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Red Sea Film Foundation Participates in Toronto International Film Festival

Red Sea FF is participating in the 2024 TIFF with a diverse program
Red Sea FF is participating in the 2024 TIFF with a diverse program
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Red Sea Film Foundation Participates in Toronto International Film Festival

Red Sea FF is participating in the 2024 TIFF with a diverse program
Red Sea FF is participating in the 2024 TIFF with a diverse program

The Red Sea Film Foundation (Red Sea FF) is participating in the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) with a diverse program.

Three films supported by the Red Sea FF have been selected for screening within the TIFF's program, a move that reinforces the Red Sea Film Foundation's ongoing efforts to highlight Arab cinema on the global stage.

As part of its participation, the Red Sea FF is hosting a panel discussion in collaboration with TIFF's Conference Center, titled "Bridging Cinematic Cultures: Making Films with the Arab World."

This panel aims to explore prospects for cooperation between international and Arab filmmakers. It will feature a select group of experts, led by Managing Director of the Red Sea Film Foundation, Shivani Pandya Malhotra, alongside Founder of Dubai-based film sales outfit Cercamon, Sebastien Chesneau; Paris-based filmmaker Hind Meddeb; and Founder and Producer of OFFSHORE, Fabrice Préel-Cléach.

"Our Red Sea-supported films at TIFF this year depict the breadth of talent from across the Arab and African regions, showcasing the spectrum of genres and themes that these talented directors are bringing to the international stage,” Managing Director of the Red Sea Film Foundation Shivani Pandya Malhotra said.

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'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
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'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS

An "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru's Amazon, according to Conservation International.

Scientists also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program, told Reuters this week.

He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.

The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.

"Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo," Larsen said.

The expedition between June and July 2022 was made up of 13 scientists plus local technicians and members of Indigenous groups.

"It was really fantastic to work so closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with," Larsen said.

Among the new species, Larsen highlighted the spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm (5.5 in).

"(The squirrel) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown color, very fast," Larsen said. "It jumps quickly and hides in the trees."

Another favorite discovery was the blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish, he said.

A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the 38-day expedition using camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as threatened, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey.

Larsen said the discoveries reinforced the need to protect the area.

"Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape ... there's a strong chance they won't persist in the long term," Larsen said.