Screenings of local films HOPEFUL, The Fallingbrook Five set for this Sunday at the Fox Theatre
By ERIN HOOD
In January of 2025, a group of young local filmmakers released a short film that was created and premiered in East Toronto, at the former Cineplex Cinema Beaches Theatre. This year, those same young filmmakers are back with two new short films, The Fallingbrook Five and HOPEFUL.
Both films will premiere at the Fox Theatre this Sunday (May 24) with The Fallingbrook Five premiering at noon, and HOPEFUL shortly after.
“Both films were made with an incredible group of local kids and families, and it’s shaping up to be a really special community event”, said Anthony Greene in an email interview with Beach Metro Community News.
The Fallingbrook Five is an original story inspired by a local legend about five children who vanished from a Scarborough beach in 1947.
“The Fallingbrook Five explores curiosity, friendship, and the tension between imagination and something potentially real, as three girls set out to investigate,” said Greene.
This film was created and acted in by Audrey Bellefair as Rae, Chloë Greene as Casey, Ophelia Elliot as Tanis, Phoebe Smith as Clara, and Juno Smith as Elsie and is the shorter film of the two, spanning approximately eight minutes.
HOPEFUL is a summer story about friendship, curiosity, loyalty, and the moment things start to feel off. It is an emotional story about friendship, and what happens when a group dynamic shifts and difficult choices must be made. This film is about 36 minutes in length.
It was created and acted in by Sophie Bellefair as Ruth, Charlotte Greene as Parker, Chiara Hamilton as Eliza, Chloë Greene as Jordan, Keira Downey-Sherman as Lola, Mimi Murray Marks as Emma Robertson, Grae Rathbun as Lucas, Emma Tangney as Megan, and Vivian Zorko as Sarah.
Greene noted that the inspiration for the films largely comes from the kinds of stories the filmmakers enjoy. Particularly suspenseful and thrilling films tend to be the most exciting and engaging type of story, and the genre allows for more tension, mystery, and emotion in a way that feels fun and immersive.
However, these films are not connected story-wise. The link between them is the cast and creative group that brings these films to life, as many of the same kids collaborated on both projects.
Both films are shot, edited and scored entirely in the Beach community, making them very local productions.
However, due to the hustle of the neighbourhood, one of the biggest challenges while filming is sound. Greene said managing background noise during filming is a consistent challenge, along with coordinating schedules as many of the kids have other summer activities.
Local adults assist with production and editing so that the kids can focus on acting. Greene handles directing and editing, while his friend Carlos Lopes handles sound design and music, and Dan Elliot oversees the dialogue recording and audio.
Greene said that the initial concepts are developed ahead of production, but many of the young participants help on set to keep production running smoothly.
“More of the kids have started contributing creatively by offering ideas and helping shape moments within scenes, with some now beginning to develop their own story concepts as well,” said Greene.
“Many of them have really embraced the process, there’s a genuine interest in continuing as they get older.”
The May 24 premiere at the Fox will be similar to the showing that took place last year. The Fox offers an intimate, historic setting, which really suits these kinds of films and makes the screening feel more personal, said Greene.
It will also be the first time that the contributing cast will see the finished films, as this keeps the initial viewing experience special.
The cast and crew will be watching alongside other viewers, allowing the audience to have a chance to meet and discuss the films after the screenings.
For more information on tickets for this Sunday’s screenings, please go to https://www.instagram.com/p/DWUcQABkeM_/
