Peter Giffen

Some people grapple with the moral challenges of treating human beings decently. Others are just… assholes. Inspired by Aaron James’ New York Times bestseller of the same name, this documentary investigates the breeding grounds of contemporary ‘asshole culture’ — and locates signs of civility in an otherwise rude and nasty universe. Venturing into predominantly male domain, this film moves from Ivy League frat clubs to the bratty princedoms of Silicon Valley and the bear pits of international finance. Why do assholes thrive in certain environments? What explains their perverse appeal? And how do they keep getting elected?

Three students seek the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhist master, soccer aficionado and filmmaker Khyentse Norbu in this captivating documentary, which takes viewers on a journey from the World Cup in Germany to the isolated Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan. Bernardo Bertolucci and Steven Seagal make appearances in the film, and the world music soundtrack is provided by Sting, Tara Slone and Joydrop, Steve Tibbetts, U.Man.Tek, Kunga 19 and many others.

Rare Bird Alert chronicles a punk rock birder’s odyssey across North America as he explores how the climate crisis is affecting birds, from the viewpoint of other birders. The film observes that every birder is their own unique species and explores how birding has gone mainstream and is soaring in popularity.

When Dr. Ruth Whitehead meets graduate student Carmelita Robertson, who had come to do research at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax, the women realize both their ancestors come from South Carolina, and that their names sound shudderingly familiar. Embarking on a journey to Charleston in search of their connection, Ruth and Carmelita encounter a modern South where the Klan is on trial for burning black churches and where they must come to terms with the thunderous cruelty of the past.

Through early Mi’kmaw and Acadian habitation, British settlement of planters and disbanded soldiers, and modern immigration, viewers take a whirlwind trip down East Hants history. Drone footage, maps, images of historic sites and people, strategically placed interviews, and a great script and musical background draw out the tale of East Hants, exploring where people lived, how they lived, what industry sustained them, and the resulting East Hants “persona”.

Sickboy follows 29-year-old Jeremie Saunders as he lives openly with Cystic Fibrosis and devotes his life to removing the stigma attached to chronic illness and disease. He demonstrates that laughing about the absurdity of CF can take away its power. The film traces the efforts by Jeremie and his best friends, Brian and Taylor, to create an internet podcast that seeks to change the way people view serious illness like brain cancer, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.

Follow twin sisters and first-time filmmakers Meaghan and Marie Wright, and indigenous activist Joseph Huyer as they set out to learn more about using business as a force for good. The trio drives across the country sharing stories of citizens and business owners adding a different type of value to the world through social enterprise. Hilarious, informative and heartfelt, this is a journey that will leave viewers ready to contribute to making the world a more inclusive and sustainable place.