HE HATED PIGEONS

WORLD PREMIERE ROTTERDAM INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

(80 min. 2015)

A slow-burning odyssey about love and loss featuring newcomer Pedro Fontaine in the title role of Elias, a young man who travels from the Northern Atacama Desert to the southern Patagonian edge of Chile on a cathartic journey of the spirit, and to fulfill the wish of his mysteriously deceased lover.

HE HATED PIGEONS was conceived to be presented with a uniquely improvised, ever-changing live score. Linked with the uncertainty of the protagonist’s journey, the audience is part of something which has its own intrinsic impermanence.

“Bringing to mind the dreamy road trip of Jim Jarmusch’s Dead Man”. Spiro Economopoulos, Melbourne Queer Film Festival

“A one-off bespoke experience which blends cinema and performance.” Wendy Ide, Screen International at IFFR

“This film is a remarkable experience not soon forgotten.” Jason Gorber, Twitch Film

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THE ANIMAL PROJECT

WORLD PREMIERE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

(90 min. 2013)

After an unusual and inspiring dream, an unorthodox theatre director (Aaron Poole) attempts to push a group of eager young performers out of their comfort zones, while struggling with his own ability to live and authentic and fulfilling life with his teenage son (Jacob Switzer).

★★★★ “The reigning queen of lo-fi Canadian cinema has upped her game without abandoning any of her characteristic whimsy.” Norm Wilner, NOW Magazine

★★★★ “simultaneously as touching as it is hilarious.” Sean Kelly, Toronto Film Scene

★★★★ “THE ANIMAL PROJECT offers a First-Rate Cast in a terrific ensemble piece.” Greg Klymkiw, The Film Corner

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i am good person/i am a bad person

WORLD PREMIERE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

(82 min. 2011)

“Veninger’s intimate character studies recall the early works of iconic filmmakers Claude Jutra and Allan King… A skilled demolisher of boundaries, she presents visions of the human experience that are at once bold and genuine.” Martin Bilodeau, TIFF

“i am a good person/i am a bad person shows keen insight into the contradiction between being artistically provocative and a responsible parent at the same time.”Peter Debruge, Variety

“As Sofia Coppola did for Lost in Translation, Veninger uses naturalistic acting, keep cultural observations and deadpan comedy to excellent effect.” Peter Howell, Toronto Star

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MODRA

WORLD PREMIERE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

(80 min. 2010)

A portrait of teenage self-discovery against the backdrop of a village in Slovakia.

“Veninger displays a confident control of tone and pacing… a prime example of heartfelt DIY filmmaking that really works… poignantly alert to the nuances of teen life, perfectly capturing that confusing betwixt-and-between time…” Alissa Simon, Variety

“[Hallie] Switzer and [Alexander] Gammal are naturals… Veninger’s deceptively relaxed style captures every glance, outburst and hesitation.” Norman Wilner, NOW Magazine

“Connection, conflict, local colour and teenage confusion are rendered with intimacy and lightness of touch.”  Jason Anderson , Toronto Star

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ONLY

WORLD PREMIERE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

(75 min. 2008)

The story of one day shared between a young boy and girl in northern Ontario.

“Every time I see a film like ONLY, my faith in cinema is restored.” Michael Tully, IndieWIRE

“ONLY felt like the ultimate “Canadian” film because it subtly captures what makes our culture and country so truly distinct.” Greg Klymkiw, Canadian Film Corner

“ONLY is a invaluable pearl in a sea of mud magno.” Alberto Figliolia, Roma

“A deft – and blunt – exploration of the anxious yet romantic world of teens.” R.M. Vaughan, The Globe and Mail

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GOODBYE HONOLULU – TYPICAL

“I’ve been working exclusively in features so it was liberating to direct this music video — my first!” explains director Ingrid Veninger. “I love the sound of GOODBYE HONOLULU. With the melancholy feel of this track, the first image I saw in my head was the band playing on a winter beach in the bright sun, dressed in yellow rain ponchos. Next came the idea of shooting infrared and wide-screen. And who doesn’t like a little time-lapse? We shot this video in 6 hours with a crew of 3. I hope the images serve the song and capture some of the band’s awesome energy.” Ingrid Veninger

LYRICS

Oh my love I’ve done it again / Went and lost my only friend

That’s so typical of me…

Oh my love I’m breaking down / Got no one to run to in this small town

Well that’s so typical of me…

Now I’m drinking something I shouldn’t / I tried to call you up but I just couldn’t

‘Cause it’s so typical of me..

Call me… Old fashioned but I’m looking for some love… With some action

And I know that I Could do better

But I keep runnin’ back to the arms of your sweater

Bones are breakin’ and I’m feelin’ weak / Haven’t eaten and I can’t speak

That’s so typical of me…

I’m losing my patience and I can’t sleep / Avoiding all of your apologies

That’s so typical of me…

I’ve got no more money and I got no more weed / I used to think those were the only things I need

That’s so typical of me…

Call me… Old fashioned but I’m looking for some love… With some action

And I know that I Could do better

But I keep runnin’ back to the arms of your sweater

I keep runnin’ back… I keep runnin’ back… I keep runnin’ back…

1K Wave Toronto

WORLD PREMIERE THE ROYAL CINEMA

On May 22 2012, Ingrid Veninger and Stacey Donen initiated a $1000 Feature Film Challenge for Toronto-based filmmakers. 34 local filmmaking teams took up the Challenge. Five were selected. 5 features for $5000 in 5 months.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Ingrid Veninger, Stacey Donen

HOTEL CONGRESS
DIRECTORS: Nadia Litz, Michel Kandinsky
A woman and man agree to meet at a hotel in Tucson, known for its nefarious associations to bank robber John Dillinger, in this funny and tender story of true love told through infidelity.

ME, THE BEES AND CANCER
DIRECTORS: John Board, Hector Centeno
Legendary 1st AD, John Board (Cronenberg, Jewison, Louis Malle), delves into this personal documentary. An exploration of ‘modern’ medicine and alternative treatments, including bee sting therapy, in an effort to cure his own cancer.

MOURNING HAS BROKEN
DIRECTORS: Jason and Brett Butler
In this dark comedy, a husband refuses to deal with the death of his wife, and ends up dealing with everything else that pisses him off instead.

SOCKEYE
DIRECTOR: Ben Roberts
A one-night father-son odyssey, where hidden family secrets surface unexpectedly.

LIQUID HANDCUFFS: THE UN-MAKING OF METHADONIA
DIRECTOR: John L’Ecuyer
A diaristic look at 24-hours in the life of a meth addict.

The End of Time

WORLD PREMIERE LOCARNO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

(114 min. 2012)

DIRECTOR: Peter Mettler

PRODUCERS: Ingrid Veninger, Cornelia Seitler, Gerry Flahive

THE END OF TIME is a personal, rigorous and visionary exploration into our perception of time. Filmmaker, Peter Mettler dares to dream the movie of the future while also immersing us in the wonder of the present.

“… recalling the work of Terrence Malick, Werner Herzog and the late Chris Marker… THE END OF TIME become immersive and hypnotic… a ravishingly beautiful experience.” Stephen Dalton, The Hollywood Reporter

“A work of vision… A globe-trotting cine-essay about time… poetic and lovely.” Adam Nayman, POV

“Splendiferously trippy.” Jason Anderson, Cinema Scope

“One of the year’s best films, THE END OF TIME isn’t something you simply watch; it’s something you surrender to.” Peter Howell, Toronto Star