From Russia To Canada, Next Generation Director Tackles TIFF

TORONTO - Sept. 10, 2016 - PRLog -- Generation Next Filmmaker Elena Brodach transcends boundaries to represent Russia at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival. Next, a modern, edgy film about a contemporary artist's secret life, is an official selection and makes its North American premiere in Short Cuts Programme 3, Saturday, September 10, 7PM at Scotiabank Theatre 14.

Of the 101 short films selected, Next is the only film representing Russia, and Ms. Brodach joins an esteemed short list of Russian feature film directors representing the territory at the 41st Toronto International Film Festival including Alexey Mizgirev, whose film The Duelists will have its world premiere, and Ivan I. Tverdovskiy, with the North American debut of Zoology. The sole woman, Elena is excited for her screenings and looking forward to the presentation of a unique female voice in global cinema.

"I am humbled Next is an official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival and externally grateful to the programmers at TIFF for including it in the line-up," comments Elena Brodach. "I am honored to represent Russia at one of the world's premier film industry events and even more honored to represent women in cinema at a time when there's so much gender disparity in the global film industry."

Next, Elena's sophomore film, completed in January 2016 on a shoestring budget, has been well received on the international film scene. From its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner and its grand prize and director's choice awards at the Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, to its official selection status at TIFF, Next is being described as an artistic, beautiful, well directed short film.

"Wow, homegirl is a FREAK!! Well directed, shot and produced. Erotic, dark and scary." – Whitney Davis, Manager, CBS Entertainment Diversity

"A well-executed, artistic short with beautiful lighting, great camera work and a perfect soundtrack." – Dana Glover, Cinema du Cannes Project

Next's North American premiere is Saturday, September 10, 2016, 7:00 PM at Scotiabank Theatre 14, with an encore presentation Friday, September 16, 6:00 PM Scotiabank Theatre 13. Visit www.tiff.net/next for additional information and to purchase tickets.

Press and industry professionals are invited to a special screening Sunday, September 11, 9:00 AM at ScotiaBank Theatre 6. Ms. Brodach is on the ground in Toronto and available for interviews through September 18, 2016. To learn more, follow her on social media @elenabrodach @shortfilmnext.