Breakthroughs has been showcasing the value women bring to filmmaking for over half a decade. It is the only festival in Canada devoted exclusively to short films directed by emerging women directors. They showcase films from any and every genre made by talented artists breaking through into the Canadian and worldwide film scene.

The 2017 program is the most diverse to date, with films from twelve countries. Plus, this is the first year Breakthroughs will screen the work of both New Generation (aged 18 – 30) women directors, as well as emerging women directors at any age.

Here’s a taste of what’s in store:

The Swimming Pool, Directed by ROCÍO LLAMBÍ & MARIANA WINARZ (URUGUAY)
Childhood is coming to an end: twelve-year-old Lina is growing up and her body is changing. She must start making decisions about her identity, which will go against her mother’s wishes.

Consenting Adults, Directed by ALICE GRUIA (GERMANY)
A couple trade back-to-back cutting remarks, shifting between sarcastic undertones and deeper malicious intent in this look at the subtext and frustrations within a relationship.

Bootleg, Directed by REEM MORSI (EGYPT/CANADA)
A Muslim woman is taken aside in airport security, only to reveal an unexpected hidden secret.

Lagoon, Directed by MAYA LUSKI (AUSTRALIA)
In a society where women are defined by their sexuality, the day Max gets her period marks the beginning of a change that will impact her for the rest of her life.

Pregnant Pause, Directed by ALICE SEABRIGHT (UK)
A woman in a long-term relationship has a moment of panic when taking a pregnancy test, bringing out a realization that she may not know exactly what she wants out of her life.

Commodity City, Directed by JESSICA KINGDON (US/CHINA)
An observational portrait into the mundane and kaleidoscopic daily experience of those who work at the world’s largest wholesale consumer market: the Yiwu Markets in China.

Fantassut, Directed by FEDERICA FOGLIA (CANADA/GREECE) 
A glimpse into the lives of the 11,000 refugees who have been stranded for months in the Idomeni refugee camp on the Greek/Macedonian border.

Breakthroughs 2017 will run June 16 and 17 at the Royal Cinema (608 College St.) at 7:30 pm. Tickets are now on sale at a cost of $12 for one night or $20 for the two-night festival pass. Purchases can be made here or at the door.