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The Indian Eye
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34 OCTOBER 17, 2024
TIFF 2025

Lillith Fair: Building a Mystery receives

a standing ovation from the audience

the first time they experienced a con-
MANSI M
cert environment that prioritized in-
TORONTO clusivity, respect, and joy.
The atmosphere was electric,
ilith Fair: Building a Mystery, not just because of the music, but be-
directed by Ally Pankiw, is a
Lpowerful and uplifting doc- cause of the shared sense of purpose
and solidarity. It stood in stark con-
umentary that chronicles the rise trast to the male-dominated concert
of one of the most groundbreaking scenes that often-left women feeling
music festivals in history, an unapol- marginalized or unsafe.
ogetically all-women lineup that de- Festival founder Sarah McLach-
fied industry norms and reshaped the lan captures its spirit best: “Never
cultural landscape. At a time when underestimate what a small group
commercial radio stations hesitated of young women can accomplish.”
to play even two female artists back- Watching the documentary on the
to-back, the festival emerged as a big screen reignited her desire to re-
bold counter-narrative. It wasn’t just vive the movement, emphasizing that
a festival; it was a movement. Each Courtesy TIFF its future depends on the passion of
year, it grew in scale and influence, today’s young artists. “The film draws
attracting major stars like Christina a poignant connection to contempo-
Aguilera, Sheryl Crow, and Erykah 1997 to 1999, Lilith Fair featured bers. The festival created a rare and rary artists like Taylor Swift, who in
Badu, while also giving a platform to more than 300 female artists and radical space where women—and her own way continues to motivate
emerging voices who would go on to drew an astounding 1.5 million at- especially members of the queer and empower young women through
shape the future of music. tendees across North America. But community—felt safe, seen, and cel- her music and message.”
Over its three-year run from its impact went far beyond the num- ebrated. For many attendees, it was

The Lost Bus: A Tale of Heroism Amidst

California’s Deadliest Wildfire

ROHAN RAI As the fire spreads rapidly and
panic grips the town, he is faced with
Toronto
a decision that will define his life.
n a cinematic landscape often With a bus full of children and no
dominated by tales of superheroes clear escape route, he must navigate
Iand high-stakes espionage, The through smoke-filled roads, falling
Lost Bus presented at the Toronto In- debris, and the overwhelming pres-
ternational Film Festival (TIFF) offers sure of responsibility. What makes
a refreshingly grounded and emotion- this portrayal so powerful is its au-
ally resonant story. Directed by Paul thenticity. He is not a trained rescuer
Greengrass, known for his gripping or a seasoned hero—he is a regular
realism and human-centered storytell- person who chooses to act with ex-
ing, this film chronicles a true act of Courtesy TIFF traordinary courage.
bravery during the catastrophic 2018 The Lost Bus, based on a true
Camp Fire in Paradise, California. story, reminds us that real heroism
The bus driver, played by actor of view, the story unfolds with emo- traordinary challenge. Through flash- often comes from the most unex-
Matthew McConaughey, a seemingly tional depth and quiet intensity. He’s backs and tense moments, we see his pected places and that sometimes
ordinary figure, becomes the heart of not a trained rescuer—just an ordi- inner struggles and the strength that saving lives means simply refusing to
the story. Told from the driver’s point nary person who rises to meet an ex- emerges when lives are on the line. give up.

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