COMPROMISED
BY JAMIE CHOW
WILLIAM WHYTE
"Compromised" explores the impact of neglected and abandoned homes in William Whyte, portraying them as monsters that symbolize urban decay and social challenges. The film delves into how these vacant or damaged structures attract criminal activity, vandalism, and further neglect, contributing to the decline of the neighbourhood. Through stark, observational scenes, the film highlights the unintended consequences of societal failings and the resulting environmental neglect. "Compromised" invites viewers to confront these urban monsters and consider how to reclaim these spaces and revitalize the community.
ECHOES OF SUBSTANCE
BY ALYAA KABBANI
ELMWOOD
"Echoes of Substance" concerns the parallel impacts of drug use and abandoned spaces on the Elmwood community. The monstrous presence of drug-related activities and the resulting decay of spaces contribute to a sense of unease and uncertainty about the future of Elmwood. The film intends to suggest the challenges residents face due to increased theft and safety concerns, painting a picture of a neighbourhood grappling with difficult issues.
CANOPY KILLER
BY MAYA HOPKINS
CENTRAL ST. BONIFACE
"Canopy Killer" explores the devastating impact of Dutch Elm Disease on the tree canopy of Central St. Boniface. The film focuses on the orange marks that signify the presence of the disease, acting as a visual reminder of the monstrous threat to the neighborhood's urban forest. The loss of trees not only affects the aesthetic beauty of the neighborhood but also disrupts the ecological balance and sense of community.
EXILED
BY ISAAC DIMA
NORWOOD WEST
"Exiled" explores the impact of erosion and land degradation on the Lyndale Drive riverbank in Norwood West. The film portrays the riverbank as a monster, an entity that threatens the utopian ideal that residents have worked hard to create. The erosion, a natural process, disrupts the carefully planned community, creating a sense of unease and uncertainty about the future. The film highlights the tension between nature's unpredictable forces and human attempts to control and shape the environment.
NYCTOPHOBIA
BY TRISTAN THOMPSON
RIVERVIEW
"Nyctophobia" explores the darker side of Riverview, a seemingly idyllic neighborhood in Winnipeg. The film plays on the concept of monsters as the ones we create in our minds, highlighting how even the most welcoming places can become ominous under the cover of darkness. The film focuses on the feeling of vulnerability that can accompany a walk home at night, when shadows and imagined threats play on our fears. "Nyctophobia" reminds us that the true monsters often reside not in the external world but within the depths of our own imaginations.
RUNNER’S PATH
BY LEALYN CARLOS
LORD ROBERTS
"Runner's Path" delves into the challenges posed by rapid population growth in Lord Roberts. The film portrays cars as monstrous entities, highlighting the potential consequences of unchecked urban expansion on the neighborhood's livability and socio-ecological balance. As the runner navigates the car-filled streets, the film captures the tension between urbanization and the preservation of a thriving community.
PASSING TIDE
BY SEAN STEPHENS
LORD ROBERTS
"Passing Tide" captures the stark contrast between the lively summer atmosphere and the eerie stillness of McKittrick Park in Lord Roberts after Labor Day. The film highlights the park's transition from a bustling community hub to a desolate space, underlining the cyclical nature of time and the impact of seasonal change. This transformation reveals the monstrous power of time and nature, as the once vibrant park becomes a somber reminder of the ephemeral nature of human activity.
CREATED TO FAIL
BY AKSHANSH SOOD
EARL GREY
"Created to Fail" exposes the hidden monsters lurking beneath the surface of Earl Grey: inadequate drainage systems and aging water pipes. The film captures the aftermath of heavy rains, where flooded sidewalks and overflowing drains disrupt the daily life of the neighbourhood. These failing systems, once designed to manage water flow, now symbolize the unintended consequences of outdated infrastructure and neglect. The film serves as a reminder that progress, if left unchecked, can create its own set of challenges and that vigilance is necessary to maintain a thriving urban environment.