure has affected border towns

A trip back to Montréal. A first trip to Saskatoon. A chance to see relatively new CFL stadiums in Regina and Hamilton. The Icefield Parkway in Alberta. Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. Gander in Newfoundland. Churchill in Manitoba, though that might be a pipe dream. The interior of British Columbia, a world not Vancouver or Victoria.

I've been to Quebec City but would like to try areas of the city I didn't get to see. Stratford, Ontario as an adult: have been there as a kid. Explore the Acadian part of New Brunswick.

The previous 2 paragraphs look familiar for those who remember our 2022 travel guide. We made a trip to Windsor for the film festival. Would love to go deeper into Canada in 2023.

Where to visit Canada in 2022

Where to visit Canada in 2021

Where to visit Canada in 2020

Where to visit Canada in 2019

Where to visit Canada in 2018

Where to visit Canada in 2017

All Canada national parks are free in 2017

Where to visit Canada in 2016

Where to visit Canada in 2015

Where to visit Canada in 2014

Even if you are able to travel, right now, travel sucks. Not what it used to be or what it should be. Do research. Hope that trip will be what you want that to be. Someday. Please make it soon.

CanadianCrossing.com now has stories grouped by provinces and territories

CanadianCrossing.com border crossings coverage

CanadianCrossing.com travel coverage

Wish the short-term future was better for tourism in Canada. A day trip in Windsor would improve my mood.

Share your Canadian tourism wishes for 2023 in the comments section below. Time to make travel plans.

map credit: Ezilon.com

2022 WIFF Canadian films in review

The 2022 Windsor International Film Festival was a grand 11-day celebration of Canadian film. A plethora of Canadian film. Perhaps as many French Canadian films in a single festival as your humble narrator had seen in the previous 3 years. The wait between festivals was so very long.

We are repeating a split of English, French (and Spanish), and Documentaries. We even thought about having a separate column for the 2022 WIFF Prize in Canadian Film nominees; we will note those that qualified under that banner.

Grouping the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film entries in a 2-day period early in the festival meant a new significance for your humble narrator. I saw 4 Canadian films in a row (one of them not a WIFF prize nominee) to end the first Friday and 5 Canadian films in a row to end the first Saturday. That hasn't happened in the many years of attending the film festival.

There were also stretches without a Canadian film, as will happen over 11 days. As we noted, there were Canadian films in the festival that we had already seen and a few minor ones we were unable to view. We saw 9 of the 10 WIFF Prize in Canadian films entries with To Kill a Tiger drawing the odd straw out. I did see Falcon Lake before the festival (because of 10 films in 8 slots) and including that review.

Riceboy Sleeps wins the 2022 WIFF Prize in Canadian Film

The judges had a difficult decision in determining the 2022 WIFF Prize in Canadian film.

Our sentimental favourites from the list were I Like Movies, North of Normal, and Falcon Lake. When you get asked a lot on the streets of downtown Windsor "what have you liked so far?" — these titles kept coming out of my lips.

Brother, Riceboy Sleeps, and to a lesser extent, Eternal Spring were strong portrayals of difficult stories to tell. Norbourg was very straightforward, The Swearing Jar was a pleasant surprise, and Something You Said Last Night was the only real disappointment. Thoughts on To Kill a Tiger are still to come but since this was the most non-Canadian of the entries, the wait is just a reality.

2022 Windsor International Film Festival preview

The festival includes Canadian films we have already reviewed: The Grey Fox (1982), Indian Horse; and Peace By Chocolate. We did not get to see such titles as Unloved - Huronia's Forgotten Children and a local film, A Year in the Forest. There were Canadian film titles viewed outside of the festival that may receive a future review: Slash/Back definitely will get a review while there is a debate over The Last Tourist and Aline.

2022 TIFF wrapup

2019 WIFF Canadian films in review

CanadianCrossing.com film reviews

CanadianCrossing.com film coverage

We saw Women Talking during the festival and will explore that film with the opening of that film in U.S. theatres on Friday. I got to meet Sheila McCarthy at the end of the Q&A for the film. McCarthy was an absolute delight. Truly fun to hear a Canadian film star say there isn't a star system in the Canadian film world. We had a lovely chat about Cardinals, a Canadian film she described (and I concurred) as a film that didn't take off.

I jumped into a conversation of several people, including Maxime Giroux, who I met when he was promoting Felix et Meira. I told him I still wanted to see his previous film to Norbourg — La grande noirceur | The Great Darkened Days. Giroux told me that film is on Apple TV (in Canada).

One cool advantage to the WIFF Prize in Canadian film is that the directors want to come to Windsor to talk about their films.

We should note that the 2022 festival pass itself was comped for the first time in a very long time. We don't feel like that changed our interest in writing and tweeting about the Windsor International Film Festival. Disclosure is paramount.

photos credit: me

Overview English French Documentaries

Experiencing marijuana tourism in Canada

We have talked considerably about the idea that people would come to Canada to experience marijuana in a country where the drug is completely legal, regardless of where you are in the country.

The marijuana tourism idea got derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, where travel was difficult and getting into Canada had unnecessary barriers (ArriveCAN).

Having visited Windsor and being barely in Canada, I wanted to see what, if any, potential perils of purchasing pot there were in Canada.

Despite edibles being legal in Canada in the fall of 2019, Windsor didn't have any visible ways of getting them. The fall of 2022 was an entirely different scene. The average tourist would have 5-6 different places (at least) to purchase marijuana just in the downtown core.

Marijuana is legal in many locales in the United States. Missouri and Maryland just legalised marijuana in those states. The difference is that the shopping experience can be, well, not so pleasant, depending on state rules. Buying edibles in California was a marvelous experience. Buying edibles in Illinois? Not as pleasant. Had to pay for edibles in cash (due to banking issues since marijuana is illegal on a federal level).

Canadian film review: The Marijuana Conspiracy

Canada celebrates 3 years of legal marijuana (2021)

I selected a place at random very close to places I was in my travels. I wanted to see what the shopping experience would be like as well as the product I received.

The place I tried had great hours: 14 hours a day, 7 days a week. No hassles at the door over ID. A nice young person helped me. She talked me through a number of cookie options (cookies are my go to) that I haven't always had in other places. Low pressure sales. I went in mostly for research purposes, figuring I would purchase later. To my surprise, I bought the product in that visit.

Tried a cinnamon cookie and a spicy ginger cookie. The cost was around $4-$7 per cookie, even cheaper if you convert U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars. They were quite fine in terms of taste. Not a gourmet cookie but a pleasant taste. My smoking days were limited and I can't smoke it too well. Also edibles help you get past a number of concerns, such as not being able to smoke in apartments or Airbnb type setups.

I tried different levels within my stay. A whole 10 mg of the cookie is more than I would take in a dose. The packets were resealable so the cookies stayed fresh. In a group setting, you might split a cookie all at once. For those who travel as single people, portion control is a concern.

We do suggest if you get the munchies on Canadian soil to indulge in such Canadian treats as ketchup chips, all dressed chips, and poutine.

Canadian film review: Canadian Strain

As we have noted, 30 grams is the limit to carry on your person (28 grams = 1 ounce). 2 cookies each with 10 mg is not a threat to that limit.

Each province has rules involving the consumption of cannabis and you should follow those laws and rules in that province. Alberta has an 18+ requirement. All the other provinces and territories except for Quebec (21+) are 19+. There are specific rules about transportation with the general requirement of having the product in a sealed package. Consumption in public places is also a concern, depending on where you are in Canada.

A slim chance of marijuana tourism in Canada in 2021

Opening Day (finally) for marijuana edibles in Canada (2019)

Your shopping experience will vary, depending on province and where you are in that province. More competition helps bring better service, even if the prices are comparable. The fact that the experience in Windsor was significantly better than my California experience (my best one in the States) is a very encouraging sign.

The other amusing part was that I also bought acetaminophen with codeine, which you can legally bring into the United States in limited portions under specific rules. The aspirin with codeine was out due to supply chain issues. Buying the pain reliever isn't arduous but there is a dance you need to do.

CanadianCrossing.com marijuana coverage

A very significant point: Even if Ontario and Michigan (as an example) have legal marijuana, you can't legally transport marijuana between the countries. The penalties are not worth the risk. Buy what you will consume in Canada and don't bring back the leftovers.

The marijuana shopping experience in Canada is very friendly. If you come to Canada and choose to participate (provided you are of age), marijuana tourism is an extra incentive to dust off your passport and make a trip to Canada.

Editor's note: There is no specific endorsement of any company mentioned in the article.

photos credit: me

2022 Windsor International Film Festival preview

The experience returns!!📽️💜 #WIFF22

WIFF is back and bigger than ever with an impressive slate of 177 feature films from 32 countries and more than 300 screenings!

📅October 27 - November 6

View the complete lineup and purchase tickets:https://t.co/uJ9UkiR1pL pic.twitter.com/iMV6RYyRSg

— WIFF (@WindsorFilmFest) October 6, 2022

The 2019 Windsor International Film Festival had 10 days and lots of amazing momentum. One of the worst days in 2020 and 2021 was the cancellation of that film festival. 2022 brings an 11-day film festival with plenty of Canadian film, U.S. film, and cinema from around the world.

The 2022 version kicks off this morning. The Windsor International Film Festival is Canada's biggest volunteer-run film festival.

Seeing a bunch of Canadian films and films from other countries is only part of the experience. We've been watching films on various computer screens and on demand for the last 3 years. The joy of film festivals, especially the Windsor International Film Festival, is comparing notes with other people. Their enthusiasm can draw you into a film you wouldn't have thought to watch but then glad you did. Even if you can't fit them all into your schedule, you have a well-crafted list to draw from in the upcoming year.

We've shown this photo (my photo) of the WIFF Alley in 2019 a few times. This was a nice reminder of where this festival had grown to over the years and a notice that we can return to this splendor once again.

A look back to past years of the Windsor International Film Festival

The Windsor International Film Festival is once again awarding a WIFF Prize in Canadian Film. The award carries a $25,000 cash value given to the director of the chosen film. The winner will be selected by a jury of film professionals.

All 10 of the nominated films will be screened during WIFF's opening weekend. The festival will announce the Canadian Film Prize at a special event during the festival on October 30.

These are the Canadian films contending for the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film:

Brother (Clement Virgo)
Eternal Spring (Jason Loftus)
Falcon Lake (Charlotte Le Bon)
I Like Movies (Chandler Levack)
Norbourg (Maxime Giroux)
North of Normal (Carly Stone)
Riceboy Sleeps (Anthony Shim)
Something You Said Last Night (Luis De Filippis)
The Swearing Jar (Lindsay MacKay)
To Kill a Tiger (Nisha Pahuja)

Eternal Spring is the Oscars entry for Best International Feature Film. All but Norbourg and Eternal Spring were at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.

2019 WIFF Canadian films in review

Kuessipan won the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film award in 2019. That film received a $10,000 cash award so the stakes are a lot higher in 2022.

The other Canadian films that contended in 2019 were And The Birds Rained Down; Antigone; Castle in the Ground; Easy Land; Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind; Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger; Matthias and Maxime; Prey; and Willie.

Your humble narrator saw all of the 2019 films list in that year's festival, except for Prey. We will run a film review of Prey during this year's festival.

We normally run a count and list all the Canadian films. Instead, we recommend checking out the list of films and synopses of the Canadian films.

Some of the other Canadian film highlights include:

• Wolves
• Family of the Forest
• Babysitter
• Unloved - Huronia's Forgotten Children
• The Origin of Evil
• Ice-Breaker: The Legacy of the '72 Summit Series
• Arsenault & Fils
• Geographies of Solitude
• The Middle Man
• Slash/Back
• Maria
• So Much Tenderness
• Rosie
• Goodbye Happiness | Au Revoir Le Bonheur
• A Year in the Forest
• Coyote
• Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On
• Hands That Bind
• The Long Rider
• The Last Tourist
• Ever Deadly
• Aline

The festival includes Canadian films we have already reviewed: The Grey Fox (1982); Indian Horse; and Peace By Chocolate. This is far from a complete list.

CanadianCrossing.com film coverage

Women Talking will also play in the festival, a film technically not Canadian. Plan to see and write about the film in some fashion. We are good at writing about Canadian films in name only, an easier task than doing the opposite.

Canada drops all COVID-19 measures at borders as of October 1

This isn't just about a film festival. Opening up the borders means more cross border travel across the world's longest undefended border between Canada and the United States.

Ketchup chips and butter tarts. Spending loonies and twoonies.

Windsor International Film Festival cancels the 2021 festival

Windsor International Film Festival cancels the 2020 festival

These were 2 of the most difficult stories to write, outside of stories that involved someone dying. The cancellation of a film festival is never an easy call to make. The memories of the 2019 festival had to stretch out longer than we wanted them to stretch. The hope of returning to that world kept a lot of us going.

If this festival isn't within reach, hope you got a chance or will get a chance to discover the joy of seeing films in a local film festival.

The 2022 Windsor International Film Festival runs today through November 6.

Twitter capture: @WindsorFilmFest
photo credit: me

Canada drops all COVID-19 measures at borders as of October 1

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announces the lifting of #COVID19 border measures, including vaccination & testing requirements for all travellers & mandatory use of ArriveCan app. Mask requirements on trains & planes will also be lifted. The changes take effect Oct 1.#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/pT8Garg9Ed

— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) September 26, 2022

The news has been leaked for a few days but is now official: Getting into Canada will be a lot easier as a travel destination when the month changes to October.

The ArriveCAN app will be optional when the change is made.

This had been a great concern especially for border cities whose officials were concerned because American travelers were much less likely to cross into Canada, especially for cross border shopping. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made things easier for Canadians to shop within the U.S. on quick cross border trips but not the other way around.

Travelers won't have to submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website or provide proof of vaccination. There are other provisions that will be dropped.

Canada to finally lift pre-arrival COVID-19 tests for air and land border crossings

U.S. to open border to fully vaccinated travelers starting today

The restrictions led to actions such as the service of the Windsor Tunnel Bus to be suspended. You have an international border, the busiest crossing between the countries. Greyhound went to Windsor before the pandemic but now Greyhound doesn't go to Canada (outside of Toronto and Vancouver from the United States). You couldn't cross on foot on the Ambassador Bridge or the tunnel.

We hope the Tunnel Bus and other suspended service will return shortly after the government's announcement this morning.

For those who criticise us for not being critical enough of the prime minister, well, you should read our border crossings coverage. We appreciate the overall diligence of the Trudeau Government on COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic. We do feel the government has carried on good policies far too long.

Where to visit Canada in 2022

This change affects the sports world in that unvaccinated athletes can travel to Canada as of October 1. The Toronto Blue Jays had to deal with that in terms of visiting MLB players and in the acquisition of the previously unvaccinated Whit Merrifield from Kansas City. The Blue Jays host Boston on October 1-2. The team might not play any home playoff games in the opening round, depending on the playoff seeding.

This is more relevant to the NHL teams that won't have to worry about unvaccinated players playing in Canada.

Ideally, people would be vaccinated in coming to Canada. The issue was that the good intentions produced a policy that made traveling to Canada not worth the hassle.

CanadianCrossing.com border crossings coverage

CanadianCrossing.com travel coverage

The obvious time to make the change would be heading into a travel summer. Hopefully, people can make travel plans to Canada in the beautiful fall and for those who enjoy winter. Our look at where to visit Canada in 2023 is going to be a lot brighter.

Twitter capture: @CPAC_TV
photo credit: me