The highly anticipated Images Festival is set to captivate audiences once again as it gears up for its 37th annual edition, titled “Rehearsing Refusal.” Scheduled to take place from April 11th to April 16th, 2024, in Toronto, Canada, the festival promises to showcase a diverse array of moving images from around the world, emphasizing themes of resistance and the subversion of oppressive systems through the lens of experimental film.
Under the expert curation of Programming Director Jaclyn Quaresma, alongside Images’ inaugural Curatorial Residents and emerging curators, the festival lineup boasts an impressive selection of 39 films, debut performances, art installations, workshops, and more.
The festival’s opening night will feature the Canadian premiere of “La Noche Eterna (The Eternal Night)” by acclaimed artist Coco Fusco. Set against the backdrop of ideological repression in Cuba, the film promises to explore themes of imagination and resistance through the story of three young Cuban men condemned for their beliefs and creations. Closing the festival will be Svetlana Romanova’s “The Voyage of Jeanette,” an experimental essay film navigating western ontologies and Yakutian realities.
In addition to feature-length screenings, the festival will host curated programs such as “dreamworlds” by Nasrin Himada, “Measured by Some in Seasons” by Jaclyn Quaresma, and “A Tyrant’s Fear of Songs” by the wave~form~collective, among others. Special events include an online child-friendly screening titled “A Little More Connected,” offering animated films suitable for younger audiences.
Accessibility and inclusivity are key priorities for the festival, with certain programs featuring ASL interpretation and audio descriptions for visually impaired attendees. Assistive listening devices will also be available for all in-person screenings.
Beyond the screenings, the festival will provide ample opportunities for community engagement and discourse. Festival-goers can enjoy provisions at the pop-up Café.jpg located within Innis Town Hall and attend night bar events featuring renowned DJs Ana Luisa and Automaticamore.
For those unable to attend in person, select programs will be available online, ensuring access for audiences worldwide.
With its thought-provoking lineup and commitment to fostering dialogue, the Images Festival continues to solidify its reputation as a leading platform for independent film and media culture in dialogue with contemporary art.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the festival’s official website at imagesfestival.com. Stay updated by following the festival on Instagram and TikTok at @imagesfestival.
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