One of Toronto’s most legendary diners that’s been around since the 1960s is getting treated to a new documentary that’s coming to Hot Docs.
Skyline in Parkdale is a favourite of many local food heavyweights around town. It was once almost lost for good, and now it’s the subject of a short documentary simply titled “Skyline.”
It was announced this week that the documentary short was one of just a handful of submissions selected out of about 3,000.
The short indie film was directed by JR Reid, and written and narrated by food writer and former line cook Ivy Knight who co-produced it with Yvonne Tsui. Skyline owners Maggie and Jud Ruhl have been collaborating with them on this project since the spring of 2022.
Andy Shauf also wrote an original song for the doc called Neon Skyline.
The documentary isn’t just any average short informational film; it’s intended to be moody and light with a bit of a Twin Peaks vibe. It charts a day in the life of the restaurant from morning ’til night, and explains why the Skyline is so meaningful to people.
“This film is a love letter to restaurants and a confessional,” says director JR Reid.
Reid is also working on a feature-length documentary about Toronto’s larger restaurant scene, so if you’re interested in this Skyline short, you’ll want to watch out for this.
The documentary “Skyline” will premiere worldwide at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on April 30 at 6:30 p.m. in advance of the feature documentary “I’m Just Here For The Riot.” A second screening will take place at the Scotiabank Theatre on May 2.
