Ever start making assumptions about your surroundings when you are wandering around at night?
Karimah Zakia Issa brings to TIFF a thought-provoking new short that will seriously make you question our minds almost involuntarily thoughts.
I know for one, I can relate. Walking down a rather deserted street, I do start picking up cues and making judgements. Not just for myself, but trying to put myself in the shoes of others. The latter is to just be a good citizen.
For Izaiah Dockery’s Ash in Scaring Women at Night, it’s much more complicated. Without giving too much away, Ash is a character that has treaded both sides of the conversation, felt what both sides in a particular scenario have felt, and that brings an important discussion point to the forefront for audiences to reflect on and debate.
Issa has executed some smart filmmaking techniques to let the film shine. For one, I love the narration in the beginning, setting up the mood for the film. I then appreciate the combination of comedic elements and monologues from Ash that capture the essence of what we as the audience are already thinking.
My only criticism would be that, at times, the dialogue wasn’t clear about how Ash can relate. There is an underlining aspect about his character that is very powerful, but that gets buried a little bit by the dialogue.
While the scenario is relatable, this film is very much about spotlighting how we think as people. As a viewer, it gave me something to revisit. Maybe we do over think? Or maybe that is how our minds work to help create safe spaces for ourselves?
This is a great addition to the festival lineup and can’t wait to see what brick this film lays down for Issa and her future projects.
Scaring Women at Night plays as part of TIFF’s Short Cuts programme at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival; specifically Short Cuts Programme 6. Visit TIFF’s website HERE for all the details on screenings.
Cover Photo: Still from Scaring Women at Night | Courtesy of Fae Pictures.
