TIFF 2024: Measures for a funeral (With Movie Trailer)
Measures for a Funeral at TIFF 2024: A Moving Exploration of Music, Legacy, and Personal History
Sofia Bohdanowicz returns to TIFF 2024 with her latest feature, Measures for a Funeral, a deeply emotional and ambitious drama that dives into the life of early 20th-century Canadian violinist Kathleen Parlow. Blending historical fact with fictionalized family history, Bohdanowicz tells a poignant story about the intertwining of music, legacy, and unresolved family dynamics. If you’re into films that mix personal journeys with historical exploration, this is one to watch.
The Plot: One Woman’s Journey to Discover a Forgotten Icon
At the heart of Measures for a Funeral is Audrey Benac (played by Deragh Campbell), a young academic on a mission to uncover the life and career of Kathleen Parlow—a trailblazing violinist who has faded from collective memory. As Audrey digs deeper into Parlow’s legacy for her Ph.D. thesis, her research takes her across the globe, from Toronto to London and Oslo, uncovering long-lost compositions and hidden stories.
But Audrey’s journey to uncover Parlow’s history is also a way of distancing herself from her own painful family dynamics. Her mother, a failed musician, harbors resentment over her lost dreams, casting a shadow over Audrey’s life. The film poignantly explores how legacies—both musical and familial—can shape our lives in ways we don’t always realize.
Why You’ll Be Hooked
- A Forgotten Musical Icon: Kathleen Parlow may not be a household name, but this film brings her extraordinary talent and achievements back into the spotlight. If you love films about untold stories and forgotten figures, Measures for a Funeral will captivate you with its deep dive into Parlow’s life.
- A Journey of Personal and Historical Discovery: As Audrey traces Parlow’s career, the film beautifully blends history with personal reflection. It’s not just about a lost icon—it’s about how we carry the weight of family expectations and our own search for identity.
- Deragh Campbell’s Performance: Campbell is a standout as Audrey, delivering a nuanced and emotionally charged performance. Her portrayal of a woman caught between the past and the present, family and career, adds depth to the film’s exploration of legacy and regret.
What Makes Measures for a Funeral Stand Out
Sofia Bohdanowicz has a knack for blending personal and historical narratives, and Measures for a Funeral is her most ambitious project yet. The film captures the emotional weight of family history while shedding light on a forgotten musical icon, making it a film that speaks to both personal and cultural legacies.
The film’s finale—a powerful re-staging of a long-lost musical composition dedicated to Parlow—brings the story full circle. It’s a beautifully layered moment that speaks to the film’s larger themes of loss, regret, and the ways we seek closure, whether in family or art.
Fans of Bohdanowicz’s earlier work will recognize her signature style of emotional precision, but Measures for a Funeral stretches into new territory, combining biography with a rich fictionalized narrative. It’s a film that challenges the viewer to think about the legacies we inherit—and the ones we leave behind.
When and Where to Watch Measures for a Funeral at TIFF 2024
Catch Measures for a Funeral at these showtimes:
- Saturday, September 7 – 8:15 pm at TIFF Lightbox
- Sunday, September 8 – 6:20 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry)
- Monday, September 9 – 11:30 am at TIFF Lightbox
- Thursday, September 12 – 9:15 am at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry)
- Sunday, September 15 – 5:45 pm at TIFF Lightbox
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
If you’re drawn to films that blend personal exploration with historical storytelling, Measures for a Funeral will leave a lasting impression. With its emotional depth, stellar performances, and a captivating story that uncovers a forgotten chapter of Canadian music history, this film is one of the standout features at TIFF 2024.
Don’t miss your chance to experience Sofia Bohdanowicz’s latest—and most ambitious—film yet. Measures for a Funeral is a beautifully crafted meditation on family, legacy, and the stories we carry with us.
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