Raquel GrastonStudent Raquel Graston is one of the filmmakers whose work is showcased in “Reel Shorts: Windsor,” available now on CBC Gem. Photo by Shahad Al-Haddad.

Local filmmaker showcase available to stream

The fifth installment of the short film showcase Reel Shorts: Windsor, produced by film professor Mike Stasko, is now available on CBC Gem, the national broadcaster’s video-on-demand platform.

Reel Shorts: Windsor is part of the Absolutely Canadian series highlighting the best documentary programs, short dramas, and comedies created by independent producers, directors, and student filmmakers from Windsor-Essex.

This year’s compilation brings together stories about online dating, loving your plants, sleep walking, loving your own body, and a day in the life of a five-dollar bill and a pair of shoes.

Stasko singles out as of special interest Full Bloom by MFA student Raquel Graston (BA 2022), completed during her undergraduate studies.

“Raquel worked during the summer back-to-back on feature films I am producing: The Lion Behind Him and Vampire Zombies… from Space!” says Stasko. “I valued her contributions as a production assistant and third assistant director and now encourage everyone to see all these films free online.”

The show is available through CBC Gem and also features Uprooted: The Plantemic, produced by UWindsor professor Tony Lau; Phantasma & Fiver by communications major Shahad Al-Haddad; Lookin’ Good, Feelin’ Good by Carolina Di Grado (BA 2022); and Down in the DMs by Taye Alvis.