Poetic psychological drama launches publicly for the first time at Toronto’s historic Paradise Theatre
(PRUnderground) February 9th, 2026
The short film Starry Eyed will make its World Premiere at the Toronto Short Film Festival on Thursday, March 19 at 10:00 PM at the iconic Paradise Theatre, marking the first public unveiling of the bold and visually arresting new work. The premiere marks the launch of the film’s international festival run.
Created with heart, intention, and a love for visual storytelling, Starry Eyed explores memory and the fragile sensation of being suspended between worlds. Poetic and intimate, the film follows Stella, a woman at a personal and professional crossroads who retreats into the vivid landscapes of her imagination to cope with feeling unseen. Through saturated hues, symbolic imagery, and dynamic close-ups, the film fuses psychological tension with quiet human vulnerability, while examining identity, resilience, and the transformative power of self-worth.
“With its rich visual language and a vulnerable central performance, Starry Eyed exemplifies the power of short-form cinema to be both daring and deeply personal, exactly the kind of bold storytelling we are proud to showcase,” said Steve Veale, Festival Director of the Toronto Short Film Festival.
“We wanted to create something intimate and a film that lives in feeling as much as in narrative. To premiere it in Toronto, surrounded by a community that champions bold, personal cinema, feels incredibly meaningful,” said Ilham Aragrag, Executive Producer.
“This film came from a quiet place, and from the inner worlds we build to survive that feeling,” said Jaze bordeaux, Executive Producer “Seeing Starry Eyed reach its world premiere in Toronto is such a proud moment.”
Marking the directorial debut of Carlo Molle, Starry Eyed is a performance-driven short anchored by emotional precision and psychological restraint. The film stars Olivia Bortolazzo, whose work has earned international recognition, including a Best Actress win at the Red Movie Awards in France.
The film is produced by Jaze Bordeaux, Ilham Aragrag, Jason Romolo, and Carlo Molle, and represents a collaboration between Universe Pictures, Wonder Pictures, BigShave Pictures, and Astralis Films.
The world premiere takes place at Paradise Theatre, one of Toronto’s most storied cinemas. Originally opened in 1937 and meticulously restored into a modern cultural landmark, the venue has become synonymous with bold programming, auteur-driven cinema, and landmark premieres, making it a fitting home for the first public unveiling of Starry Eyed.
SCREENING DETAILS
Toronto Short Film Festival Film: Starry Eyed (World Premiere)
Date: Thursday, March 19 Time: 10:00 PM
Venue: Paradise Theatre, Toronto
Press materials are available at starryeyedmovie.com
About Universe Pictures
Universe Pictures is a film studio focused on developing and producing intelligent, emotionally grounded cinema with global reach. Under the leadership of Executive Producer Jaze Bordeaux, the company operates at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and scalecreating projects that balance artistic ambition with commercial viability.
With a growing slate that spans award-recognized features and high-concept theatrical films, Universe Pictures is committed to building long-term value through strong creative leadership, disciplined production, and strategic market positioning. The studio prioritizes projects that challenge convention, explore human resilience, and resonate across cultures, while remaining designed for festival play, distribution, and international audiences.
Universe Pictures collaborates with filmmakers, financiers, and partners worldwide, positioning each release for visibility, credibility, and sustained momentum within the global film ecosystem.
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Original Press Release.
