THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION

sunday, September 5 2021

the forty-year-old version

With short film I Like it Here

And live music by LolaBunz

Same-day tickets available 12pm SEPT 5

TOPS & Friends Closing Night Programme

Writer-director and star Radha Blank’s acclaimed debut, The Forty-Year-Old-Version, is an unmissable film that will stick with you long after you see it. Putting herself on full display in the lead role of maybe-fictional, maybe-autobiographical Radha, Blank is the firecracker community leader we all need. A discouraged and disillusioned New York playwright, she’s staring 40 in the face and feeling desperate to create something real. Playing with the idea of reinventing herself as a rapper named RadhaMUSPrime, she finds herself getting lost in her self-pity and writer’s block, oblivious to the community rooting for her. When she finally finds her voice, Radha - both the character on screen and the creator behind the camera - reminds us that our heroes can be flawed, but that art lifts us all up.

We look forward to commemorating the close of our season with the World Premiere of I Like it Here, a short film funded by TOPS as part of our 10th anniversary season, its production delayed for a year through the pandemic. Filmmaker Charlie Tyrell uses a similarly dry, comedic tone to convey the feelings of regret and nostalgia felt by the protagonist in his latest short in collaboration with writer Monica Heisey.

Tyrell’s films display a fascination with the way that memories, personal rituals, and everyday objects become entangled in our lives, most powerfully in his autobiographical short film about the loss of his father, the multiple award-winning My Dead Dad’s Porno Tapes. I Like it Here dwells on mundane household items and precious keepsakes to which we associate poignant memories. Using a distinct visual style - combining live action footage with stop motion animation - the film explores the echoes left behind by the people who once shared a home with you.

Attendees will also be treated to a reprise screening of short film Projections.

With a live music performance from LolaBunz
Music curated by Wavelength Music

Wavelength Music is a curated concert series designed to champion creativity, co-operation and collaboration in the independent music and arts scenes. Established in 2000, Wavelength is a non-profit arts organization that puts artists and the community first. A cornerstone of the Toronto music scene, Wavelength has championed literally thousands of emerging artists during its two decade-plus run.

With the rise of artists blowing up from of Toronto Canada, LolaBunz is definitely next up. LolaBunz is a hip hop artist first, but holds several titles as also a songwriter, singer, spoken word artist and entrepreneur.

Infused with a Nigerian background, her music is a tribute to all the different influences she grew up around, which made her the accomplished artist that she is today. Last year was big, but 2021 will be an even bigger year for LolaBunz, as she will be dropping a variety of new singles and music videos and a well anticipated EP. Lola’s drive, ambition and love for music have allowed her to capture audiences not only in her city but worldwide. Her talent has brought her opportunities to share stages with many influencers and networks such as appearing on BET’s freestyle Friday and opening for international rap artist Wale to name a few. She has engaged many crowds and wants her listeners to know that she is starting this year with heat and nothing or nobody is dimming her light.

THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION

Radha Blank, 2020, USA

World Premiere of short film I Like it Here directed by Charlie Tyrell, 2021

Live music performance by LOLABUNZ

EVENT DETAILS:

Sunday, September 5, 2021
Admission: Same-day tickets available 12 PM on September 5
There will be no admission without an advance ticket

Venue: "Walled Fort" of Fort York National Historic Site - entry at west gates of 100 Garrison Road

Gates open @ 6 pm / Music @ 7:30pm / Cinema @ 8:30pm
COVID-19 on-site protocols - please read before attending
Event & ticket terms and conditions
Snacks and alcoholic beverages for sale (no outside alcohol permitted)
BYOBlanket & Chairs
Please see the accessibility features of Fort York
Films are screened with captioning
Content advisory: This film contains mature language, mild sexual content, some drug use and brief nudity

get tickets here