What types of films and documentaries does Game Theory Films focus on releasing, and what values are central to your mission?
Game Theory Films is an independent Canadian distribution company, focused on high-quality theatrical feature films. We are very story and filmmaker-driven - our catalog features a mix of documentaries, dramas, comedy, and genre titles that have played world-class festivals including Cannes and TIFF. Our catalogue is majority Canadian cinema but we always keep space in our slate for exceptional international titles. We always look for stories we haven't seen on screen before, told by filmmakers we believe in and want to support throughout their careers.
Can you share some of the key films you are releasing this fall that you think would resonate with librarians/educators?
We have an exciting psychological drama Darkest Miriam that follows a librarian whose sheltered life is cracked open when she falls in love just as she starts receiving odd, threatening notes left for her at the library. The film is based on a book The Incident Report, and offers many potential avenues for discussion on its themes, the nature of the adaptation, and the filmmaking.
What are the best films in your catalog for college campus screenings that promote student engagement and discussion?
In Flames, Pakistan's submission last year to the Academy Awards explores the oppressive patriarchal society of Pakistan. Seagrass which won the FIPRESCI prize at TIFF last year is a family drama that addresses the internment of the Japanese during WW2 and has been very popular for educational screenings for students studying WW2 or Japanese history. Rose by Niels Arden Opev is based on a true story about the director's schizophrenic sister and a bus trip she took to Paris - it addresses both the challenges and the stigma of living with mental illness from an incredibly honest and loving perspective.
How can your films engage public library patrons, and what themes or topics do you think will resonate with them?
Many of our films offer personal perspectives on large themes - mental health, the patriarchy, racism. They are told by filmmakers with direct personal relationships and experience with these themes, through engaging high quality cinema.
What can you share about any exciting projects or films slated for release in 2025 that our readers should be aware of?
One upcoming title we're excited about is Drive Back Home an LQTBQ road movie starring Alan Cumming that is based on a true story of when the filmmaker's uncle was arrested for buggery, and his estranged small-town brother drove across the country to pick him up.