For the first time in more than 10 years, a New Brunswick film has been selected to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Do I Know You from Somewhere? , produced by Fredericton's Strike Pictures, was selected as part of TIFF's discovery program that showcases work from new, gifted filmmakers from across the globe. The film also marks Fredericton filmmaker Arianna Martinez's debut as a director.
"This is a really really big deal," Martinez told CBC's Shift , "It puts this film on a global stage, which is always what you hope and fear when you're making movies." The 80-minute sci-fi romance looks at a couple and how different choices alter their reality. "It's answering the question, 'What would my life look like if I made a different choice?'" she said.
Do I Know You From Somewhere? was selected to premiere at TIFF as part of the festival's discovery program. Pictured are actors Ian Goff (left) and Caroline Bell (right). (Submitted by Arianna Martinez) While the film does explore the multiverse, it doesn't use any special effects, said Martinez.
Martinez said she hopes the movie is relatable for viewers. "When you look back at your own life, you can kind of pinpoint those pivotal moments that lead to big changes in your life," she said. "I'm hoping they can see themselves in these situations and see that we're where we're supposed to be and if we're not it's not too late to make a change.
" Martinez said she has been creating short films with co-producers Gordon.