Kazik Radwanski’s follow-up to Anne at 13,000 Feet explores the fraught, ambiguous relationship between two writers. Matt (Matt Johnson) is a celebrated author of short fiction and Mara (Deragh Campbell) works in the realms of both poetry and prose. The two reconnect in Toronto, where Mara lives, and what follows are some tricky negotiations: between camaraderie and artistic difference, friendship and personality clash, romantic attraction and visceral unease.
Matt and Mara is directed with an attentive naturalism—an alertness to the nuances of behaviour that shape how we perceive each other, and that many filmmakers are unable to capture. Radwanski’s greatest asset is his ability to hone in on small details without sacrificing rhythm and momentum: from the opening scene to the wonderfully poetic conclusion, his film maintains a propulsive urgency. Campbell and Johnson give deeply committed performances: her Mara radiates a keen intelligence and a defensive toughness, while his Matt exudes awkwardness and vitality in equal measure. Together with Radwanski, they’ve created indelible moments within a work of deep integrity.
Sept 28 & 29: Q&A with director Kazik Radwanski
Perceptive, abrasive and frequently acerbically funny.
Wendy Ide, Screen Daily
Deragh Campbell, Matt Johnson, Mounir Al Shami, Emma Healey, Avery Nayman, Marlowe Granados
Canada
2024
English
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Credits & Director
Executive Producer
Neil Mathieson, Matthew Miller, Matt Johnson, Kazik Radwanski, Dan Montgomery
Producer
Dan Montgomery, Candice Napoleone
Screenwriter
Kazik Radwanski
Cinematography
Nikolay Michaylov
Editor
Ajla Odobašić
Kazik Radwanski
Kazik Radwanski is a filmmaker and co-founder of Toronto-based production company MDFF. His previous film, Anne at 13,000 Ft (2019), premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was awarded the Rogers Best Canadian Film Award from the Toronto Film Critics Association. His other features include Tower (2012), which had its world premiere at the Locarno International Film Festival, and How Heavy This Hammer (2015) which had its international premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. He also teaches as a full-time professor at Humber’s Film and Television Production program.
Filmography: Tower (2012); How Heavy This Hammer (2015); Anne at 13,000 Ft (2019)
Photo by MDFF
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