In the 1970s, Joe Fisher forged a reputation as one of Canada’s leading investigative reporters. But there was another side to him. The rebellious son of Christian fundamentalists, he grew increasingly enthralled by Eastern religions, eventually becoming a popular media expert on paranormal phenomena. While investigating the practice of “trance channeling,” he abandoned his professional skepticism, falling in love with a spirit entity named Filipa – an obsession that would lead him down a dangerous path. In this two-part documentary for the series Supernatural Investigator, filmmaker Doug Williams investigates the strange case of Joe Fisher.

Produced by Riddle Films in association with VisionTV and with the participation of the Canadian Television Fund.

What Killed Joe Fisher
2 x ½ hr documentary
Producers: Jason Charters, Liam Romalis
Director: Doug Williams
Writer: Doug Williams

Award-winning songwriter, poet and ironic social commentator Evalyn Parry is gifted with a sharp pen, a quirky musical sensibility and a wicked sense of humour. From 19th century cycling heroines to 21st century sailors; from “feminine protection” to bottled water to the quest for the Northwest Passage, Evalyn’s outspoken creations hold out a powerful vision of social and personal change, while her irreverent wit holds nothing sacred.

Here she performs live at the Lula Lounge in Toronto with guest performers Brad Hart, Anne Lindsay, Suzie Vinnick and Ken Whiteley.

“…equally funny and dangerous…this is a songwriter who takes us into uncharted waters…” CBC Radio

“Parry redefines political folk music…keeps you in rapt attention” Halifax Daily News

Evalyn Parry: Live at Lula
70 min. concert film
Producers: Jason Charters, Liam Romalis
Directors: Jason Charters, Liam Romalis
Distribution: Borealis Records, www.borealisrecords.com

www.evalynparry.com

Founded by award-winning percussionist Rick Shadrach Lazar, Samba Squad is an innovative group that is forging new directions by mixing world rhythms with the sound-power and street-feel of the drums of the Afro-Brazilian Samba tradition.

Featuring members of all ages and backgrounds, The Squad is a microcosm of cosmopolitan Toronto, respecting traditions while adding original influences to create one of the most exhilarating musical experiences in Canada.  Filmmaker Joel Goldberg captures the band in concert and in interviews to tell their unique story.

“On a wintry Canadian day, Samba Squad might provide just the heat you need.”

- The Globe & Mail

Produced by Riddle Films in association with VisionTV and Bravo! a division of CTV Limited, with the participation of the Canadian Television Fund.

Samba Squad: Drums We Love
1 x 1 hr concert documentary
Producers: Jason Charters, Liam Romalis
Director: Joel Goldberg
Distribution: Linus Entertainment, www.linusentertainment.com

www.sambasquad.com

A Boy locks himself in a car.  His Father tries to get him out.  What starts as a game turns into a war and an isolated parking lot becomes an arena for an epic battle of wills.

Noise is a provocative film. Narratively simple and emotionally complex, it explores how quickly power and pride can ruin a fun day at the park.

Produced by Riddle Films in association with Shimmering Pictures, the National Screen Institute and CBC Television.

17 min dramatic short
Producers: Jason Charters, Liam Romalis, Greg Spottiswood
Director: Greg Spottiswood
Writer: Greg Spottiswood
Dsitribution: Ouat Media, www.ouatmedia.com
Winner, Best Canadian Short, 2006 Canadian Film Centre WorldWide Short Film Festival
Winner, Best Short, 2005 Atlantic Film Festival
Special Jury Mention, 2005 Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival
Official Selection, 2005 Toronto International Films Festival
Nominee, Best Live Action Short, 2006 Genie Awards

Tanglefoot: Way More Live captures the band in a trio of concerts recorded live at Toronto’s Flying Cloud Folk Club in May 2003, performing a selection of songs that includes “Radioman,” “Closer to the Ocean,” “McCurdy’s Boy,” “Traighli Bay,” and many more. The concerts marked the departure of founding member Joe Grant and introduced new fiddler Terry Snider.

“Stan Rogers meets Van Halen”

- a fan

“Way More Live captures Tanglefoot in their element – onstage.  Filmed in the cozy, intimate environs of the Flying Cloud Folk Club in Toronto, the DVD gives you a front-row seat to understanding why this band of wacky folksters has been wowing crowds for years all over the world.

Their energy level is permanently on high, their wit in song sharp, and while between-song banter goes on a little longer than necessary, the crowd hangs on every word as if it were gospel. The concert is like a Canadian history lesson set to music, played by guys that look like that kooky math teacher you had in high school. Or at least Jethro Tull in their Aqualung prime. No crazy flute, but enough bonus features to keep you happy, including interviews, concert play-by-play and comments from fans, who go by the handle of Footheads. Far out, man.”

- Now Magazine

Produced by Riddle Films in association with Borealis Records.

Tanglefoot: Way More Live
70 min. concert film
Producers: Jason Charters, Liam Romalis
Directors: Jason Charters, Liam Romalis
Distribution: Borealis Records, www.borealisrecords.com

www.tanglefootmusic.com

Pleasures of Urban Decay is an offbeat film about Ben Katchor, who has been hailed as the creator of the last great American comic strip.  Katchor’s Yiddish-inflected voice guides us through a vast and shadowy landscape of old skyscrapers, neglected warehouses, lay-away stores and all-night cafeterias.

Directed by San Francisco filmmaker Sam Ball and shot like a 1950’s film noir with angular buildings, bridges, billboard advertisements and radical changes in perspective, Pleasures of Urban Decay peers behind the city’s facades and through its cracks.  Katchor and his hero, Julius Knipl, Real Estate Photographer, help us uncover the symbolism and romance of New York’s TV antennae, cellar doors and water towers, turning the city’s everyday trappings into urban poetry.

Pleasure of Urban Decay
16 min. documentary
Producer: Liam Romalis
Director: Sam Ball
Official Selection, 2000 Sundance Film Festival
Official Selection, 2000 Rotterdam Film Festival

www.katchor.com

This 24 minute video combines never-before-seen black & white footage of dancer/choreographer Danny Grossman shot in 1979 (re-transferred and re-timed) with contemporary footage shot of Grossman’s solo dance work Transcendence.

The film marked Gerald Packer’s directorial debut.  His experience as one of Canada’s foremost cinematographers gave him not only a great eye for the technical aspects of filmmaking, but also for finding a compelling narrative.  In 1979, as a Ryerson College student, Packer shot footage of Danny Grossman – not for any specific project, but because Danny impacted him in a way that few dancers ever had.  This footage has sat dormant for over 20 years with Packer looking for the most appropriate way to use it.  With the premiere of Transcendence, a way to integrate this archival footage was born.

“The artist asks questions, because he really feels that we have to evolve as a species. What it boils down to then is a simple matter of wanting to communicate.”

- Danny Grossman

Danny Grossman: Transcendence
24 min. performance film
Producer: Liam Romalis
Director: Gerald Packer

www.dannygrossman.com

This spoken word short film captures the enduring spirit of urban philosopher Jane Jacobs and her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Directed by Patrick Bonaldi.

“The Death and Life of Great American Cities” is perhaps the most influential single work in the history of town planning.”

- The New York Times