Adrien (Le Garagiste) |
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Adrien runs a garage in a small Quebec town. He needs a new kidney, but that won't be happening any time soon. Through the recurring cycles of dialysis and ebbing energy, he quietly struggles to balance his work and marriage. Things take an intriguing turn when he hires a young man to help around the garage, and reconsiderations of his past help him move forward. Screened at many festivals around the world, this atmospheric and moving film explores inner strength and personal dignity, capturing compelling characters in an exquisite rural landscape. Wednesday, March 9th at 6:00 PM - Filmmaker in attendance
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Aviliaq: Entwined |
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A story of love and friendship interrupted by convention and religion. As Christianity encroaches on Inuit beliefs, can the two women remain lovers? Thursday March 10th at 6:00 PM This film is part of the Connections Collection Short Film Program
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Bearded Ladies – The Photography of Rosamond Norbury |
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Bearded Ladies is an engaged and engaging documentary about Rosamond Norbury, a self-described “omnisexual” Vancouver photographer who explores gender and identity with a playful ‘wink and a nod’. The film follows Norbury as she creates her most recent show, a series of surprising and often hilarious portraits of women donning male drag for the first time. It also presents Norbury’s past work, including her groundbreaking homoerotic cowboy images and her intimate portraits of drag queens. We are taken out on the town accompanied by Norbury’s charming alter egos, the gay erotic photographer, Rod Bush, and the glamorous drag queen, Rose Bush. Wednesday March 9th at 3:30 PM - Filmmaker in attendance
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Beat Around the Bush |
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Una, a 75-year-old woman, decides to have her first orgasm. This delightful comedy takes a fresh look at a taboo subject and questions cultural norms. Thursday March 10th at 6:00 PM This film is part of the Connections Collection Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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Brides (Patardzlebi) |
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Nutsa, a young mother, lives with her two children in the suburbs of Tbilisi in Georgia. Her partner Goga is in prison. They, along with other prison couples, must “officially” marry to gain visiting rights. But the routine of prison visits begins to change the meaning of their separated lives. The stress becomes unbearable, and even the conjugal visit acts to reinforce the bars between them. This is an austere yet compelling film where the characters are captured with sensitivity and compassion. The film had its world premiere at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival in the Panorama where it won the 3rd Place Panorama Audience Award. It has also been selected for the official competition at the Tribeca Film Festival. The lead performer, Mari Kitia, received the Special Jury Prize for Best Actress at the Sarajevo Film festival, and the movie was given three awards at the Scarborough Worldwide Film Festival, including the Outstanding Directorial Achievement Award. Saturday March 12th at 8:30 PM
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Bruised |
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Amelia is a self-employed house cleaner struggling with a work injury. As the unrelenting stress on body and mind continues, the line between reality and delusion blurs. With nowhere to go and no one to turn to, she descends into a spiral of self medication and alcohol abuse. Worthy winner of several awards, this accomplished film reveals the dark trajectory of a character in decline. Friday March 11th at 4 PM This film is part of 70% Dark Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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Café Derby |
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Nothing is as contagious as enthusiasm. George is overwhelmed by his idea to rent the Café Derby to make money during the Pope's visit to Belgium for a mass in a nearby field. His wife and five children abandon their initial reluctance, and decide to help. They are convinced there's a small fortune to be made. Told from the point of view of the youngest daughter, the film is a funny and moving chronicle of a family both falling apart and pulling together. Inspired by true events in the filmmaker’s life, the film is an ode to audacity. Tuesday March 8th at 7:00 PM This is our Opening Night film and will be followed by a party!
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Chaos Management |
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An exhausted professional deals with an early morning distraction in her own unique way. What seems an innocuous beginning transforms into the revelations of a surprising character. Friday March 11th at 4:00 PM This film is part of 70% Dark Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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Chiral |
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Sometimes the line between the mundane and the impossible is invisible… yet easy to cross. On the opening night of his new art gallery, Hank crosses that line with horrifying consequences. Prepare to sit on the edge of your seat as you enjoy this new work, winner of the Best Short Award at The Blood in the Snow Canadian Film Festival. Friday March 11th at 4:00 PM This film is part of 70% Dark Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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End of Days, Inc. |
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Under the guise of a farewell party with cash bonuses to come, a group of unenthusiastic employees is tricked into working all night for a company closing shop. Between work breaks filled with bizarre, childish and completely mandatory party games, the employees begin to realize that their work is having catastrophic consequences on the outside world. As the bribes turn into threats, and when quitting is no longer an option, will this smorgasbord of antiheroes have what it takes to save the world? This delightfully bizarre and genre-bending comedy comes with strong performances and memorable production design. Friday March 11th at 9:30 PM - Filmmaker in attendance This film is preceded by a ‘Whodunit’ Reception to assist in the investigation of women in genre.
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FSM |
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Samantha, a talented and up-and-coming underground DJ in Vancouver, experiences alienation and isolation, despite the progressively integrated world of music, computers, telephones and social media in which she lives. Confined to a small group of friends and disillusioned with online dating, she seeks a meaningful connection. The film chronicles her journey through the streets of Vancouver, and introduces newcomer Vanessa Crouch in a memorable performance. Thursday March 10th at 8:30 PM - Filmmaker in Attendance
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Girl From God's Country |
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An important pioneer, Nell Shipman challenged what it was to be both a woman and a filmmaker in the early 20th century. Leaving the safety of the Hollywood studios, she ventured into the wilderness to make stories of her own. While in Idaho she wrote, produced, directed, and starred in at least 25 independent silent films. And yet, she is now all but forgotten, a fate not uncommon for many women filmmakers. In this documentary, Nell's story is paralleled with the stories of others, highlighting their immense but largely hidden legacy. Tuesday March 8th at 2:00 PM This film is followed by a panel discussion with special guests - Filmmaker in attendance
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Grace |
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Screened at festivals around the world, this BC film shows us a disturbing glimpse of a post-apocalyptic landscape. When a stranger joins a young girl and her dog, the child’s fierce will and strategy to survive are revealed. Friday March 11th at 4:00 PM This film is part of 70% Dark Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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Handjob |
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Teenage angst and drama can be caused by any number of social stresses. In this case, it's about the mechanics of a proper handjob. A film to make you laugh. Thursday March 10th at 6:00 PM This film is part of the Connections Collection Short Film Program- Filmmaker in attendance
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Hands Up |
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This film is a documentary seeking the meanings, messages and truths of Ferguson, Missouri, following the shooting death of Michael Brown. Zinhle Essamuah narrates her directorial debut with sincerity and an inquisitive openness. Saturday March 12th at 12:00 PM This film is part of Perspectives Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance This film will be followed by a moderated discussion with filmmakers and guests
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Heliopsis |
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Five men in a halfway house are about to rejoin society after their periods of incarceration. With poignant sensitivity and strong performances, the film captures the almost insurmountable challenges they face, as they try to prove their readiness for the outside world. Saturday March 12th at 3:30 PM This film is part of the Compelling Characters Short Film Program
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I Wanna Date U |
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A fun film, this comic short portrays Holly as she struggles to find a decent date, let alone "the one". When she is again stood up, it is up to her heartbroken friend Lucy to lend a helping hand. Thursday March 10th at 6:00 PM This film is part of the Connections Collection Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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Impulses (Pulsions) |
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Through intimate dialogue five women reveal the doubts, passions and fears that permeate romance in contemporary society. This work delves into the female experience of love and its consequences, while blurring the line between fiction and documentary. Thursday March 10th at 6:00 PM This film is part of the Connections Collection Short Film Program
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Kanada Girl |
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Despite being shot and severely wounded, Flora Kupsch is not giving up on her dreams. A former cowboy action star, she is out of retirement and on her way to win the world title. Wednesday March 9th at 3:30 PM This film will screen before Bearded Ladies
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Kinderwald |
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A quietly lyrical film filled with genuine suspense, Kinderwald is set in 1854 Pennsylvania. Flora, her two children and her dead husband’s brother, John, have arrived to homestead. When the young boys disappear without a trace, the neighbouring community first helps, seeking them in the surrounding landscape. However, it isn’t long before suspicions arise, and the young couple must search for the boys alone. Troubling interferences and a brutal attack from criminal elements lead to a trial of faith for both Flora and John, which the film explores with a realism that steps beyond the real. With its stunning cinematography and perfectly calibrated performances, this film is a festival favourite. It has been featured in the Slamdance Film Festival, and received the Special Jury Prize for Cinematography and Production Design from the Napa Valley Film Festival. Saturday March 12th at 6:00 PM - Filmmaker in attendance
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Madness |
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The black plague rolls across Europe, prompting desperate measures to stop the contagion. One woman refuses to abide by these laws, trying to prolong the last moments of her husband's life. This film has been recognized for excellence in production values and its compelling story. Saturday March 12th at 3:30 PM This film is part of the Compelling Characters Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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Norma's Story |
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Recalling her childhood in the fifties, Norma Kassi allows us a glimpse into the life of the Vuntut Gwitchin people, while warning of the consequences of today's environmental crisis. Sunday March 13th at 3:00 PM This film will screen before When Giants Fall
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One Last Ride |
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Just as a taxi driver is about to call it a day, a young woman (Canadian singer/songwriter Colleen Rennison) jumps into his cab. Instead of cab fare, she offers him a glimpse into the cruel and fickle world of show business. This Crazy8s winner builds on memorable performances in a story that captures the unexpected connections between us. Thursday March 10th at 6:00 PM This film is part of the Connections Collection Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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Pequeño |
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Being alone is not a problem for Lucia, but is the passion for her hobby, bug collecting, spiralling out of control? This is a sinister look at childhood obsession achieved through imaginative production and sound design. Friday March 11th at 4:00 PM This film is part of 70% Dark Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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Ransack (Saccage) |
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Loïc is the newcomer in his gang of adolescent delinquents. What will he do when he discovers the house they are robbing is not completely empty? The film convincingly portrays a difficult social dynamic, while managing to find an upbeat ending. Saturday March 12th at 3:30 PM This film is part of the Compelling Characters Short Film Program
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Rebel (Bihttoš) |
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This is a moving, engaged, and unconventional documentary exploring the complex relationship between a father and daughter. Through animation, re-enactments, and archival photos, writer/director E. Tailfeathers (Blackfoot & Sámi) delves into the dissolution of her parents' mythic love story, showing how it has coloured her perception of love in her adult life. Saturday March 12th at 3:30 PM This film is part of the Compelling Characters Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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Rock the Box |
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A story of one woman who just wanted to get ahead as a DJ. Rock the Box promises to challenge expectations as it pulls us inside the throbbing world of EDM (Electronic Dance Music), and takes a magnifying glass to the persistent issues of sexism that affect us all. Thursday March 10th at 8:30 PM This film will screen before FSM - Filmmaker in attendance
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Sáapreye: Children of the Bamboo Cane |
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Dwindling down to a small group does not stop the Sáapreye people from caring for their traditions and rituals. The elder of the group, 120-year-old Mama Shuta, attempts to teach the younger generations while recalling tales of pre-colonial life. This film from Venezuela is constructed with stunning cinematography. Saturday March 12th at 12:00 PM This film is part of Perspectives Short Film Program and will be followed by a moderated discussion with filmmakers and guests
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Seirēn |
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Abigail, a beautiful and well-adjusted model, is bitten by an unknown creature during a seaside photoshoot. In the days that follow, her very being unravels as she undergoes an unwanted metamorphosis. An unrestrained and powerful performance reveals the spine-chilling change. Friday March 11th at 4:00 PM This film is part of 70% Dark Short Film Program
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Shear the Sheep |
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She is beautiful, adventurous, and everything you could ever want to be. Most of all, she is a psycho who targets bearded men and confounds the detectives pursuing her. A dark and funny play on appearances. Friday March 11th at 4:00 PM This film is part of 70% Dark Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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Sniff! The Art of Air Tasting |
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There are many ways to explore your surroundings, and tasting the air is one of them. Join Alex Grünefelder as he explains the theory, practice and purpose of this important environmental awareness. Sunday March 13th at 3:00 PM This film will screen before When Giants Fall - Filmmaker in attendance
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Summoned |
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In this eerie drama we witness a young girl conversing with a demon. She realizes too late that demons don’t negotiate, and must endure the bloody consequences of her own revenge. Friday March 11th at 4 PM This film is part of 70% Dark Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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Synesthesia |
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Tasting music and seeing sounds are just a few manifestations of a wondrous, mysterious and perplexing condition called synesthesia. This documentary explores the underlying science, as well as the experiences of the people who live with it. Wednesday March 9th at 3:30 PM This film will screen before Bearded Ladies
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The Birdwatcher |
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Hit with a diagnosis of cancer, Saffron wants to ensure the well-being of her children. With a lack of reliable friends and a deadbeat ex-boyfriend, she resorts to her last hope - finding her biological mother. This emotionally nuanced film builds on a strong female lead, one capable of facing reality, no matter how daunting, and charting a path towards hope and reconciliation . This mother-daughter drama shines with stellar performances by actors Gabrielle Rose and Camille Sullivan. Wednesday March 9th at 8:30 PM - Filmmakers in attendance
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The Chicken |
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Selma decides to save the life of her birthday present, a chicken, by setting it free. In 1993, in Sarajevo, this naïve idealism may cost the 6-year-old Selma her life. Realistic, harsh and beautiful at the same time, the film portrays family bonding in extreme circumstances. Saturday March 12th at 3:30 PM This film is part of the Compelling Characters Short Film Program
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The Cursed Days |
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When an 18th-century Serbian village faces invasion from the Turks, father and eldest son leave the family home and go off to war. The rejoicing is brief when the son returns without the father. This film builds suspense in a world riddled with superstition and fear, and the daughter is forced to flee. Friday March 11th at 4:00 PM This film is part of 70% Dark Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance
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The Fast |
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Filmmaker Doreen Manuel initiates a fasting ceremony to connect with her heritage, then shares the story of her father and renowned First Nations leader, George Manuel. The film portrays the spirituality, tradition and history of the Secwepemc and Ktunaxa people, documenting an historic struggle for their rights. Saturday March 12th at 12:00 PM This film is part of Perspectives Short Film Program - Filmmaker in attendance This film will be followed by a moderated discussion with filmmakers and guests
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The First Session |
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A delightful combination of wit and honesty, this quirky comedy reveals two women who attempt to repair their relationship with the help of an unconventional therapist and the power of the mango. Thursday March 10th at 6:00 PM This film is part of the Connections Collection Short Film Program
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The Girl, Whose Shadow Reflects the Moon |
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A moving and personal account from Walaa, a Syrian girl who escaped the civil war. She constructs an expressionistic narrative with thoughtfulness, visual sensitivity, and hope. Saturday March 12th at 12:00 PM This film is part of Perspectives Short Film Program and will be followed by a moderated discussion with filmmakers and guests
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The Light Thief |
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Adham is a handsome man who charms women effortlessly. Many of his conquests soon discover that he is not who he seems. This is an entertaining story of broken hearts, ending with an unusual twist. Thursday March 10th at 6:00 PM This film is part of the Connections Collection Short Film Program
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The Vocation |
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This heartwarming film presents a lifelong friendship that cannot be broken. When one Sister is disoriented and frightened, the other tells her a story to calm her down. It is the story of their own vocation. Wednesday March 9th at 8:30 PM This film will screen before The Birdwatcher
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Volta |
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A mother and daughter spend the day travelling through the city. An emotionally powerful and heart wrenching film about love and choices, the film has won several awards, and was nominated for the Short Film Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Saturday March 12th at 3:30 PM This film is part of the Compelling Characters Short Film Program
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When Giants Fall |
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Witness the magnificence of the African elephant and experience the gentle souls that lie within their awesome grey bulk. They roamed all of Africa a century ago, but now are left with tiny parcels of land and nowhere to run as they face extinction. These charismatic giants are under constant threat by fierce and unrelenting human predators from the worldwide yet illegal ivory trade. The documentary examines and exposes the elephant poaching crisis in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, including the militarization of the anti-poaching response. Revealing painful truths, this documentary not only points to the damage humanity is inflicting upon both elephants and itself, but furthers the discussion regarding the possibility of conservation and sustainability. Sunday March 13th at 3:00 PM This film will be followed by a moderated discussion with special guests- Filmmaker in attendance
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