Universal Language Archives

Contra Zoom Pod Episode 303: 2025 Canadian Screen Awards Nomination Reactions

by Contra Zoom | April 3, 2025

The ⁠Canadian Screen Awards⁠ announced their 2025 nominations and the Contra Zoom Pod guys react to which films made the cut.

Canada’s Top Ten: TIFF Celebrates the Best in Cinema for 2024

by Carlos Diaz | January 8, 2025

TIFFl has revealed its Canada’s Top Ten list, highlighting the standout films of 2024. From 40 Acres to Universal Language, it's a strong list from a talented group of filmmakers.

The Best Films of 2024: A Year in Review

by That Shelf Staff | December 28, 2024

The best films of 2024 include Conclave, Sing Sing, Anora, Dune: Part Two, Challengers, Nickel Boys, Hard Truths, Civil War, and Flow.

A man and a woman stand on an mountainside in the French Alps. Their backs are facing the camera and they are looking at tree-covered mountains.

Windsor Film Festival Marks 20 Years of Celebrating Canadian Film

by Pat Mullen | October 28, 2024

Highlights at the 2024 Windsor International Film Festival, WIFF, included Canadian films Shepherds, Universal Language, and Sharp Corner.

Contra Zoom Pod Episode 287: 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival

by Contra Zoom | October 8, 2024

The 2024 edition of ⁠VIFF⁠ just wrapped its 43rd year. We discuss our thoughts on the festival and review some of the films watched.

Universal Language: TIFF 2024 Review

by Barbara Goslawski | September 14, 2024

Universal Language, a delightfully clever offbeat comedy, and probably Rankin's most accessible film to date, is ingeniously deceptive in its strategies. That’s only part of its charm.

Canada Submits Universal Language for Best International Feature Oscar

by Pat Mullen | August 27, 2024

Canada submits Universal Language in the Oscar race for Best International Feature. Matthew Rankin's Winnipeg set farce uses a mix of Persian and French.