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Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is set to return to Toronto this July as he hosts a special lecture series spotlighting Canadian horror cinema at TIFF Lightbox. The curated event, ‘From Rabid to Skinamarink: Canadian Movie Madness,’ presented by TIFF Cinematheque, will run in July. Viewers can have an in-depth look at the Canadian horror film’s development and influence.
Guillermo del Toro, renowned for his unique storytelling and love of genre cinema, will guide viewers through landmark horror titles including David Cronenberg’s ‘Rabid’ (1977), Vincenzo Natali’s ‘Cube’ (1997), and John Fawcett’s ‘Ginger Snaps’ (2000)—a cult favorite featuring Katharine Isabelle. Each screening will be paired with insights from Guillermo del Toro, who will break down the narrative structure, visual aesthetics, and emotional rhythms that define these iconic Canadian works.
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More About Guillermo del Toro's Upcoming Lecture
The showcase will also delve into the psychological and stylistic depths of Bruce McDonald’s ‘Pontypool’ (2008) and Kyle Edward Ball’s experimental hit ‘Skinamarink’ (2022). Del Toro will explore how these films challenge traditional horror tropes and connect with audiences through atmosphere, tone, and innovation.
Toronto has become a creative hub for Guillermo del Toro, serving as a production base for several of his acclaimed films, including ‘Mimic’, ‘Crimson Peak’, ‘The Shape of Water’, ‘Pacific Rim’, ‘Nightmare Alley’, and his upcoming adaptation of ‘Frankenstein’. His close ties to the Canadian film industry were further cemented when the city was used to film his FX series, ‘The Strain.’
Guillermo del Toro's partnership with TIFF has been a long-standing one. He has previously led lecture series at TIFF Lightbox focusing on Mexican cinema, Alfred Hitchcock’s works, and classic film noir, often aligning these educational events with his own production schedules in Toronto.
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His Toronto-based productions have frequently featured Canadian talent behind the scenes, including long-time producing partner J. Miles Dale, along with local production designers, editors, costume departments, and other technical teams, highlighting his deep integration with the city’s film industry.
As part of the Toronto International Film Festival’s 50th anniversary celebration, Guillermo del Toro is teaming up with TIFF Lightbox to host a free outdoor screening of ‘The Shape of Water’.
This immersive lecture series promises to blend horror history with Guillermo del Toro’s filmmaking expertise, making it a must-attend event for genre fans and aspiring creators alike.
