Stephen Chung’s energetic film gives viewers an insider’s view of not just the rise of one of Canada’s best-loved bands of the millennium, but also a tectonic shift for Toronto’s cultural landscape. Along with present-day interviews of members of Broken Social Scene, Chung revisits candid footage he shot of the musicians as the freewheeling indie-rock collective first began to cohere in a series of homes and clubs in the early 2000s. Of course, none of them knew that the songs they were creating together in such a spirit of joy and camaraderie would soon earn them a worldwide audience. As potent as Chung’s film as a celebration of Broken Social Scene and the many other music-makers in their orbit — including Metric, Feist, Stars, and Jason Collett — it’s just as memorable for how it captures a moment in the life of the city before its own transformation.

Director: Stephen Chung

Cast: Broken Social Scene

Language: English

Runtime: 94 minutes

STEPHEN CHUNG, DIRECTOR

Stephen is an award-winning Toronto-based cinematographer with over twenty years of experience. He began his career as a stills photographer before becoming a cinematographer, working with artists like Feist, BSS, Do Make Say Think, Buck 65, and Blue Rodeo. His work has won many awards, including the Canadian Society of Cinematographers award (Mister Tachyon), Canadian Screen Award for Best Documentary Film (The Defector) and a Juno for Best Album Artwork.

Dave Newfeld, musician

Dave Newfeld started out working in atmospheric dance music before moving into production for indie bands in the late 90s. He has worked with Broken Social Scene, Los Campesinos!, Super Furry Animals, and Chikita Violenta.

Andrea Menzies, writer/producer

Andrea Menzies is the cowriter and executive producer of It’s All Gonna Break.