Lynn Manwar

Archive for the ‘Festivals’ Category

Lynn’s Comments:    I was home on August 4th, 2012 when I got a call and a Facebook message about an opportunity to attend PIFAA 2012 at the Air Canada Centre, as my friend had extra tickets.  He asked me if I would like to attend and I said yes to the amazing chance to spend an evening to see Punjabi Film Stars, song and dance.   I was resting as I am in the midst of radiation treatment, but conserved my energy and got a drop downtown to meet my friend to attend the actual event.

On my mother’s side, our ancestry is Punjabi and it was nice to go to an event that is connected to 50% of my roots.  The awards show was pretty much all in Punjabi so, since I don’t understand the language, I just watched the song and dance, along with the beautiful people in the audience.   It was a packed house, and a great turnout— considering it was a first awards show of the Punjabi film industry.

It started at 8pm promptly and during the show, I got up and walked around.  I purchased herbal tea and a muffin, as I needed to regain some energy.  After watching some wonderful awards presentations and performances, I decided to leave at 10:45pm and call it a night.  The show was not yet over, but I ensured that I took care of myself and headed home on the subway.

I was extremely grateful that I received a ticket to attend PIFAA.  It was a memorable cultural experience!

Lynn’s Comments:  I attended the Launch Party of the International Fashion Festival Toronto 2012 on July 4th, 2012 with guests at the Grand Victorian Convention Centre.  I love fashion and learning about different styles.  There were well known sought after Indian designers such as Vikram Phandis present, along with Super Models and Bollywood sensation Hamza Faruqi.

The IFFT 2012 fashion shows begin on July 6th to July 8th, 2012..  For more information and to purchase tickets, go to:  www.ifft.ca

Lynn’s Comments: I left India on September 4th, 2011 and arrived back to Canada on September 5th, 2011.  It was a brand new time in my life for me.  I have never felt so renewed, fresh, hopeful and happy.  My psoriasis on my skin began to heal up and I haven’t seen beautiful arms in many years.  I had a new sense of self confidence and less than 1 week later, I got to show off my arms wearing a strapless dress at ReelWorld Indie Film Lounge Cocktail Party at Empire Lounge during the Toronto International Film Festival 2011.

I had also decided upon returning back home, it would be time for me to start dating again.  Now, that I was feeling good, I declared I am ready! And lined up a date for myself that weekend.

People often question, why I am single, what’s wrong with you?  You go out so much and meet so many people.  To me, it’s all about timing and I have worked on my inner self to prepare myself to receive that “Great Love” coming my way.  Being in love is such madness and I can’t wait to have that experience again!

Lynn’s Comments: I have lived in the Danforth area otherwise known as Greek Town in Toronto, Ontario, Canada since 1975 and moved away two times for 1 year and for 4 years.  I have always enjoyed attending the Taste of the Danforth.  This year I went to the food festival with the Toronto Wine and Social Meetup group organized by Julian.  I met new people and enjoyed trying free hummous, greek pasteries, and fresh lemonade.  It is a big celebration with music, food, drink,  performance and people coming together.  I ran into a couple of friends and even a cousin of mine.  By far, the Taste of the Danforth is one of my favourite festivals of the city.  I look forward to next year and encourage you to check out the restaurant gems located on the Danforth in Greek Town.

Lynn with Cousin Donna

Lynn’s Comments: It was 6 years ago that I was part of the team at Pride Toronto as the Volunteer Development Lead and was responsible for recruiting and coordinating 600 plus volunteers. The organization had a good number of volunteers already in their database, but it was important for me to reconnect with everyone and recruit new volunteers to make the event a success for their 25th anniversary in 2005. I was able to connect to the community even though I did not identify as “queer” myself and everyone welcomed me with open arms.

It was with great happiness that I was able to attend Pride 2011, 6 years later as a public attendee and observe the festival from a different perspective. Pride weekend brings such wealth, joy, and celebration to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I commend those who got this initiative started. When you start something big, and then it takes a life of it’s own, you have accomplished your goal. Pride Toronto certainly has made it’s mark in lives of a million plus people each year.

Lynn’s Comments: At the end of February 2011 I decided to register as a delegate for Hot Docs Film Festival to learn more about the industry. This year’s festival was held from April 28th to May 8th, 2011. I was able to watch many documentaries that touched, moved and disturbed me. I love the storytelling and reality that documentaries bring to the world. Some docs that really opened up my eyes included: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, <The Pirate Tapes, Being Elmo, Kumare, The Bengali Detective, My Barefoot Friend, and The Redemption of General Butt Naked.

The networking at this event was phenomenal with contacts from all around the world. I attended both Opening and Closing Night parties and met some great people, had lots of food and drink.

I had my first pitch session of my doc to TVO, even though I do not have experience in making a film. It was a good learning curve. I need to build my team and have a strong producer to go back to a broadcaster to support my project.

Opening Night Party of Hot Docs! Lynn with Ashima Suri and Lola of Limitless Productions

Jian Ghomeshi @ Hot Docs Awards

Lynn’s Comments: I attended the Press Conference for the 11th Annual ReelWorld Film Festival at Canada Square Theatre at 2200 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada on March 15th, 2011.

Lynn Manwar with Actor Cle Bennet of Barney's Version film

The five day festival is about diverse film making and screens animation, documentaries, features, music videos and shorts.

I worked for this festival in 2006 as the Volunteer Coordinator and I am so happy to stay connected to this festival. Founded by actress Tonya Lee Williams, this festival has launched the careers of many aspiring diverse filmmakers

Lynn Manwar with Actress & Founder, Tonya Lee Williams