North American Premiere
A right-to-die evangelist must wrestle with his faith and morality when his latest client turns out to be not what she claimed. Moral dilemma stories can be difficult to get right in a short film format, but this two-hander is blessed with veteran actors who really enhance a tale about difficult choices. Toby Jones (Infamous, Hunger Games) gives a powerful, understated performance as a man of faith, and Claudie Blakley (Pride and Prejudice, Gosford Park) shines as an anxious but committed woman in her last throes. The first half is a quiet setup before uncomfortable truths force the ethical question in this somber, moving, and original story on the desperation of living and the relief of dying.
Community Partner
Toby Jones, Claudie Blakley
UK
2021
English
Featured in:
International Shorts: Morality Plays
Morals are being challenged on many fronts. The protagonists in this program of short films are all faced with difficult moral choices and they don’t always make the right decisions.
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
Sirât
A desperate father (Sergi Lopez) searchers for his missing daughter through the spiritual wasteland of the Moroccan desert. An unforgettable sensory powerhouse, Sîrat will have you riveted and rattled for hours after the end credits have rolled.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary, and Special Jury Prize Winner, Sundance, 2025, this exposé shot by a Russian primary teacher shows how the Putin propaganda machine works to militarize children.
2026 Oscar® Shorts (Documentary)
Don't come to the program of Oscar®-nominated documentary shorts for escapism. But let's talk about the Canadian contender, Perfectly a Strangeness, featuring an abandoned observatory and three donkeys. More of this, please.
Round Midnight: Ardeshir Plays Dexter Gordon
Loosely based on Bud Powell's time in Paris, Round Midnight (131 mins) is maybe the greatest of all films about jazz thanks to the towering performance of real-life jazz great Dexter Gordon. Saxophonist Ardeshir channels Gordon's vibe in his live set.
The Love That Remains
Anna and Magnús have separated, leaving her to raise their three children as he spends long stretches at sea, working as a fisherman. As the seasons pass, their emotions ebb and flow. A richly conceived story with unexpected delight and humour.
Credits
Executive Producer
Brett Payne
Producer
Sarah Beardsall, Elliot Barker
Screenwriter
Paul and Simon Wade
Cinematography
Donna Wade
Editor
Simon Wade
Production Design
Guy Thompson
Original Music
James Mabbett
Director
Paul and Simon Wade
Paul and Simon Wade are British writers, directors, and brothers. They started out making horror films in the woods with a DV camera and a cast and crew of unwitting family members. Since then, they have grown up slightly, and now work across narrative fiction, drama, and comedy. Their films have been commissioned by Sky and the BFI and played at festivals internationally including Beijing, Moscow, and London.