FILM | Christie Pits Film Festival Fundraiser
If you're not from the neighbourhood, chances are you haven't heard of the quiet little event known as the Christie Pits Film Festival, but it's steadily been picking up steam. Featuring free outdoor movies in Christie Pits Park, this grassroots festival is about getting the community together in a public green space for the sake of the arts. Now in it's 2nd year, the CPFF opens today with a fundraiser at The Central emceed by Thom Ernst, host of TVO's Saturday Night at The Movies. Performances by Brendon Goodmurphy, Sophie OH and Sean Leahy will get partygoers in the mood while raffle and silent auction prizes from local businesses like Libretto, Terroni and Snakes N Lattes will be available.
The Central (603 Markham Street) 6:30PM $5

THEATRE | A Midsummer Night's Dream
Driftwood Theatre presents a musical adaptation of the 16th century Shakespearean comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream in Toronto's heritage lumber mill Todmorden Mills. Opening this evening, this reimagining by Kevin Fox, Tom Lillington and D. Jeremy Smith adds music and lyrics to the story of a mischievous creature playing with the hearts of four lovers. Admission is pay-what-you-can, but we'd recommend at least $15 for this lovely little theatre company.
Todmorden Mills (67 Pottery Road) 7:30PM PWYC

MUSIC | Gardens of Song with Emma-Lee
Indie soul artist Emma-Lee will perform her light, ethereal music inside the Toronto Botanical Garden tonight as a part of the Gardens of Song music series, and the location couldn't be more perfect for the songstress. A program curated by Jim Shedden, musical concerts will be happening throughout the summer inside the gorgeous landscape of the botanical gardens. The Toronto local takes front stage at tonight's instalment of a concert series that will feature Canadian musicians every Thursday in a unique performance venue.
Toronto Botanical Garden (777 Lawrence Avenue East) 7PM $2

FILM | 4th Annual Shinsedai Cinema Festival
It's Japan's turn to be the cultural centre of attention with the opening of the 4th annual Shinesedai Cinema Festival at The Revue tonight. Curated by Chris MaGee and Jasper Sharp, the festival will highlight Japan's new generation of filmmakers whose styles range from oddball comedy to family drama to investigative documentary. Check out the special programming for Friday the 13th and guest filmmakers like Daisuke Miyazaki, Kotaro Terauchi and Sakichi Sato--three shinsedai directors who will be in attendance at screenings of their new work.
The Revue Cinema (400 Roncesvalles Avenue) 6PM

FILM | They Call It Myanmar
Best-selling American novelist and filmmaker Robert H. Lieberman will see the Canadian premiere of his revealing documentary They Call It Myanmar happening at The East Gallery tonight. Going inside the very protected and silenced Southeast Asian country of Burma, now known as Myanmar, to examine the brutal military regime that has ruled there for over 45 years. They Call It Myanmar is an interesting look inside a often-silenced country that seasoned travelers and politically-inclined folk alike will enjoy.
The East Gallery (334 Dundas Street West) 8PM Free

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

• James Vincent McMorrow at the Mod Club
• Smashfest!
• The Stormalongs EP Release


• Beer Tasting 101: Ontario Craft Beer
• Beatbox Battle: Free Your Sound 2vs2 Unity Festival

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 suzanne_williams in the blogTO Flickr pool