Night Mayor 2009
In Guy Maddin's surreal short film *Night Mayor* (2009), Bosnian immigrant Nihad Ademi looks to Winnipeg's winter skies and dreams of a magical solution to bridge his adopted home.
Director: Guy Maddin
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Night Mayor (2009) about?
*Night Mayor* follows Nihad Ademi, a Bosnian immigrant in 1939 Winnipeg, as he imagines using the Aurora Borealis to broadcast images of Canada's sweeping landscapes across the nation. The film blends surreal visuals with a touching exploration of identity and the immigrant's relationship to their adopted homeland.
Who directed Night Mayor?
Night Mayor was directed by Guy Maddin, the acclaimed Canadian filmmaker known for his visually rich and stylistically unique approach to cinema.
Who stars in Night Mayor?
The lead role in *Night Mayor* is played by Nihad Ademi, with supporting performances from Darcy Fehr, Audrey Neale, and Brent Neale.
Is Night Mayor (2009) worth watching?
For fans of Guy Maddin's distinctive style, *Night Mayor* is a captivating 14-minute short that blends history, innovation, and dreamlike imagery. While it's not a mainstream film, its artistic ambition and atmospheric storytelling make it a rewarding watch for those seeking something different.
How long is Night Mayor?
Night Mayor has a runtime of 14 minutes.
About Night Mayor (2009) — Guy Maddin's Dreamlike Short Film Set in 1939 Winnipeg
In Guy Maddin's surreal short film *Night Mayor* (2009), Bosnian immigrant Nihad Ademi looks to Winnipeg's winter skies and dreams of a magical solution to bridge his adopted home. Inspired by the dazzling Aurora Borealis, he envisions harnessing its radiant power to project vivid images of Canada's vast landscapes from coast to coast, creating a celestial broadcast that could unite a nation. Set against the stark beauty of 1939 Manitoba, the film blends whimsy with quiet longing, capturing a moment where ambition meets the untamed wilds of the North.
With its dreamlike visuals and poetic storytelling, *Night Mayor* transforms a fleeting idea into a haunting meditation on belonging, technology, and the immigrant experience. Maddin's signature style—melding silent-era aesthetics with modern sensibilities—casts the film in a nostalgic yet fresh light, making it a standout in his filmography. Starring Nihad Ademi as the determined protagonist, the short film weaves together themes of innovation, isolation, and the quiet magic of seeing home in new ways.