Heaven on Earth

For the first time in 17 years, Namrata Gill wraps herself in her wedding sari. It doesn't bring back happy memories. Her husband was supposed to be Prince Charming - whisking her away from Punjab to a new life in Canada. But instead of living a fairy-tale dream, Gill found herself in a nightmare. She worked long hours in her husband's Edmonton convenience store, while facing increasing physical and emotional abuse from her husband and in-laws. And the situation only worsened after the birth of her daughter. In this intensely personal short film, Gill - whose story was one of many real-life inspirations for Deepa Mehta's feature film Heaven on Earth - describes her six years in an abusive relationship, and how difficult leaving can be when you are part of a close-knit immigrant community. Namrata is more than the story of one woman, told in her own words. Its simple and personal approach opens the door for discussions on domestic violence among new Canadians - and may even encourage others to share their stories.

Near Newcastle, Ontario, lies Wing Fong Farm: 80 acres planted with succulent Asian vegetables destined for Chinese markets and restaurants. It is here that Lau King-Fai (or Ma) has come to spend the rest of her days with her son. The farm is a long way from bustling Hunan Province, but after a tumultuous life in China, she has made it her home: caring for young shoots, working together with migrant Mexican workers and preparing meals in the farmhouse. Born in 1929, Ma survived the loss of her father and two siblings during the Japanese occupation, and the death of her husband during the Cultural Revolution--which left her alone to support her family. It's little wonder that she believes in accepting fate. As she puts it, "Empty thoughts and wishful thinking are useless." Shot over the course of a complete farm cycle--from tilling, to planting, to harvest, to rest--Earth to Mouth is an exquisitely filmed, meditative look at life on Wing Fong Farm. For Yeung Kwan, Ma's son, the farm represents personal and financial independence. For Ma, it is an oasis of peace. For the half-dozen Mexican workers, it provides jobs that help support their children back home. Each in their own way, they endure the rigours of farming and savour their moments of peace.

On a hot summer night 22 years ago, 18-year-old Attiya Khan ran through the streets, frightened for her life. She was fleeing her ex-boyfriend Steve, who'd been abusing her on a daily basis. Now, all these years later, Attiya has asked Steve to meet. She wants to know how he remembers their relationship and if he is willing to take responsibility for his violent actions. This emotionally raw first meeting, filmed by Attiya with Steve's consent, is the starting point for A Better Man. The rough footage also marks a new beginning in Attiya's own recovery process-as well as an important starting point for Steve. For the first time ever, he speaks of the abuse and cracks opens the door to dealing with the past. Illuminating a new paradigm for domestic-violence prevention, A Better Man offers a fresh and nuanced look at the healing and revelation that can happen for everyone involved when men take responsibility for their abuse. It also empowers audience members to play new roles in challenging domestic violence, whether it's in their own relationships or as part of a broader movement for social change.