Category: Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Curator, Editor, Film Reviewer

Jith Paul is an independent filmmaker based in Ottawa. While pursuing a career as a software engineer, he decided to take a detour to follow his passion for film and filmmaking, establishing Treepot Media in 2010. He operates Treepot Spark, is a co-founder of the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival, where he served on the board until the end of 2024. He is currently the editor of the film613 blog. He recently coordinated the efforts of an international team of software developers and service providers as the Team Lead for Digital Development at CPAC. Jith is seeking a new professional opportunity where he can leverage his experience in digital strategy, system design, business analysis, and cross-functional leadership to help build and operate resilient, high-impact digital systems.

Follow Jith on Letterboxd. More info at jithpaul.com

Interview: The OCan24 Jurors

“The Ottawa Canadian Film Festival announced the jury for the 2024 festival earlier this year. I interviewed OCan24 Jury President Zachary Chabot and jurors Daniel Perras, Fitch Jean, and Nicole Bedford” – Blair Campbell

Blair Campbell/Jith Paul

Review: Dead Cat

“Dead Cat is a well executed short film. There are times when the camera cuts away from a reaction or punch line so quickly that joke sets in during the sequence that follows, making it even funnier.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Interview: Kim Thúy

Kim Thúy Ly Thanh is a Vietnamese-born Canadian writer, whose debut novel Ru won the Governor General’s Award for French-language fiction in 2010. Ru, a film adaptation of Thúy’s novel, was directed by Charles-Olivier Michaud and was released in 2023.

Jith Paul

Review: Past Lives

“Past Lives, the debut feature film from Korean-Canadian writer-director Celine Song, is a beautifully understated film that explores a what-if scenario across decades and continents.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Review: Black Christmas

“Even though it is a product of the 70s, with many of the prevailing attitudes and social norms, I am struck by several elements of ‘Black Christmas’ that make it seem surprisingly modern.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Interview: Nisha Pahuja

Nisha Pahuja, writer/director of “To Kill a Tiger” chats with Monique. The film was named to TIFF’s annual year-end Canada’s Top Ten list for 2022.

Jith Paul

Interview: Jane Gurr and Ed Kucerak

Documentary filmmakers Jane Gurr and Ed Kucerak chat with Monique about their latest collaboration, “Lunch at the Rideau”.

Jith Paul

Interview: Kris Fleerackers and Andrea Wing

Kris Fleerackers, director of the live-action puppetry film “IDOL”, and Andrea Wing, director of the documentaries “The Trapline” and “Leo & Chester” chat with Monique.

Jith Paul

Favourite Fake Trailers

“Creating a fake trailer is a fun way to practice your skills at writing and execution, and is a clever way to attract potential funders, for the right project.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Review: Haulout

“On a remote coast of the Russian Arctic, Chakilev waits alone in a wind-battered cabin to witness a natural event that happens there once a year.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Event: DiverCITY Film Festival 2023

“The intimate venue and chill vibe made it feel like a small group of friends getting together to make a mix-tape. This is the first year of the DiverCITY festival and I hope to see more of these gatherings in the city. “ – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Review: Empire of Light

“If you are a fan of the Sam Mendes and Roger Deakins combo (Road to Perdition, Skyfall, 1917), you’re in for a treat.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Review: Stories in 180

“The 3-minute episodes of Stories in 180 are a perfect length if you are looking for a quick chuckle or an amusing tale to check out on a short break or on your commute.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Review: The Hire

“The Hire series from BMW was viral branded content before the age of viral branded content.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Favourite Movie Opening Long Takes

“Long takes at the beginning of films are used to establish locations and characters. They usually have that ‘grab factor’ or a slight of hand that really pulls in an audience.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul

Review: Vicky and Sam

“I found Nuno Rocha’s film tongue-in-cheek, fun, innovative and particularly entertaining to watch as a filmmaker.” – Jith Paul

Jith Paul