LITERATURE | "Shoot It!" Book Launch
Film critic and historian David Spaner celebrates the launch of his latest book "Shoot It!: Hollywood Inc. and the Rising of Independent Film" by participating in a discussion with Richard Crouse in front of Toronto's indie film community. Filmmaker Larry Kent will introduce the evening with clips before Spaner and Crouse move into a conversation about how indie filmmakers are filling the void left in the Hollywood studio system that seeks profit and global consumption rather than supporting creative directors and quality films. Entrance is free with the purchase of Spaner's book.
Gladstone Hotel, Main Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West) 7:30PM $5

FILM | Amnesty International Presents: Films For Change
Amnesty International Toronto presents an eye-opening evening of activism in filmmaking with three movie screenings at the NFB. The AI short film A Year of Rebellion, A Year of Hope will kick off the night, highlighting international protests in which ordinary citizens demand change in their countries, followed by the Canadian premiere of the Oscar-winning film Saving Face, a doc about acid attacks on women in Pakistan. The recently added An Van Raemdonck short doc Women and the Egyptian Revolution will detail women's rights activism in Cairo during last year's revolution. While this event is pay-what-you-can, the suggested donation is $5, with all proceeds going to Amnesty International.
National Film Board (150 John Street) 7PM PWYC

ART | "SURFACES: The Photos & the Stories" Fibre Art by artist Robin Laws Field
Artist Robin Laws Field explores fibre art in the opening of her newest exhibit Surfaces, a series of abstract art that examines textures like pavement, floors, walls and other everyday surfaces. Having photographed items throughout her travels around the world, Laws Field has interpreted the images through texturized mixed media and colourful needlepoint pieces now on display at Wellington Street Art Gallery. The opening reception will take place on Saturday with a visit from the artist at 2PM.
Wellington Street Art Gallery (270 Wellington Street West) 12PM Free

DESIGN | Public Lecture: William Morrish
The Dean of New York's School of Constructed Environments at Parsons The New School William Morrish visits Toronto for a free public lecture tonight at U of T's Factulty of Architecture to discuss urban housing, infrastructure, community settlement and the social impact of design. The published author and lecturer has contributed ideas and research to several community-based projects such as team THINK's proposal for rebuilding the World Trade Center and design efforts for rebuilding New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Learn about how Morrish's work has focused on collaborative efforts between citizens and leaders to create cohesive urban environments at this fascinating lecture.
The John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design (230 College Street, Room 103) 6:30PM Free

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

• Chris Martenson's "The Crash Course: The Unsustainable Future of Our Economy, Energy and Environment"
• Shameless Labour Issue Launch Party
• Exposure

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.

Photo by Mary Crandall in the blogTO Flickr pool