2025 LOOK Program Premiere Screening
The LOOK program provides individuals living with mental health challenges an opportunity to express themselves creatively by making films in a safe, fun and supportive environment.
Join us Monday August 18 at the Mackenzie Art Gallery 6:00-8:00pm for the world premier of the short films created by this year’s cohort!
7 Little Pills
A mixed medium short film that explores the filmmaker’s struggle to take meds
even though they can save her life when she has always used them for harm. “In a world where
there is a pill for all of my ailments, I cannot take them to save my life nor to kill myself.”
Running Time: 06:00
Filmmaker: Maggie Kelly
I Want to Be Creative
A short drama that follows the story of Cat, who is trying to complete her art portfolio to get
accepted into her dream school. However, she has fallen into a depressive episode and can’t find
her way out. In Cat’s desperation to find her creativity again she reaches out to a friend, whose
solution has dire consequences.
Running Time – 12:18
Filmmaker – Coral Fries
Thoughts of Future Past
A fictional tale of love and loss, of death and despair and shows how no matter what, we will all
experience grief at some point.
Running Time – 07:04
Filmmaker – Night Coates
Rose Gold
This film is a short drama exploring loss and the impact that loss can have. Seen through the eyes
of one woman, Rose Gold explores that loss as one stage in the cycle of grief.
Running Time: 04:32
EAT!?
An experimental animated short film exploring the filmmaker’s thoughts on food production and
its human cost. Often in ways less visible than we might realize, and the impacts it can have on a
broader society.
Running Time; 03:10
Filmmaker: Johnathon Martel
We Are Our Own Worst Enemy
This short documentary film is focused on an insider’s look at the homelessness crisis. The
filmmaker used his paintings to help recount the trials that those trying to survive life on the streets
experience. He interviewed many people who are currently in this horrible situation, as well as a
few who managed to escape that life. What levels of damage are done to these people? Why don’t
we do more to help?
Running Time – 17:33
Filmmaker – Robert Hughes
The Cat
Using still photography, this video captures Gzowski the cat as he moves through an average
day. Gzowski interacts with his owner, his neighbour, and his friend, Dory the dog, but always on
his own terms. Gzowski is a good cat to know.
Running Time: 02:26
Filmmaker: Marc Gagnon
A Joyful Life
A transformative film explores turning a world of negatives to positives. Specifically, the director’s
transformation from being inept and angry to skillful and joyful. This film talks about how, when
we put in the effort to change who we are and switch our midframes, recovery then becomes
possible. The filmmaker’s goal is to represent spreading love and kindness, being respectful of
others, and overall, people who are positive and uplifting.
Running Time: 07:13
Filmmaker: Jordan Yano
The Unknown
Nikki is vision impaired with only slight peripheral vision. She is losing more of her sight as the
months and years go by. As her visual world narrows, she is struggling to accept that in the next
year or so she will no longer be able to see anything. Her world is going black.
Running Time: 14:00
Filmmaker: Jan Lelie