SPOTLIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE IN SPORTS
WORKMAN ARTS ANNOUNCES
22nd ANNUAL RENDEZVOUS WITH MADNESS FILM FESTIVAL
TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX: NOVEMBER 10 – 15, 2014
The first and largest mental health film festival in the world, Rendezvous with Madness (RWM), presented by Workman Arts (WA), returns to the TIFF Bell Lightbox from November 10 – 15 for its 22nd edition.~The six-day festival showcases over 20 programs of feature and short films, Snoozeland – a multi-media installation and a closing day symposium with a spotlight on mental health and substance use in sports. “This year’s RWM film line-up is extremely powerful. Many of the films are unflinchingly honest, bold and provocative.~We are seeing more truthful reflections and authentic portrayals of individuals who live with a mental illness and/or addiction every year,” says Lisa Brown, Rendezvous with Madness Founder and Workman Arts Executive Artistic Director.
The sports spotlight kicks off on Friday, November 14 with the Canadian Premiere of No No: A Dockumentary, about former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, Dock Ellis. Producer, Mike Blizzard will be joined in a post-screening discussion by a panel including former executive-director of the Major League Baseball Players Association and current executive-director of the National Hockey League Players Association, Donald Fehr. On Saturday, November 15, our Mental Health, Substance Use and Sports Symposium begins with an intimate discussion with former NHL goalie, Clint Malarchuk that will be recorded as an episode of popular podcast, The Mental Illness Happy Hour with Paul Gilmartin. A book signing for Malarchuk’s new autobiography, The Crazy Game will take place after the conversation. We will then present the Canadian Premiere of Tapia, an incredibly moving documentary portrait of former boxing champion, Johnny Tapia, featuring the final interview he gave before his passing.
“We’ve got a great line-up of films at Rendezvous this year. The first feature-length animated film about mental illness, world-class documentaries, and some incredible debut features,” says Jeff Wright, Program Manager of RWM. “I’m especially excited for the discussions that we’re going to have as part of our spotlight on mental illness and addiction in professional sports.”
FRIDAY, NOV 14
6:30 p.m.
f. No No: A Dockumentary
Jeffrey Radice, USA, 2014, 100 min, English, Canadian Premiere
Official Selection: Sundance Film Festival, SXSW Film Festival
“…a compelling, deeply moving, fun look at the highs and lows of a bygone era.” – Nathan Rabin, The Dissolve
This documentary about former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, Dock Ellis (perhaps best known for having pitched a no-hitter under the influence of LSD) tells the story of his triumph over amphetamine addiction through to becoming an addictions counsellor later in life. Featuring original music by Mike D of the Beastie Boys. This film kicks off our symposium on mental health, substance use and sports. Producer Mike Blizzard in attendance
Opening Remarks by Don Fehr
Don is the executive director of the National Hockey League Players Association. He became nationally prominent while serving as the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association from 1985-2009.
SATURDAY, NOV 15
1:30p.m.
Mental Health, Substance Use, and Sports Symposium
Live Podcast Recording: The Mental Illness Happy Hour, with Special Guest Clint Malarchuk
The Mental Illness Happy Hour makes its return to RWM, as host Paul Gilmartin sits down with former-NHL goaltender, Clint Malarchuk to discuss how mental illness has affected his life, both before and after he suffered one of the most gruesome injuries in the history of professional sports.
ESPN’s 30 for 30 film about Malarchuk, Cutthroat will be screened as well, and a book signing will take place after the event for Clint Malarchuk and Dan Robson’s new book, The Crazy Game.
4:15 p.m.
Mental Health, Substance Use, and Sports Symposium
f. Tapia
Eddie Alcazar, USA, 2013, 82 min, English, Canadian Premiere
Official Selection: LA Film Fest
From executive producer, 50 Cent, Tapia takes us inside the tortured soul of Johnny Tapia, the five-time world champion boxer. Through Johnny’s last interviews, he candidly reveals the inevitable pitfalls of addiction to the ultimate highs of victory.
Tickets can be purchased by telephone between 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 416-599-TIFF (8433) or toll free at 1-888-599-8433, online at www.rendezvouswithmadness.com, or in-person at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Reitman Square, 350 King Street West from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Ticket prices for other festival screenings and events are as follows:
- Festival Pass (tickets to all screenings): $70
- Opening Night Gala (Preshow Reception and Rocks in My Pockets): $30
- Opening Night Screening Only (Rocks in My Pockets): $15
- Saturday Symposium: Mental Health In Sports: $20
- Regular Programs: $12 (a limited number of Pay-What-You-Can Tickets also available at the door for people on fixed incomes)
Ticket prices vary. Please check with schedule before purchasing.
Please note, programming is subject to change.
For further information and a full schedule please visit: http://www.rendezvouswithmadness.com/press/
Festival trailer:
