TORONTO – Filmmakers are often seduced by what’s happening beyond their borders. At best, it produces artists like Quentin Tarantino, whose work is heavily influenced by Japanese exploitation flicks and Italian Spaghetti Westerns. But mostly, it’s a profit seeking exercise that produces terrible cinema. In the case of Tom Ford’s latest work – an adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel Cry to Heaven – hopes remain high…
TORONTO – I am relieved, almost happy, that the first phase of Budget consideration and [eventual] approval is behind us, thanks to the vote of 170 to 168 reflecting “confidence” in the government’s budgetary plan. A matter of “principle” in the acceptance of the general direction in the government’s vision statement…
TORONTO – Just because we may not know another culture exists in our very midst, does not mean that culture it is not a vibrant reality. We ignore it at our own peril. At a minimum, we deprive ourselves of the rich benefit its practitioners enjoy. I have been attending the annual anniversary celebrations of One Heritage Canada on and off for several years. This year, its showpiece celebration of diversity celebrated its 18th anniversary in highlighting Heritage Beyond Borders…
TORONTO – It is not official, but, judging from the number of banquets and delegations from the region, this month of November has “the feel” of a special designation for the Laziali – émigrés from the region of Italy in which Rome is located. I checked, but aside from the Ciociari who represent the largest single community from that region in Toronto, if not Ontario or indeed Canada, most people are busy celebrating events pertinent to their town…
TORONTO – Continued cuts to the number of international student visas, first under Justin Trudeau’s government and now under Mark Carney’s, is bringing Canadian colleges and universities to their knees.
