Calgary International Film Festival

Looking for something to fill in the gap while you anxiosuly await for CIFF's up coming season? Look no further!

2011-02-15T09:53:00.000-08:00

Fall is usually the season for Film Festivals. It is also the pre-Oscar rush at the theatres. Hence, everyone jostles for time and place at the venues. Hidden Gems has an additional factor that takes precedence over all else, i.e. Indian Festival season. It seems all the festivities are lined up one after the other. It starts with Navratri, Dassera, Durga puja, Kali puja & those early Diwali functions. Even a couple of screenings at the weekends seem to interfere with one festival or other.

But nothing much is happening in January or February except for those impending threats of an unexpected snowstorm.This year, Hidden Gems Film Festival will debut an Australian movie with an Indian theme, on Feb. 20th 2011 at 4pm, about a couple, who wrap everything up and leave for Kolkata to adopt a girl. This movie is in English-no subtitles !

2011 is going to be a stellar year for Hidden Gems. In May, we celebrate 150th Birthday of India's Noble laureate Sri Rabindranath Tagore. He was not only an imaginative poet, but also composed music for his poems, thereby starting a new genre in music called Robindra Sangeet. He was a prolific author of dramas, stories, novella etc. There are numerous movies based on his stories, we plan to show two, not yet released movies, based on his evergreen stories, on May 8, 2011. The third annual Hidden Gems Festival would follow, probably the two weekends of October 7-9, & 14-16.

To initiate this extended programme, we have a fabulous offer:

You can register as Hidden Gems Film Society Member for 2011 for $25, which entitles you to free tickets for the first 3 shows, value $36, on Feb. 20 & two shows on May 8 plus discount on the annual Festival Pass. The exact amount of discount to be determined when the line-up is finalized.

Hidden Gems Film Festival has a New Blog:

http://hiddengemsfilmfestival2011.blogspot.com/
Hidden Gems endeavours to bring challenging, cutting edge cinema of our times with emphasis on diversity and artistic integrity. We will promote, support, educate and advocate the cultural fabric of India and hopefully will act as a catalyst for inspiration, reflection and discourse.

My Favourite CIFF 2010 Moment: The Black Carpet Gala!

2010-10-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

Well folks, it’s that time again. As CIFF 2010 draws to a close, I (along with hundreds of other cinephiles) am exhausted - but it is the bittersweet fatigue of someone who has just spent the last ten days in a film-focused frenzy. Every year I get a little better at balancing my trips to the cinema with school, and it certainly pays off to dedicate a few moments to planning a schedule when it comes to film fest season - that way you can take full advantage of everything CIFF has to offer. My highlight of this year’s festival was undoubtably Friday night’s Black Carpet Gala.

The film, I Spit On Your Grave, was everything it promised to be, and more: gruesome, gratuitous, horrific, controversial, compelling, and disturbing. Since it will be theatrically released on October 8th, I’ll save you any revealing remarks, suffice it to say that lead actress, Sarah Butler, approaches the devastating subject matter with a maturity and bravery that is extraordinary - and the rest of the cast is not far behind. Chad Lindberg had the audience gripped in pity and fear for his vulnerable character, Matthew, and Jeff Branson’s character, Johnny, embodied a bitterness, arrogance, and sociopathic numbness that was frightening in itself. The area sheriff, played by Andrew Howard, was equally cold and despicable - rounding out the perfect crew of victims for the spite of a vengeful woman.Butler, Lindberg, and Branson were all in attendance, and held a Q&A session following the screening. They explained their personal processes for taking on the identities of such dark characters, and joked about the mishaps that made it into the final cut - like Branson “accidentally” hitting Butler in the back of the head with a baseball bat. Despite the violent and brutal nature of the film’s content, the cast agreed that it was their chemistry and trust for one another that made the film really come to life.

The after party was held at Sam’s in Kensington immediately following the Q&A session, with free drinks being dispensed to ticket holders and tasty appetizers floating about on silver platters. The pub was intimately lit, and already buzzing with excitement when the screening crowd arrived.Butler, Lindberg, and Branson were all there, and were incredibly approachable - bubbling at the chance to chat with fans and film-lovers alike. I had the chance to speak briefly to all three, and was humbled by their lively, friendly, and entertaining personalities. stars were not afraid to mingle with the crowd, share some beverages, and take part in the jovial atmosphere of the Black Carpet Gala.

Memories and experiences like these are the reason I am such an enthusiastic advocate for the social aspect of cinema. There is a whole culture that takes place outside of the theatre, and I encourage anyone with even the slightest interest in film to seek out these types of events, and take advantage of everything an organization like CIFF has to offer. Don’t feel discouraged if you didn’t make it to every screening and event you had hoped to - CIFF 2011 is only 12 months away!

See you next year, fellow filmaholics!

Some of the best of the festival still have screenings to come

2010-10-03T15:42:00.000-07:00

We are partway through the final day of the festival and there are still many great films to come. There are two films from the Mavericks series screening today. SNOW & ASHES (4:30 at Globe) is the lone Canadian film in the series. It is a disorienting journey through the fragmented memories of a war correspondent. Although set in Eastern Europe, the film was shot entirely in Canada. There is an encore screening of R today (9:15 at the Plaza). Friday's screening was one of the most talked about of the past few days. This Danish film deserves a place amongst the great prison films of all time such as Midnight Express.
I did not see MYTH OF AN AMERICAN SLEEPOVER (4:45 at Plaza) but read great reviews of it out of Cannes and SXSW.
WHEN WE LEAVE (7:00 at Eau Claire) is the winner of the Best International Feature award at CIFF this year. This is its only screening of the festival so expect a large crowd ready to be blown away by an incredibly moving film. Another award winner will be crowned after the ALBERTA SPIRIT shorts program (7:00 at Globe). The best Albertan shorts of the year will be screened and then a winner chosen. I will not be at the screening but some of the filmmakers will be at the Marquee Room afterward and will try to find out what people thought there.
A film that I had overlooked but got great ratings at the screening Saturday was GABI ON THE ROOF IN JULY (9:00 at Eau Claire). Geetika wrote a strong piece on it here: http://calgaryfilmfestival.blogspot.com/2010/09/gabi-on-roof-in-july.html
One of the best Canadian films of the festival, HEARTBEATS, has an encore tonight at 9:30 at Globe. One year after bursting onto the festival circuit with the multiple award-winning I KILLED MY MOTHER, Xavier Dolan returns with another highly personal story that has been garnering acclaim around the world.

All good things must come to an end!

2010-10-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Another 1o days have come and gone, and have felt like a whirlwind of truly diverse film! I must say that of the films I saw this year they left me feeling great about the work and thoughts of people from all over the world.

1) ME, TOO (YO, TAMBIEN)

This film centres around Daniel who has Downs Syndrome, however the focus was not on that he had Downs as much as it was on love and normalcy. It was a beautiful look at our perceptions.

2) BAS: BEYOND THE RED LIGHT

An intimate film that looks at the women of the red light district who have been rescued and their journey to rebuild their lives and self esteem.

3) AFTER THE RAPE: THE MUKHTAR MAI STORY

After much media around the Mukthar Mai Story, this film showcases the power of Mukhtar's perseverance after her rape, and the effects she has had on the women her village.

Until next year!

Me, Too (Yo, Tamien): a familial perspective

2010-10-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

I took a friend with me to see the encore screening of ME, TOO (YO, TAMBIEN), which had to be one of my favorites this year at CIFF. I was really interested in the film myself as I am very close to my friend and her beautiful little boy who has Downs Syndrome. I wanted to take this opportunity to see the film through her eyes, as a relatively new mother.

The film itself was beautifully centered around the theme of love, and the concept of normalcy. What we perceive to be normal is not always the case, and does not necessarily mean that having a disability does not fit into the concept of societal norms. The characters in the film make us look at how we often seem to ignore basic needs of ALL people, when we classify them into specific groups. There are no boundaries when it comes to people, we are all different, some are a little kookier than others, some are smarter, some are reserved, some are more creative, some are more daring. We can not put people into boxes any longer. The newer generations are making this more apparent than ever, that it is about individualism. One glove no longer fits all, and in reality it never did.

We chatted after the film and discussed disabilities and the train of thought around whether it is better to give a child an opportunity to be with and share the experiences of those with similar disabilities, or with those that society would call "normal". I shared my experience with my friend as it related to my younger brother who has Cerebral Palsy. I feel that he should be sharing in both worlds and is also lucky to be sharing in both. He has his friends from school that he hangs out with in the evenings and on the weekends, getting into trouble just like any other 15 year old. However, he also has activities that he participates in with other kids that have Cerebral Palsy as well. For example this year he attended the Easter Seals camp which allowed him the opportunity to engage in activities that he would not be fully able to do on his own at another camp. These activities were no different than at other camps, however there was assistance and support for him to experience the same things. My friend agreed that this was the same principle that she wanted to follow, and is following, allowing both worlds to integrate. It is similar to being from two different ethnic backgrounds, they may be different, but we need to appreciate that we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to learn, and share in both cultures.

My friend really appreciated the film and how it showcased the breadth of Downs and that we are only limited by our own perceptions, and of the perceptions of others that we are led to believe. She said something to me as well, that I had known all along. She said that she felt incredibly lucky and blessed to have her son in her life, and that she could not imagine him any different. She felt "chosen" to be part of his life. I could not agree more, she was meant to be part of his life, and he a part of hers. I personally can not imagine a better person to raise such a beautiful child, someone open and free with the possibilities out there for her son. Just like all the other mothers out there, they want the world for their daughters and sons, there is no difference it is just a matter of love.

A fabulous pick this year at CIFF full of laughter and love!

Xavier Dolan does it again with Heartbeats

2010-10-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

The end of the festival is drawing near and there are still many movies to be screened. In fact the very last film to be shown this year, is also one of the very best. Heartbeats, French-Canadian Director Xavier Dolan's second feature film, is much like his first effort, I killed my mother, in it's style, pacing, and overall aesthetic. That film, which was critically acclaimed the World over after it first screened at Cannes and received an eight minute standing ovation, saw Dolan burst onto the international scene with a fervour unseen in Canada for many years. He is undoubtedly a name to watch in the coming years, and at such a young age he is already being likened to some of the greatest in French and Italian cinema history.

Dolan writes, directs, and stars in all of his projects. They are also admittedly very personal in nature, based on direct life experiences. But it is not the stories that he tells that are new, it is how he does so. The film is slow paced and meditative, stylish, and cinematic. It is filled with eye candy from start to finish, but it also packs quite the emotional punch. Ultimately, his films are loved because they are beautiful to behold. While also relatable and quite funny too. Heartbeats itself follows the relationship between a man and a women, two friends that encounter a newcomer who they both fall for. The french title, "Les amours imaginaires", translates directly into "Imaginary Romances", and this is the gist of the film. As both characters become more infatuated with their subject, their friendship is tested, and the notions of passion, love, and human frailty are explored.

The film is excellent, and will only help to propel Xavier Dolan, and establish him as one of Canada's greatest exports as of late. It is also the last film of the festival, so come and enjoy one last movie. It won't disappoint.

Heartbeats plays tonight, October 2nd, at 9:30 at the Globe cinema.

Tickets are available online, at the festival centre in Eau Claire, and at the door.

Alberta Spirt: A Celebration of Homegrown Talent

2010-10-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Over the past 11 years, the Calgary International Film Festival has been on the fast track of success, attracting filmmakers from the world over and granting thousands of Calgarians the opportunity to see a plethora of memorable independent films from across the globe. CIFF's international focus has been highlighted in recent years with the addition of the Mavericks International competition where ten global filmmakers have an opportunity to compete for the coveted Mavericks award.

All of these strides taken by the festival to establish itself as a world-class venue for foreign films have been met with tremendous success and I always look forward to seeing as many global films as I can throughout the 10 day extravaganza. However, perhaps the most admirable quality of the ever-growing success story that is CIFF, has been the festival's continued dedication to inspiring and promoting film on a national and grassroots level as well. If the caliber of the Canadian Film Series at this year's festival is any indication, Canada has established itself as a gold mine of filmmaking talent in it's own right. Tonight's Mavericks: Alberta Spirit competition is one that I have been eagerly anticipating throughout the festival, and is a prime illustration of the burgeoning talent Alberta is producing in her own backyard.

Beginning at 7pm tonight in the lower level of the Globe theater, 10 of Alberta's own up and coming filmmakers will have the opportunity to showcase their work, with films ranging in length from 3 - 16 minutes. The films cover a number of genres and styles ranging from animated to experimental, all shot in a variety of different mediums. From a post-apocalyptical world 100 years in the future, to the adventures of a rootless vagabond traveling exotic lands, there's certain to be something for everyone in this unique collection of short films. Whether you consider yourself to be a diehard film buff, or just proud to be Albertan, I encourage you to pick up a ticket to tonight's event, it's certain to be a packed house. Be sure to make a note of the names of the ten filmmakers participating tonight, as they all have established themselves as potential household names in the making.

Black Carpet Gala succeeds at mixing great film with great party

2010-10-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

I rarely have much good to say about horror remakes. Most modern horror suffers from being derivative as it is; to out-and-out remake an existing film is a recipe for uninteresting cinema. I watch a lot of genre films so it is rare for films to present something I have not seen before. All I ask is that they try. Adding in that wikipedia incorrectly lists Jeffrey Reddick as the writer, I had low expectations for the remake I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE (for clarity, I will refer to the original as DAY OF THE WOMAN). I am glad these low expectations did not keep me away. This was a fantastic film. Director Stephen R Monroe and writer Stuart Morse learned from the strengths of the original while successfully modernizing the story and adding new storylines and twists to keep it fresh. Framing this film as a remake might be a sign of the filmmakers' confidence in their ability to make an original and truly chilling film. Much the same way a superior athlete would spot an opponent a few points, Monroe and Morse let you know the basic storyline. Anyone who has seen DAY OF THE WOMAN knows what some of the most shocking scenes will be. This advance knowledge makes the deviation from the original film even more powerful. The audience is psychologically prepared for certain shocking things to happen. When something else happens in its place, the impact is heightened.

The party was also terrific. The liquor brand of the night was Hennessy cognac. The signature drink was Hennessy and ginger ale with a black super nib garnish. From what I remember of the night, these were delicious. The party also benefitted from not having a musical act performing. This year's parties were great for music lovers as there was a range of performers at the parties large and small, official and unofficial. All of these performers were great and added to the overall atmosphere of the festival. However, people tended to leave shortly after the performers finished. The Black Carpet Gala was a chance to mingle and catch up with the people I see at the festival each year. I heard about several films I missed seeing as well as several interesting film and arts events going on in Calgary over the next several months.

The End is Near, Flock to Your Closest Venue Before It's Too Late!

2010-10-03T01:08:00.000-07:00

9 days, approximately 200 films, and a few bags of popcorn and Twizzlers later, and already we have reached the last Sunday of CIFF 2010. It's been a fantastic year full of pleasant surprises, bold and breathtaking filmmaking, and a real reason to be proud of Calgary's ever-expanding art scene. Buuut, let's not forget the fun's not over yet!

Tomorrow is another jam packed day of programming for the 11th annual festival, and I know I'm psyched for one more day of venue hopping. As a veteran film fester here are a few handy tips to making the most out of your last day to get your CIFF on.

1. Plan out your day in advance.

Personally, I'm prone to making an Excel spread sheets of movies I want to see, what time they're planning at and which venue. This way after a movie ends I'm not flustered and in a frenzy dashing off to catch the next film on my list. I realize not every film buff is quite as nerdy as I am, so just make sure you also choose movies with a bit of breathing room in between one another so you have time to debrief, stretch your legs, or grab a snack.

2. Stay Hydrated!

This advice is really applicable in daily life - not just during the film festival - but it's definitely worth mentioning nonetheless. You won't be as focussed and alert if your body is dehydrated so be sure to stop by the concession stand before or between movies. Planning to have a few snacks is always a good idea as well. Keeping your blood sugar ensures you'll be wide awake from the opening scene to the final fade out, and energetic enough to engage in some post-film discussion.

3. Spice Things Up

The Calgary International Film Festival is teeeeming with a variety of films from all different genres. Keep your energy up by mixing things up. Maybe after catching a film from the Canadian series you want to see a Global Film followed by a documentary. Also try to vary the venues too. The walk between theaters is a good way to get some fresh air and stretch your legs before sitting down in another uncomfortable movie theater seat for a couple hours.

4. Let the Credits Roll

Lots of people are quick to hop out of their seats and dash for the exit as soon as the final scene fades to black. Why not take some time to sit and truly absorb the content of the film you just saw, or discuss it with a friend? It's always neat to listen to another person's view on the same feature and compare how similar or different your thoughts were.

There you have it, a few tips straight from the film geek's mouth. Now get some sleep so you're ready for a full day of movies ahead. Happy festivaling! :)

Incendies.. a film not soon to be forgotten

2010-10-03T00:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite aspects of the movie-going experience is walking into the theater with that slight twinge of uncertainty. Sure, the critics may have said one thing, and your best friend may have said another, but as you take your seat equipped with popcorn and diet Coke, you are ultimately unaware of the effect a film will have on you. Once in awhile, you see that rare gem of a that truly grips you, to the point where you find yourself replaying certain scenes over and over in your mind for days to come.

The first movie I ever saw that for lack of a better phrase "shook me to the core" was admittedly, James Cameron's Titanic. To be fair, that 3 hours-plus marathon of a movie was the likes of a film my pre-teen aged self had never experienced before, and it had yet to be played to death on TV every weekend. I confess that Celine Dione's "My Heart Will Go On" was my most played song for weeks afterward, and certain scenes lingered in my head for even longer.

Since those days, I have had the pleasure of being truly gripped by a film only a handful of times, and most of those times have occurred during the Calgary International Film Festival. (Shout out to all of the amazing festival programmers and staff for making this possible!) Incendies, a beautiful and unabashedly groundbreaking French-Canadian film has become the latest film I've seen to make it on to this rather short list. Even though I saw the movie three days ago, it is one that I have talked to friends and family about incessantly and sincerely hope it gets a more wide-spread Canadian release.

The film, which had the honor of winning best Canadian Feature at this year's festival, is based on a play by Order of Canada recipient, Wajdi Mouawad and brought to the screen under the brilliant direction of Denis Villeneuve (Polytechnique). The premise of the film is fairly simple, yet executed in such a manner that both my mom and I left the theater speechless. The story follows twin siblings Jeanne and Simon as they embark on a life-altering trip to carry out the last wishes of their mother. Together they travel into the heart of the Middle East, to track down the brother they never knew they had, and the father they always thought had died before they were born.

Incendies dances back and forth between the present day and the 1970s-1980s when Jeanne and Simon's mother was a young woman struggling to survive the hardships of living in a country being torn apart by brutal civil war. I don't want to spoil it, but the twist at the end as the twins learn the identity of their father and brother is both haunting and tragic, and I found myself struck by the bravery of the characters. I felt as though I had been on their journey overseas along with them, and as the credits began to roll goose bumps covered my arms. Both the acting and cinematography was incredible, and the emotion was so raw and real that I could almost feel the packed-theater give a collective sigh as the credits began to roll.

It is moments like these that keep me coming back to the film festival year after year, to feel the raw power a film can harness in a mere two hours and exit the theater still totally engrossed in what you just watched. I for one am completely smitten with this film and have my fingers crossed that it will be seen again on Calgary screens in the near future.

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives

2010-10-03T00:00:00.001-07:00

On Friday evening, I took my mother with me to see Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives. I’m not sure what it was that drew me to this film – perhaps the unique, and lengthy, title; the fact that I can’t remember ever having seen a Thai film before; the idea of past lives, ghosts and fairy tale intersecting with real life; or all of the above.

The film blends reality and fantasy, as Boonmee meets with the ghost of his long-deceased wife, and his missing son – who has since mated with a Monkey Ghost and has himself become one of the fabled creatures.

One of the things that amazes and, I’ll admit, confuses me about global films, are their tendency to weave together threads of multiple stories within one film, while not necessarily linking them, or providing any sort of resolution whatsoever. Uncle Boonmee hits both of these, with somewhat disjointed inner tales interwoven into the larger story.

I think I was expecting this film to have a bit more of the fantastic incorporated – more ghosts, more fables, more creatures that go bump in the night. But nevertheless, it was a creative, moving film that I truly enjoyed. It’s a languid and quiet film that gently relates the last few days of Boonmee’s life and his unremarkable passing. As my first introduction to Thai film, it served as an excellent gateway.

The Light Thief

2010-10-02T23:36:00.001-07:00

Mr. Light is a thief. As the only electrician in a small mountain village in the Kyrgyz Republic, he gives light to the poor and disadvantaged. But Mr. Light has another dream – to bring wind-powered electricity to the entire town.

When a local businessman returns from the big city vying for a place in government, he makes Mr. Light a tempting offer – work together and power the town with wind turbines. The events that follow force Mr. Light to reevaluate his position in society and his own moral code.

One of my favorite things about many global films is the value they give to the seemingly mundane. Most Hollywood films, for example, fabricate the extraordinary. Nearly all of the global films I’ve seen this year appear to take a snippet out of the daily lives of average people – how they live their lives, their families, their struggles and accomplishments. If extraordinary things happen during that time, they’re still couched in the real.

With lingering, thoughtful pans of the landscape hold your attention long after the scene has ended, The Light Thief touches on issues of poverty, access to resources, class and social obligation, all within the framework of friendship, family, and just plain doing what’s right.

You can catch the North American premiere of The Light Thief at Eau Claire, Sunday, October 3 at 4:45pm.

The Myth of an American Sleepover

2010-10-01T16:07:00.001-07:00

Do you recall your days of youth when the most important thing in the world was your popularity, your crush on that unknowing boy or girl that you imagined you would be with forever, your first kiss, summer fun, and which parties you got invited to. THE MYTH OF AN AMERICAN SLEEPOVER, will have you recalling your youthful memories of your teenage summers.

Some of my favorite memories as a young girl are of the sleepovers I had with my girlfriends, staying up and talking all night, playing games such as "light as a feather", watching movies, eating popcorn and ice cream. Summers however added another additional element to these regular sleepovers. For many it was the time to have some sort of experience or event to mark the time. This film looks at that need for youth to have experiences, and to learn about what it is that they really want in life. It helps them to define a clearer concise picture of their goals whether it is in love, or in their future pursuits. It is a time to experiment and grow, and this film showcases the search, innocent experimentation, and self realizations that not everything has to happen or will happen immediately.

THE MYTH OF AN AMERICAN SLEEPOVER, is an innocent look at several young teens and the allure of summer romance before the school year starts. The scenarios although all different in their search are similar in the their desire to love and be loved. As youth we all long for these experiences, often not knowing why we are doing what it is we do to get it. We do however learn about ourselves through these events helping us to become the people we are today.

For a light and youthful taste of summer at 4:45pm on Sunday October 3rd at the Plaza

Zonad: A return to red latex?

2010-10-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

I’ve been looking forward to the Irish film Zonad since the festival began. There’s something inherently appealing about a nice, fun flick about a rehab escapee posing as an intergalactic spaceman who pulls the wool over quintessentially naïve and trusting townsfolk eager for a little excitement. Our story begins with a celestial event – a comet. The 160+ people of Ballymoran, Ireland, gather at a party to watch the flaming hunk of rubble hurtle past as they speculate on the existence of life on other planets. When the Cassidy family arrives home, they’re shocked to find a man dressed in red latex, passed out on their living room floor.

Convinced he is a visitor for places beyond, the Cassidy’s welcome Zonad (Simon Delaney) into their home, their refrigerator and, eventually, their beds. As the first spaceman the town has ever met, Zonad becomes instantly popular, especially with the women. Both young Jenny Cassidy (Janice Byrne), frustrated by her lack of sexual experience – despite repeated attempts to throw herself at boyfriend Guy (Rory Keenan) – and her mother (Donna Dent) turn to Zonad for affection.

Zonad lives the highlife as the local, out-of-this-word celebrity. That is, until Bonad – Zonad’s rehab cohort – arrives claiming to be Zonad’s superior officer. After having Zonad cast out of town, Bonad sets up office in Jenny’s bedroom; and the bedrooms of women all over Ballymoran. It’s not until Zonad joins forces with Jenny’s hapless boyfriend Guy that Zonad is at last able to challenge Bonad’s supremacy.

Filled with cliché music and Pleasantville-esque sentiments, Zonad is a fun, quirky and entertaining film that’s sure to appeal to all viewers. Challenging assumptions about what is socially acceptable and socially responsible, Zonad highlights the power of believing, even if what you believe in is a lie.

Have your own close encounter at The Plaza on Saturday, October 2 at 9:15pm.

Creepy Choices for a Scary Saturday

2010-10-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

As the final weekend of CIFF 2010 approaches and our lovely Late Night Line-Up draws to a close, give yourself a moment to reflect upon your favorite fright films of the past week. Although horror films usually get lumped into one giant category due to their reliance on grotesque imagery and terrifying narratives, there are actually many different styles and aesthetic approaches to scary movies, and every viewer’s personal taste is different. When you give a horror film five stars, is it because it sends you diving under the covers every time a floorboard creaks? Do you prefer a flick that has a compelling and likely story? Or do you give it two thumbs up based solely on the amount of blood and brains left on the floor? Or maybe you like them all... No matter your preference, CIFF 2010 has been a year of disturbing diversity when it comes to creepy flicks, and Saturday gives you one more grueling decision to make: Mutant Girls Squad, or The Corrupted?

Mutant Girls Squad (Japan, 2010, 85 minutes, 18ª)

What do you get when you cross the hilarious gore and mayhem of Evil Dead with the Japanese kiddie action of Sailor Moon? Mutant Girls Squad, of course! When 16-year-old schoolgirl Rin discovers she is a “hiruko” mutant, she is identified by the school nurse and embarks on a defensive killing spree. Wh the town demands her blood, she is brought under the protective and educational wing of a secret hiruko clan where she learns how to embrace her uniqueness and use it to her full violent advantage. Surrounded by other mutant teen girls with their own form of biological weaponry, she demonstrates her natural prowess and potential to the group’s leader. However, she isn’t fully on board with the extremist fundamentals of the clan and soon there is a mutiny on the Mutant Girls Squad. Who will come out on top - Rin, with her bio-mechanical, indestructible claw hand? Or the squad, whose assassins include a cheerleader with an unfortunately located chainsaw? Regardless, copious amounts of blood with be shed before a champion rises. The acting is approached with reckless abandon, and the crew is not shy about mussing up the camera lenses. Loaded with arterial spray, splitting heads, and a cast of young girls driven mad by their changing bodies, Mutant Girl Squad is a riotous good time.

The Corrupted (Canada, 2010, 75 minutes, 14ª)

The premise of this Canadian feature (which could rightfully hold a place on the Late Night Line-Up as well) is one familiar to fans of films like I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Cabin Fever. A group of university friends spend their vacation at a remote cabin deep in an Albertan forest, isolated and alone, with only the sporadically-appearing forest ranger to check up on them. In true Canuck-style, they drink around the fire, hang out by the lake, and spend their holiday hooking up in the dense Canadian wilderness. The impending disaster is foreshadowed by one ambitious drunk’s comment: “Tonight, we see which one of us drops first!” Soon things begin to go wrong - cars won’t start, injuries begin to appear, campers begin acting strangely, and creepy figures are seen lurking the woods. It soon becomes clear that someone, or something, does not want these students to make it to graduation. The film boasts impressive moments of exciting cinematography and creative dialogue, and a realist, hand-held aesthetic that reiterates the down-to-earthness of Canadian Cinema.

Personally, my favorite of the two is Mutant Girls Squad - but the beauty is, you don’t have to choose if you don’t want to! The films play at separate times, making it easy for shock-seekers to catch both in one day. This is the last opportunity to raise your arm-hairs before the film festival concludes for another year, so make the most of it and treat yourself to a generously gruesome Saturday at CIFF.

The Corrupted plays Saturday, October 2nd at Eau Claire #1 at 9:15 PM. Get your online tickets here.
Mutant Girls Squad plays Saturday, October 2nd at The Plaza at 11:30 PM. Get your online tickers here.

A Film Unfinished: A Nazi propaganda film in the making (encore screening)

2010-09-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, September 28th, I took in A Film Unfinished, a compilation of found archival footage documenting the conditions of the Warsaw Ghetto during the second world war. I've seen several films that deal with the subject of the Holocaust. I've seen the images of emaciated bodies being dropped into mass graves, read survivor journals and the Diary of Anne Frank. I even wrote my undergraduate thesis on the Holocaust writing of women. While each piece of literature, each interview, each documentary offers additional insight into this dark period, A Film Unfinished provides a unique and deeply interesting entry in the library of Holocaust study.

Filmed in the months leading up to the relocation of Ghetto residents to Treblinka, A Film Unfinished juxtaposes haunting images of starvation, suffering and death against the carefully orchestrated scenes shot by Nazi propagandists. These staged scenes, shown from different angles through multiple takes, paint a bizarre and painful picture of life inside the Ghetto. Interspersed with archival film footage, journal entries, official reports and trial transcripts, the film also captures the memories and reactions of childhood survivors as real and fraudulent scenes play across the screen.

Journal entries made by Adam Czerniakow -- head of the Warsaw Judenrat -- outline details of the filming, narrating many of the images found in the four reels, lending credence to the verdict that these images were indeed manufactured. Elaborately-staged dinner parties, nights at the theatre and traditional Jewish rituals, including an infant's briss, are directed by members of the SS and preserved in cellulose by hired cameramen.

No one knows the intended purpose of the film, but there are those who speculate it was shot to reinforce the Nazi belief that what they were doing was justified -- that the alien Jewish traditions were reasons to fear and hate the people as a whole. The film depicts apparently wealthy Jews turning a blind eye to those in need; women in fine clothing scoff at begging children while well-heeled businessmen step over decaying corpses lying discarded in the streets.

Anyone with an interest in World History, the Holocaust or Nazi Propaganda is sure to find this an engaging and worthwhile watch. The initial audience feedback from the Tuesday night screening was so positive, CIFF is giving festival-goers a second chance to see it.

You can catch the encore presentation of A Film Unfinished at The Plaza on Friday, October 1 at 4:45pm.

Daydream Nation: A Promising Canadian Feature

2010-09-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

I’m a huge fan and advocate of Canadian coming-of-age films; C.R.A.Z.Y. is one of the best, and last year’s Victoria Day was probably my favorite screening of the whole festival. However, I’ve got one beef with them: where’s the girl power? Generally, the protagonist is a young man battling with puberty, peers, pretty girls, and parents. Gosh, wouldn’t it be fresh to see a film that gives the feminine perspective of growing up and all it’s complications? Well, as luck would have it, the film Daydream Nation takes a dark and daring chance, centering it’s racy narrative around female teen Caroline Wexler as she ruffles feathers in her small, Canadian hometown.

I won’t give away too many plot points, suffice it to say that Daydream Nation, directed by Michael Goldbach, is a innovative re-working of the dramatic teenage films we’ve all grown to know and love. I’ve got my ticket, and can’t wait to see if Caroline can navigate the turbulent waters of adolescent angst as effectively as her more popular male counterparts. If the theatrical trailer is any indication of this film’s potential, I’m sure Ms. Wexler will do just fine. Check it out below:

Daydream Nation plays Saturday, October 2nd, at Eau Claire #2 at 5:00PM. Get your tickets at the CIFF box office location, or online. It’s true that our country makes great films - let's get out there and support them so that creative Canucks like Mr. Goldbach can keep them coming.

Let Me In: A Refreshing Spin on a Tired Genre

2010-09-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Vampires. A popculture phenomenon in recent years that I'm sure has a number of you readers already rolling your eyes at the thought. Our TV stations and friendly neighborhood cinemas have been pumping out vampire hits as fast as they can ranging from the highly romanticized and shamelessly cheesy Twilight Saga to HBO's gory and envelope-pushing True Blood. I too was part of the vampire jaded camp for quite some time. I admit, I read Twilight and shamefully have seen all three movies. But there was never any really oomph or spark to this series (other than Edward's apparently glittering abs) that left any lasting impression.

Robert Pattinson starring as Edward Cullen in all his vampiric glory.

As an avid horror fan I was seeking something a little darker, a little less polished and a whole lot more bloody than the average vampire fare had given me in recent years. I was steadfast in my preference for zombie movies and apathy towards vampire films.. up until I saw one little foreign film at CIFF in 2008 that changed it all.
Which film was that? You may be wondering. (Even if you weren't wondering I'm going to tell you anyways.)
Well fellow film buffs, the film was: "Låt den rätte komma in" Swedish for "Let the Right One In." The film was so many things other vampire films of late were not. Refreshing, tragic, eerie, poignant - and of course, gory. It showed that horror could be both a work of art and leave you feeling jumpy and nervous walking to your car afterwards in the dark.

The film takes place in a suburb of Stockholm in the 1980s and centers around a young boy named Oskar who is a victim of constant bullying at school. A strange young girl named Eli and her father move into the apartment next door and the two develop a bizarre yet strong friendship. We soon learn that Eli is not the timid and innocent pre-teen that she appears to be, and in fact has been 12 years old for a loooong time.

Let the Right One In was a haunting and beautiful film, and has justly earned a spot on my list of favorite films of all time. So where does Let Me In fit into all of this? Well, it is a Hollywood remake of this beloved Swedish film, and stars a number of breakout young stars. Most notably, Chloe Moretz who starred as Hit Girl in the underrated comic book movie Kickass. But I digress. From the trailer it is apparent that Let Me In has taken strides to make itself a memorable movie in its own right while remaining faithful to the original Swedish text and film. Let Me In takes places in a small town in New Mexico in the 1980s and follows the burgeoning relationship between the young loner Owen and the mysterious new girl, Abby.

Chloe Moretz as Abby in Let Me In

Like all of you, I will be seeing this movie for the first time tonight and I couldn't be more excited. Let the Right One In has become a cult-classic in its own right, and it will be interesting to see how director Matt Reeves (of Cloverfield fame) puts his own spin on the beloved story. Be sure to pick up tickets to this show now, as it's certain to be a full house. You can purchase tickets either online at calgaryfilm.com or through the Festival Central box office in Eau Claire. The film plays tonight at 7pm at Eau Claire Market. Jump at the chance to see this movie before it opens in theaters later this week. See you there!

Red White & Blue: Twist and Turns of Torture and Tragedy

2010-09-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

If you’re a procrastinator, and by some tragic circumstance miss out on tickets to tomorrow night’s amazing Black Carpet Gala: I Spit on Your Grave (PS: There are still a few tickets left!) - never fear! There is no need to stay home and pout whilst staring at The Exorcist for the 400th time, there is a better option! The winner of the Best Film award at the Boston Underground Film Festival, and Best International Feature Film at the Fantasia International Film Festival is a sure way to get your Friday night fright on. Red White & Blue is an American thriller that combines awkward romance, mental instability, enormously bad luck, and a cast of emotionally compelling characters in a story that will guide you through the psyches of different perspectives - some which are touching and tragic, others which are incredibly disturbing.

After losing her job, sexually promiscuous and bitter Erica is on the brink of being evicted. Thanks to the kindness of older neighbour, Nate, she is relieved to find work at the local warehouse where he is employed. Nate is drawn to Erica despite her coldness, and Erica is eventually intrigued by Nate’s kind, but mysterious nature. The two share a complicated, awkward, yet well-intentioned attraction to one another despite their differences in age and past experiences. Meanwhile, on the other side of town, a garage band is lead by enthusiastic rocker and loving son, Frankie. He balances his musical ambitions and sexual exploits with the care of his mother who is battling cancer. Thanks to a past sexual encounter with Erica, the world of Frankie and his band clash violently with Erica and Nate - leading to a horrific climax of violence, torture, and tragedy.

I absolutely loved this film. For the first hour you may wonder why it has gained a place in the Late Night Line-Up, as it closer resembles a dark, indie-romance in the beginning, but it’s inclusion in CIFF’s horror series will become gut-wrenchingly apparent once the third act rears it’s ugly (and entertaining) head. That is not to say that the movie is dull and motionless until the violence sets in - quite the contrary. The characters are complex and fascinating, and the film takes a welcome amount of time building the personalities of the players in way that makes the final act strikingly powerful. It perfectly balances drama and brutality, treating the audience to a moving, intense, and at times despicable, tale of unfortunate love and circumstance.

As the token horror junkie, I feel compelled to add that Red White & Blue is MY PICK for favorite Late Night Feature of CIFF 2010. It plays on Friday, October 1st, at the Plaza at 11:30 PM. Pick up your tickets at the CIFF Box Office location, or online. Don’t miss out - successful horror/dramas such as this are few and far between!

Gabi on the Roof in July

2010-09-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

GABI ON THE ROOF IN JULY is a refreshing look at young adults, wanting freedom, and fun, without all the responsibility. A young college girl, Gabi, visits her older brother who is trying to get his art career going in Brooklyn. Gabi's free spirit turns out to be another piece for her brother Sam to worry about as he struggles at getting his life together while making ends meet.

Gabi's character in the film is free spirited, and in many ways just young. There is no concept of maturity although, she feels she is mature and pretends to engage in adult acts. She really is just a child, and is looking for support and guidance from her older brother. Gabi's has had a hard time dealing with the separation of her and Sam's parents, and accepting her father's new partner. Gabi is hoping to get support from her brother however she ends up seeing him act out the same way as their father.

The story looks at Gabi's relationship with Sam as she explores art herself in her unique way. Sam's art work which pieces together society, and social decay is beginning to take off. The uniqueness of Sam's art with regards to behavior mimics the decay of Gabi and Sam and the ability to make clear wise choices. The characters desire for something fresh, fun and new is there, however the lack of commitment or dedication are not present. Gabi is a great girl, and as I mentioned she acts exceptionally free, and this freedom is a way for her to learn about herself, although some of how she learns is not conventional. She really is looking for someone to understand her and be there for as a male role model, and Sam needs to step up to the plate to replace that father figure.

Gabi and Sam both do and say things that will leave you thinking societal decay with respect to young people. However being not so old myself (depending on your perspective) the decay is from within due to deeper issues that need to be resolved. I personally would never be as free as the characters in this film, and I am sure there are many others out there that are similar to me in thinking, and behavior, however that is why we enjoy the arts, and do not necessarily create them. We can see fresh new ideas and concepts through a different light which often come from much experimentation, and experiences in life, that some of us will never experience due to our own boundaries, and limitations.

For a fresh fun look at artistic youth through an independent lens check out GABI ON THE ROOF IN JULY on Saturday October 2nd at 4:45 at Eau Claire or on Sunday October 3rd at 9:00pm at Eau Claire.

The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu Had this Horror-fan in Hysterics

2010-09-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

It can be hard deciding whether to laugh or scream when it comes to scary movies, and that’s why horror and comedy make such a lovely genre pair. Horror-comedies have been around for decades - literally. The first one was a silent film in 1920 titled Haunted Spooks. Of course today we’re more familiar with films like Evil Dead, Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, and Idle Hands, but the American film The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu takes this melded genre to a new level. Part buddy flick, part road movie, part supernatural thriller - think of this film as Road Trip meets Alien.

In the depths of the ocean, a monster lies dormant. For Cthulhu to be roused from years of slumber, the two separated pieces of the relic key must be brought together in order to unlock his underwater tomb. The earthly cult of Cthulhu has found one half, and with the help of a supernatural army of fish-people, they are on their way to the location of piece number two. Unfortunately for Jeff, an average cubicle-bound office worker, he has been given the task of guarding it due to a hereditary link to infamous horror novelist, H.P. Lovecraft. He and his co-worker (and best friend), Charlie, call upon their old high school’s token geek, Paul, to learn more about the ancient beast and the consequences of the relic being joined. They are tracked down by the cult’s army and the three unlikely heroes soon find themselves on the run from Cthulhu’s vicious descendants. If they can keep the relic in two pieces, they will save the world from violent destruction and certain doom. If not, we’re all fish food.

You really get the best of both worlds with this one. The laughs are many, thanks mostly to Paul, whose character bears a striking resemblance (physically and behaviorally) to Zack Galifianakis in The Hangover. The bumbling trio never seems to find a cohesive mode of defense - much to the delight of audiences. As for the horror - blood, battle, and beasts are aplenty. Sci-fi fans will also be pleased with the creature designs and costume effects. If you like to laugh, or love to scream (or never know which to do), this film is for you!

The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu plays Thursday, September 30th at the Plaza at 11:00 PM. Get your tickets at CIFF box office locations, or online. Make sure you bring a box of tissues - whether you’re wiping tears of fright or fun is up to you.

Suzuki Picture a Promising Force

2010-09-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Force of Nature: The David Suzuki movie has it's Western Canadian premier tonight at the Plaza. From the looks of it this will be a very popular one, even with an Albertan audience. Unlike other films of a more radical nature, such as this year's 'green screen' series highlight Dirty Oil, which has already caused it's share of controversy, this movie seems like it will be much more quaint, quiet, and introspective. The film is a movie about the man himself, his legacy, and much of it is in his own words, in a documented "final speech". Scenes from this speech or seemingly woven into scenes from Suzuki's past to create what seems like it will be a moving biography, and one which maintains an influential message for decades to come. In this sense the film seems like it will draw a fine line between honouring the past and encouraging the future. Both a humble send off to the man that we all have come to know, and an re-instillment of his passion for change, and to leave a better world for generations to come. Suzuki, a revered scientist, broadcaster, and environmentalist, has aged, and he has undoubtedly gained a reservoir of knowledge, reason, and wisdom over the years. This movie will hopefully capture all of that into a single sitting, one that in my opinion, will be well worth while.

You can catch Force of Nature tonight at 7:00 PM at the Plaza in Kensington.

Tickets are on sale online, at the festival centre in Eau Claire Market, and may be available at the door. Get your tickets before the show if this is one you want to see! It's sure to be a popular one!

Would you like a little faith with your coffee?

2010-09-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

Faith, Fraud and Minimum wage follows small-town girl Casey (Emily of New Moon’s Martha MacIsaac) as she struggles to strike a balance in her life. After her sister Meg (Kate Lavender) is left in a coma following a vehicle accident the year before, Casey turns her back on her faith, much to the chagrin of her highly-religious, ultra-conservative Maritime town. Heartbroken by the tragedy, Casey’s father, played by well-known Canadian actor Callum Keith, spends his waking hours at Meg’s beside hoping and praying for a change in her condition.

Frustrated by her job at Krowne Donuts, her father’s absence, and the strained-yet-playful relations with her coworker – local football hero and boyfriend of her arch-rival – Jansen (Ricky Mabe), Casey tosses a cup of Krowne Donuts 100% Arabica coffee on the outter wall of the donut shop. The ensuing mania that takes place, when the coffee stain bears a striking resemblance to Jesus Christ just days before Christmas, throws Casey's world into further chaos.

With Christmas creeping ever closer, the appearance of the holy image gives the town instant notoriety, drawing in worshipers from across Canada and the United Sates. Taking advantage of the sudden rush of visitors, both Krowne Donuts and Casey’s family Christmas tree lot – conveniently located in the adjacent lot – begin to receive a rush of Christmastime income.

As the image attracts more and more of the faithful, the aspirations of local business man -- and Krowne Donuts owner --‘Uncle Bob’ (Don Allison) begin to conflict with the modern views of recently-appointed Father JJ (Andrew Bush). But when Casey’s father begins to believe that the coffee stain Christ is a sign that Meg’s health will be restored, Casey is torn between her practical need for money and her moral obligation to the town, her father and herself.

Equally touching, entertaining and funny, Faith, Fraud and Minimum Wage is a creative commentary on society, capitalism, faith and what it means to be faithful. MacIsaac and Keith are heartbreakingly believable, suffusing the film with an emotional quality that extends beyond the screen to the audience.

Don’t miss the Alberta premier of Faith, Fraud and Minimum Wage Thursday, September 30th, 7pm at The Plaza.

Me, Too (Yo, tambien)

2010-09-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

The Spanish film Me, Too (Yo, tambien) tells the story of Daniel Sanz (Pablo Pineda), the first Down’s Syndrome individual to graduate from University in Europe. After studying teaching and education psychology, Daniel takes a job as an assistant in the General Office for Disabled Persons and forms a friendship with coworker Laura (Lola Duenas). The two quickly become close, and it’s not long before Daniel falls in love.

As a result of a vigorous education, Daniel is ‘more advanced’ intellectually and developmentally than most individuals with Down’s Syndrome. His thoughts on art, politics, culture, history and literature surpass those of most of his coworkers, but in spite of his insights, he is still largely considered childlike. At more than 30 years of age, as his brother and sister-in-law expect their first child, Daniel struggles with his own desire to fit into mainstream society, find love and one day start a family of his own.

Me, Too depicts love in a variety of forms, from the tradition and comfort of long-time married life, to the purely sexual and areas between. The film raises questions of a disabled person's right to choose and whether they have the capacity to make decisions about their own lives and bodies.

With that in mind, Me,Too isn’t so much about acceptance and treatment of disabled persons, but rather the universal search for love. People yearn for love and acceptance regardless of whether they graduate university, have a career, or need help tying their shoelaces. Me, Too plays on feelings we all experience – fear of fitting in and being accepted, and the desire to find someone to love who loves us in return.

Daniel faces the same challenges of any individual searching for love, and through it all, he’s hopelessly and determinedly optimistic. Me, Too is a touching, humorous twist on the traditional love story that is certain to appeal to all audiences.

Catch the Canadian premiere of Me, Too at the Globe Theatre on Thursday, September 30th, or the encore screening Saturday, October 2nd at 2:45pm.

New Low

2010-09-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

In the mood for an American Indie flick, well NEW LOW may be just the light comedic drama you have been looking for.

Adam Bowers gives us a look into an all too common story that many, many women can relate too. For all those men out there, perhaps this comedic look into the search for relationships may actually give you that sense of commitment that normally leaves you running for the door.

In the film Wendell is in search of a relationship, for what we are not sure of but I am assuming it is to fill his time. He is twenty some, and has no plans for the future, no hobbies, and no interests. Vicki who we meet in the film lets Wendell know about his lack of appeal to women however she herself is willing to overlook it. Wendell however, although willing to get involved in a relationship is not willing to overlook some of the odd and unconventional pieces of Vicki's life.

The story I'm sure you have seen in your lives, or the lives of friends, where one person in the couple is looking for something better, better than they really can get. Not to say we should not strive for the stars, however often we lose a really good thing because we are not happy with the great stuff before us. We are human, and easily blinded by the next more prettier, shinier thing, even if we can not afford it, or it is beyond our means. This film is an entertaining reminder to go home and tell the people in your life how much you love and care for them, and that you would never trade them in for anything.

You still have time before the festival wraps up, so get out and catch NEW LOW on Sunday October 3rd at 6:45 pm at Eau Claire.

Certified Copy: A Canadian premiere

2010-09-28T15:06:00.001-07:00

Last night, in an all-but-sold-out theatre, the Calgary International Film Festival played host to the Canadian Premiere of Abbas Kiarostami’s Certified Copy. I wasn’t familiar with Kiarostami’s work prior to this film, but I’ll be sure to seek him out in the future.

Writer James Miller (William Shimell) is touring Italy with his latest book, Certified Copy, a layperson’s study on the significance of official replicas of artistic masterpieces. Elle (Juliette Binoche), plays a French antiques dealer living in Tuscany with her teenaged son Julien.

After reading Miller’s book, Elle disagrees with many of its arguments and sets out to confront the author in person. The two spend the day walking through a small, nearby town, admiring and discussing various pieces of local art, both authentic and replicated. At first appearing to be strangers, it’s left for the audience to decide if Miller and Elle infact share a deeper history.

Juliette Binoche is, as always, genuine and superb in this film, while William Shimell takes on the role of the somewhat egocentric intellectual with charisma. Certified Copy provides an almost voyeuristic glimpse into the often awkward conversation between strangers. Neither censors their opinions and are unapologetic when disagreeing with the others’ views.

Driven by dialogue, with long, meaningful breaks in conversation, Certified Copy is a film about the power of art, while not focusing on art. Intellectual, yet unpretentious, it has a languid, quiet pace reminiscent of last years’ Cairo Time (starring Patricia Clarkson and Alexander Siddig). The film makes stunning use of the picturesque landscape, stopping to admire the ancient structures and tranquil Tuscan countryside.

Kiarostami's use of scenery and dialogue makes for a unique film that, at times, pays more attention to the periphery than to the characters. In one scene, Miller and Elle drive out of Tuscany, discussing his book. As the car rolls along, the scene is shot from outside the windshield, the actors’ faces obscured by reflections of the passing scenery. In another, an unseen museum guide explains the history of a piece of art, while Elle translates for Miller. While watching the conversation take place between the two stars, you hear the tour guides’ narration instead.

With no encore showing at the festival this year, you’ll have to wait for your next opportunity to see Certified Copy. It’s an opportunity I suggest you not miss.

Driving for freedom - Taxi Casablanca

2010-09-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

“For Zakia, driving the taxi affirms her identity as a free woman.”

Taxi Casablanca follows Zakia Mezzour, Morocco’s first – and only – female taxi driver, as she navigates the high-speed traffic of Casablanca. She is a brave, determined woman who, after being denied a taxi license on the basis of her sex, wrote letters to the royal family, members of government and other figures of influence, petitioning for her right to work in her chosen field. After a year of perseverance, Zakia was granted her prized ‘white shark’ 19070’s Mercedes.

Morocco is said to be one of the most progressive Middle Eastern countries, so far as women’s rights are concerned. In 2004, King Mohammed VI passed the family law code which officially recognized women, as of age 18, as legal entities for the first time. The law granted women greater rights during divorce, changed the legal age of marriage from 15 to 18, placed restrictions on polygamy and gave women the right to marry without the consent of a male guardian. However, societal expectations around marriage and family, the stigma that accompanies divorce, issues of poverty and lack of education make taking advantage of these legal rights challenging for many women.

Sharing the taxi with her ex-husband, Zakia has spent upwards of five hours a day behind the wheel for more than eight years. Opinions toward her chosen career range from surprise, to support, to staunch disapproval. By the encouragement of her supporters, and determined to prove her detractors wrong, Zakia goes about her day. She seems to take genuine pleasure in driving, even if it’s at someone else’s behest.

In the face of religious and societal traditions, Zakia takes a powerful stand against Morocco’s approved cultural norms. Her courage has proven to be an inspiration for other women in the city. “When I see this woman driving, it’s as if I’m driving,” says one female passenger. “I would love to have that opportunity. To get to that place, you had to show men there’s nothing women can’t do. And it’s true!”

The film covers several broad themes in one fell swoop – women’s rights, poverty, education, domestic abuse and employment. Along with the varied applications in academia – women studies, cultural studies, and economic studies – the film is an intelligent and interesting choice for casual observers.

You can catch Taxi Casablanca, part of the Beyond Borders series, at 2pm on Wednesday, September 29th at the EMMEDIA Gallery.

[Rec] 2: Continuing to Blur the Line Between Horror and Documentary

2010-09-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

Horror mockumentaries are rising in popularity, but few have lived up to the critical acclaim that 2007’s Spanish film [Rec] garnered. Not since The Blair Witch Project has a film of this genre caused such a commotion, or become such an instant cult hit. It even spawned an American shot-for-shot remake in 2008, Quarantine. This year, CIFF 2010 brings you [Rec] 2, the sequel to the Spanish sensation released three long years ago. The film begins literally moments after the other ends, as emergency crew assess the carnage that has just taken place in an infected apartment building where tenants were transformed into cannibalistic monsters. The horror is far from over, as officials soon find out, and the frightening phenomenon must be controlled before the panic and chaos spread like a macabre plague.

It’s no surprise that this film is highly anticipated by audiences and critics alike. [Rec] was a terrifying, bloody, and psychologically shredding film, with some of the scariest visuals I’ve seen in recent years. Jamie Russell with the BBC said it was “a runaway rollercoaster of a fright flick” that “will definitely jangle the nerves”.
As I clutch my [Rec] 2 ticket in my hand, I can’t help but get nostalgic about the other scary mockumentaries that have savaged the silver screen in recent years. Let’s go over some of them, shall we? Here are my five favorite frightening found footage films (great alliteration, huh?), starting with...

Cloverfield
Although the documentary style, hand-held camera aesthetics in this film had the tendency to make audiences lose their lunches, I couldn’t snub this one from my list. This modern day Godzilla-esque flick trapped you in the middle of a military emergency in New York, and had you watching your back with the rest of the cast. The gigantic monster wasn’t even the scariest part! My stomach jumped every time one of it’s miniature spawns made an appearance, especially in the subway scene. Panic, mayhem, and chaos rule in this creepshow!

District 9
Part alien sci-fi, part political commentary - this film was nominated for four academy awards at the 2010 ceremony: Best Achievement in Editing, Best Achievement in Visual Effects, Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published, and Best Motion Picture of the Year! This film proved that there is more to horror that chills and thrills. Exceptionally acted and socially conscious, District 9 is not one to overlook.

The Poughkeepsie Tapes
I had a hard time getting my hands on this one, but it was well worth the trouble. After enjoying years of secret sadistic torture, the videotapes of an elusive serial killer are discovered in an abandoned house. An investigation is spawned and the disturbing footage is reviewed, along with the testimony of a single survivor. This one will chill you right to your core. Though “footage” from the tapes is only used sporadically throughout the film, the images will haunt you for weeks. Dramatic and insane, the Poughkeepsie killer is a man of disturbing theatricality and enthusiasm for what he does.

The Fourth Kind
This one may not entirely be considered a true mockumentary, but it is close enough for our purposes. Once the secrets of its narrative were leaked, the film bombed at the box office. However, I contest that with the right combination of open-mindedness and thirst for entertainment, this is a film that will have you questioning where the truth is. As if the use of “stock footage” of psychiatric sessions and alien abductions isn’t spooky enough, the testimony of Dr. Abbey Tyler is absolutely spine-chilling. Your nerves will hang on the brink of every word she utters in her otherworldly confession of events.

Paranormal Activity
Bar-none, the most surprising indie-hit of the year. Shot with a budget of only $15,000 American, this film was demanded in theatres all over North America, and made over $193 million dollars worldwide. Bringing to life demons, Oujia boards, and supernatural killers, footage of audiences reacting in shock and horror began circulating over the internet following its wide release. Shockingly realist, the inferred violence in Paranormal Activity had even this horror-junkie sleeping with the lights on.

So there you have it... but I digress. If these movies are your cup of tea, pick up tickets at CIFF Box Office Locations or online for [Rec] 2 playing Wednesday, September 29th at The Plaza at 11:00 PM. I hope to see the rest of my fellow fright fans there!

Grab a Date and See a Sexy Flick at Hump Night!

2010-09-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

It can be a difficult task, reconciling opposing tastes in films when it comes to a night out. For fear of sexist generalizations I’ll avoid gender specific pronouns, suffice it to say that there is always someone who “can’t stand mushy Rom-Coms”, and someone else who “won’t sit through another 2 hours of pointless explosions”. I have nothing personal against any genre of film, but my personal taste is certainly subject to pets and peeves - everyone’s is. So how do you choose a film that you and your significant other will both enjoy? Here’s a hint: They don’t call the Wednesday Night Line-Up “Hump Night” for nothing...

Don’t get the wrong idea and assume all the Wednesday night features have the same content, however. Each film has it’s own ratio of skin to sensuality, so take a moment and read up about the films in order to choose one that will excite and not offend. Whether you’re a romantic or an erotic (or both), Hump Night has something that will please even the most wholesome movie-goer.

I had the chance to screen a couple of Hump Night features, so I’ll get the ball rolling for you. Here are the synopses for both the UK feature, Brilliantlove, and the Italian film, Come Undone (Cosa voglio di piu). If you can answer yes to the majority of the questions following the synopses, these films are for you! If not, check the Hump Night Line-Up for something more your speed. Here we go!

Brilliantlove - United Kingdom, 2010, 97 minutes

The love and respect of a bohemian, sexually charged couple is tested. Manchester is a budding photographer whose favorite subject is the sexual images and acts shared between himself and his girlfriend, Noon. One evening, he accidentally leaves a package of developed photos behind at a pub, and they are found by an enthusiastic pornographer, Franny, who is eager to encourage the artistic career of the author. Franny tracks Manchester down, and tempts him with fame and fortune. Manchester can’t wait to reveal his first exhibition and move out of the storage shack he and Noon have converted into a modest flat, but Noon is skeptical of Franny, and unaware of the nature of the images he is about to release.

Is This Film For You?
Do formulaic, heavily structured films lose your interest?
Are you savvy of UK slang and pronunciation?
Are you a fan of indie-artistic subculture?
Can you handle full frontal nudity (male and female)?
Are you comfortable with incredibly graphic sex scenes?
Can you see a film rated 18ª?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, pick up your tickets at a CIFF Box office location, or online. Brilliantlove plays Wednesday, September 29th at Eau Claire Market #2 at 9:45 PM.

Come Undone (Cosa voglio di piu) - Italy, 2010, 126 minutes

Anna is in a long-term relationship with affectionate Alessio. They share an apartment, hobbies, and a comfortable love for each other. Tired of her daily routine as an office worker and sedentary girlfriend, Anna is seduced into a passionate affair with waiter Domencio, who has a wife and children himself. The two meet once a week during the hours of Domencio’s regular swim practice, but it soon becomes an insufficient amount of time to please the lovers. As things become more heated and suspicions begin to arise, they must decide if pursuing their lust is worth the consequences. This is a universal tale of temptation, love, lust, and redemption - but will go beyond your tired expectations of the classic love triangle.

Is This Film For You?
Do you yearn for more in your current relationship?
Have you ever struggled with temptation?
Are you a hopeless romantic, subject to fleeting passions?
Are you spontaneous, or wish you were?
Do you enjoy tasteful, yet lusty sex scenes?
Can you see a film rated 18ª?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, pick up your tickets at a CIFF Box Office location, or online. Come Undone (Cosa voglio di piu) plays Wednesday, Septmber 29th at The Globe Upstairs at 6:45 PM.

Vive L’amour! <3

The (Super-Fantastic!) Untitled Work of Paul Shepard

2010-09-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

The modern relationship has finally become what it was always meant to be – sex. We tend to deny it, or cover it up with flowers or expensive gifts, but it truly only exists today because of a fundamental attraction between two people. It is no longer an economic necessity, social requirement, religious ritual, or even a basis for children. Instead, two people date today only because they want and choose to. The reality is that no one, no woman or man, must be in a relationship for any reason except choice. Being alone, and not relying on someone else for emotional satisfaction, is something that has finally become socially acceptable.
-- The Untitled Work of Paul Shepard

The Untitled Work of Paul Shepard (pronounced, She-pard, not Shep-herd), instantly made it into my current top-five picks for CIFF 2010. In this mockumentary of sorts, Paul (Kris Holden-Ried) is documentary filmmaker searching for his next hit. When he receives a call from former lover Sadie (Christine Horne), he’s struck by sudden inspiration. The artistic Sadie is putting out a book of poems on love and would like Paul’s okay before going on tour. Before Paul has looked at, let alone read the book, he’s convincing his hapless producer Jack (Degrassi’s Joey Jeremiah, Pat Mastroianni) to join him as he explores the meaning of modern love.

By the time he’s arranging interviews and dragging his wannabe cousin into the project as cameraman, Paul comes to realize that Sadie’s latest book, Poems and Thoughts for the Man I Love to Hate, are not a study on modern love, but is also inspired by him.

Over the course of filming, Paul interviews four ex-girlfriends, including Sadie, Haley (Zoie Palmer), the actress-turned-Porn fluffer, Lisa (Tricia Braun), his high school sweetheart, and Samantha (Mary Krohner), the possible love of his life. Through the course of the raw footage compiled by Paul’s small team, the general thrust of the documentary begins to take a different shape. Instead of a study on modern love, Paul becomes the subject of his own work, examining why he seems incapable of making a relationship work.

Holden-Ried is witty and charming in this quirky twist on a love story. His portrayal of the love-challenged filmmaker is genuine and endearing, while the remaining cast play their respective characters to a ‘T’. Don’t miss the Hump Night showing of The Untitled Work of Paul Shepard at the Globe Theatre, Wednesday, September 29th at 9:30pm.

Holy Holy Holy

2010-09-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Howl, the monumental poem by beat generation leading figure Allen Ginsberg changed the way an entire generation thought about themselves in the context of their post-second-world-war capitalistic American society. It channelled Ginsberg's sentiments of sexual and spiritual freedom, including his own bisexuality, and was even the subject of an obscenity trial in 1957. It was first read aloud, to much support, at an experimental art gallery in San Francisco, an event that was only ever truly documented in fellow beat poet Jack Kerouac's novel The Dharma Bums. And now it is also a film.

It seems that in this movie, all of these elements have been laced together into a continuing narrative of sorts, complimented by a psychadelic-animated aesthetic, an artistic choice made by directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. These elements will no doubt ensure that Howl is different from the conventional biopic. It's the sort of cinematic experimentation demanded of adaptations of literature from this era, much like David Cronenberg's film version of William S. Burrough's Naked Lunch. That film found itself divided among critics but it still managed to find an audience and a cult following. I believe Howl will find itself in a similar position. It was screened opening night at the Sundance film festival and has already received it's share of reviews, some glowing, others negative.

From what I've seen so far (the trailer) and from what I know of Ginsberg and his works, Howl included, this film looks like an interesting and engaging adaptation of one of the most influential literary works of the twentieth century. It may not be for everyone, but neither is the work it is based on. At the least it can inspire a renewed interest in a truly fascinating poet. Another definite draw of this movie will, and should be, James Franco's near perfect embodiment of Ginsberg. Over the past few years, Franco has asserted himself as the go-to-guy for true-to-life representations of people in movies. From what I have seen in the trailer (which alludes to recreated interview footage), his performance is right on when held in comparison with actual footage of Ginsberg himself (readily available on the internet and featured in documentaries such as Nothing More To Say and Nothing To Weep For)

Whether you are a personal fan of Ginsberg and beat literature, or you simply enjoy a good story, Howl seems a promising way to spend a night out at the movies.

Howl plays tonight, September 28th, at the Plaza cinema in Kensington. Tickets are available online, at the door, or at the festival headquarters situated in Eau Claire Market.

Highlights of Sunday

2010-09-27T23:20:00.000-07:00

The sunday line-up exemplified the Only the Best Films Make It slogan. I have seen 13 of the films that screened Sunday and all 13 were great. The Sunday line-up was evidence of the quality of this year's line-up as a whole. It shows why if one is not sure what to see, one should just see anything that piques one's interest.
Here is a quick run-down of the aforementioned 13 films from Sunday:

LEAVE THEM LAUGHING: Alternates between laugh-out-loud funny and heartbreakingly sad. The is the latest from Canadian John Zaritsky (an Oscar winner for JUST ANOTHER MISSING KID). Carla Zilberman is a comedienne diagnosed with ALS. She and her son use humour to deal with a terminal illness that is slowly debilitating her.

FAMILY TREE: Screened twice this weekend. Not much can be said about the film without spoiling one or more of the reveals. A well-told story that hits on many different family dynamics. More layered that the typical family rattled by catastrophe/major revelation film.

TWISTED ROOTS: One of five Finnish films screening at this year's CIFF; the only one that is a feature length narrative film. I have been very impressed with the three I have seen. Hope this year is a forebearer of a blossoming of Finnish cinema. Pairs well with FAMILY TREE; both focussing on family troubles largely precipitated by the patriarch revealing a secret. In this case, the onset of Huntington's Disease. Symptoms of the disease are well-replicated filmically.

PLAYTIME: In my opinion, this is Jacques Tati's best film. The influence he had on comedians that followed is evident. Peter Sellers and Rowan Atkinson would have been unable to form the classic characters we know them for if not for Tati's performance in films like this. Great to see a remastered print.

A SCREAMING MAN: Winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes. I cannot remember another film I have seen from Chad. Encouraging to see such recognition for a film from a country that produces so few films. Coming from such a different culture and political climate likely hinders the vast majority of a North American audience from fully identifying with it but it touches on universal feelings related to status and family roles.

HELENA FROM THE WEDDING: The only film playing at this time that I was going to be able to make it to the start of. Had to choose between eating a meal at the only time I would have a chance or seeing a film I knew little about. I am glad I chose the film. Nothing groundbreaking about it but is a great example of classic American indie film. At beginning it heads towards mumblecore with a bit of extra plot. When it hits its stride, it is reminiscent of the early films of Noah Baumbach and Whit Stillman without getting tied up in class commentary. Great to see Melanie Lynskey putting in so many great performances lately.

ARMADILLO: Winner of Best Documentary Feature at CIFF. This is a film that is perfect for opening weekend so people can discuss it the rest of the festival. Definitely has touched a nerve with some people. As I think over how the entire film plays out, it is arguably one of the finest examples of a filmmaker using a deft touch to avoid bias.

NORA'S WILL: Tremendously enjoyable film. Religion, family, dealing with death and other topics are addressed in a lighthearted and charming manner. It may just be the films I am viewing this year, but it seems like death is present in more CIFF films than in past years. The characters in NORA'S WILL remain respectful of death and the dead while also bringing humor to the mix.

STEAM OF LIFE: Finnish doc about saunas. I was impressed by the behind the scenes details of the technical complications of filming in saunas. Pairs well with FREETIME MACHOS as an intimate look at the angst of the Finnish male.

COLD WATER OF THE SEA: Sunday's Mavericks screening. Beautiful film from Costa Rica. Floats between two parallel stories with mesmerizing visual beauty from start to finish.

PHASMA EX MACHINA: Draws obvious comparisons to 2004's PRIMER. PHASMA EX MACHINA is a difficult film to describe without espousing my opinion of what it means. A film that really is better if you go in without expectations. A young man's parents dies and rather than care for his brother he puts all his energy into creating a machine to bring back his parents. This is a film that will likely become a bit of a cult hit when it is on DVD. May even take a couple of years. Those of you lucky enough to have watched one of the screenings this weekend, can be pleased with yourself that you saw it so much before anyone else caught on to its genius.

PEEPERS: Great turnout for a comedy at 9:30. Seeing this with such an enthusiastic audience was a definite bonus. Brisk 83 minute runtime; solid comedy from start to finish. The material lends itself to lowbrow humour but writing remains clever throughout. This was a film I had high hopes for but was wary of the possibility of it falling flat. It exceeded my expectations and delivered.

THE FAMOUS AND THE DEAD: When I read the synopsis I wondered how a Brazilian could have made a film based on my life. Turns out it is not about me; it is just a great film. Winner of a variety of awards over last two years. A treat to have it screen in Calgary.

Thirteen great films that all screened the same day. And, these are just the ones I saw. There are at least five more that screened Sunday that I have heard great things about. I hope the quantity of great films encourages you all to take a chance on films you are considering over the remaining days of the festival. This year's line-up is solid from top to bottom. If you check something out you likely will not be disappointed.

A mini-interview with Mike's Bloggity Blog

2010-09-27T12:53:00.001-07:00

This year, I wanted to do a few mini-interviews with festival-goers to find out about their CIFF experience and learn why they feel the Calgary International Film Festival is an important to Calgary and Calgarians. I had the pleasure recently of interviewing Mike Morrison of Mike’s Bloggity Blog, Canada’s number one entertainment blog for three years running.

Shannon: Tell me about yourself

Mike Morrison: Hey! My name is Mike and I write the Canadian entertainment blog Mike’s Bloggity Blog. I also have a column with Metro and can be found wasting hours on twitter at @mikesbloggity. I’m a huge fan of all things Canadian films, television and theatre. It is my dream to be invited to a Brett Wilson party.

SM: Is this your first CIFF?

MM: Do you know what, it is! Shocking, I know. I moved to Calgary about five years ago and have been overwhelmed with the amount of things there are to do in the city. Sometimes it is a little harder to find stuff than in Vancouver or Toronto, but I think that just makes you appreciate things like CIFF even more. In the past five years, I’ve been able to meet some amazing actors and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to see them on the big screen!

SM: What value do you think CIFF offers to Calgary’s greater cultural landscape?

MM: The more people talk about Calgary and our films, filmmakers and actors, the more I think people will respect this vital industry. I honesty wish I knew about the history of film in Calgary. I mean, there has to be a reason that so many American productions keep coming here to make so many great movies! Plus, let’s all be honest, our hockey team doesn’t have the best track record. That will only help filmmakers when Flames fans start looking for alternatives.

SM: IS there a film you’re particularly interested in or looking forward to?

MM: I had to miss Score: A Hockey Musical, so I’m bummed about that. I love all the singers that are featured in the movie, like Hawksley Workman. Since I’m in the blogging business, I’m definitely going to go on word of mouth. Plus, I’m really easy to boss around, so I’ll pretty much go to anything anyone tells me to!

* * * * *

Be sure to check out Mike’s Bloggity Blog (http://mikesbloggityblog.com/) for the latest in Canadian – and Calgarian – entertainment. You can also follow Mike on Twitter at @mikesbloggity.

Norberto's Deadline

2010-09-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Norberto (Fernando Amaral) is a mild-mannered real estate agent searching for meaning in his otherwise mundane life. After attending a local production, Norberto is drawn to the theatre. Already planning to attend an effective communication seminar to boost his self esteem and speaking to clients, Norberto enrolls in a local acting class.

Focusing all of his newfound energy into acting, Norberto struggles to maintain a balance between his ‘real life’ – his job and personal relationships – and his ‘stage life’. Relations with his wife and friends begin to suffer as Norberto throws himself into his first role, a small but vital speaking part.

It’s unclear if Norberto is driven by his desire to find contentment or if he’s simply bored with his day-to-day reality. In what could be another ‘mid-life crisis’ tale, Norberto’s Deadline is appealing precisely because it effectively captures a snapshot of one man’s life, highlighting the impact that even the smallest decisions can effect. The film is a warm and relatable study on daily life, following a character who is, if not extraordinary, certainly genuine.

You can catch Norbero’s Deadline this evening, Monday, September 27th, 7pm at the Eau Claire Cineplex Odeon.

When fear takes over -- Phobidilia

2010-09-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

At times humorous, at others tortured, Phobidilia peeks into the cloistered life of an unnamed young man in his 20's. Our hero (Ofer Shecter), is an agoraphobic software developer who has been unable to leave the safety of his apartment for several years.

With the conveniences of satellite television, the Internet and telephone, our hero's basic, and not so basic, needs are aptly met. Spending several years in relative seclusion has taken its toll, however -- with little-to-no interaction with other people, reality and dream, fact and fiction blend together, leaving him incapable of understanding the motives and emotions of other human beings. He sees the world outside like a Spanish soap opera -- mundane events taking on layers of drama, intrigue and suspense with daily events narrated by a cliche TV voice-over.

Our hero is content in his solitude as ruler over his own, private kingdom. With so few subjects, there are few variables that fall beyond his control. When telemarketer Daniella (Efrat Boimold) inserts herself into his closed-off kingdom, our hero finds himself longing for true human interaction. When he's forced to confess the truth about his circumstances, Daniela finds ways to join him -- the two go on imaginary dates, strolling hand-in-hand through a flower-filled forest and relaxing on a sun-lit park bench.

His carefully-constructed lifestyle is further thrown into chaos when Grumps (Shlomo Bar-Shavit), a grandfatherly real estate agent, tries to force the hero from his home, claiming the landlord wishes to sell. Ofer's character goes to great lengths to frigthen away potential renters, and the ensuing war obliterates the complacent peace both our hero and Gumps -- a Holocaust survivor -- have found in their respective lives. After surviving the Holocaust hidden in a hole on a Polish farm, Grumps understands the pain, fear and challenge of rejoining the world, and the importance of forcing yourself to do so.

Phobidilia delves into the all-encompassing power of fear. Schecter's portrayal of the reclusive young hero is frightfully genuine. You desperately want him to move forward through his fear but sympathize with his desperate plight for things to remain unchanged.

Phobidilia is a darkly interesting and captivating film, and certainly one of my personal picks for CIFF 2010. You can catch Phobidilia at the Globe Theatre, Monday, September 27th at 9:15pm.

Canadian Feature 'Son of the Sunshine' a Critical Success

2010-09-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

If you’re a fan of Canadian cinema it is essential that you catch Son of the Sunshine. I have yet to view it myself, but can’t wait to see if it lives up to its reputation. Set in Ontario, the film tells the tragic story of a young man with Tourette’s syndrome who undergoes an experimental procedure in order to cure his symptoms. It works, but ends up costing him more than money - he loses his unique ability to heal others, and is forced to deal with new dynamics in his family, including the departure of his sister and his mother’s drug-dealing boyfriend.

Since I will be seeing it for the first time with the rest of the audience on monday, I’ll save you my speculation. Instead, I offer you this list of awards won by the film, and some quotations from industry experts praising the film. I’ll let them convince you!

Rising Star Award, Edmonton International Film Festival 2009
Audience Award, Malibu Film Festival 2009
Best Feature, Malibu Film Festival 2009
Best Actress, Wild Rose Independent Film Festival 2009
Best Feature, Wild Rose Independent Film Festival 2009
Best Director, Wild Rose Independent Film Festival 2009
Best Actor, Wild Rose Independent Film Festival 2009

"...A psycho-soap opera, slum-gutter fairy tale... I was blown off the couch, out the door and down the street." - John Griffin, Montreal Gazette 

"Audacious first feature...Ward's performance truly captures my attention" - Chris Knight, National Post 

"A gorgeous, ambitious undertaking." - Jessica Almon, NY Movies Examiner 

"Ward's portrayal is intense, heart-wrenchingly authentic and powerful." - Bruce DeMara, Toronto Star 

"Mature, immediately involving story." - Eric Kohn, IndieWire

Son of the Sunshine plays on Monday, September 27th at The Globe Theatre Upstairs at 9:30PM. Get your tickets at CIFF box office locations, or online. Also, check out the film’s website at www.sonofthesunshine.com/ . See you there!

BAS: Beyond the Red Light

2010-09-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

Often we see films that feature issues in society that leave us feeling powerless, and distraught on why no one is doing anything to make a difference. BAS gives us a refreshing look at the

work of a number of people who are actively making a difference in the lives of numerous women who have become victims to a horrifically large prostitution trade.

In India many young girls, and young women are abducted, or are lured through the promise of marriage, a new job by men and women who work in this age old trade. Often families in poor villages are promised a better life for their daughters in the big city if they are to marry someone who unbeknownst to them is a human trafficker. The story's are endless on how many of these young women are brought into the industry. Many of these women have no idea what has happened till they arrive at a brothel, the place where majority of them will spend their lives. If you have ever travelled to India there are two kinds of people you likely encountered those who we imagine to represent the true India, spiritual, beautiful beings, and those that are just trying to survive by any means necessary whether it be crime, prostitution, etc. I do not blame the second group of people, for what they do out of desperation but I do not condone it either. Crime is often just a mechanism of survival in a country where the population is so large, it is hard to make a place for yourself in society especially where often the class system is still regarded, leaving many unable to climb the social ladder even today. Think back to Slum Dog Millionaire, where Anil Kapoor's character in the film cannot believe that a simple Jamal a "chai walla" (tea server) could possibly know the answers to questions that one would expect only an educated or more knowledgeable person to know. In the end it was a miracle for Jamal, as is the outcome for the women in this film who are thought they would die in a brothel.

The film focuses on rescuing women who have been forced into prostitution. The women are shown at a Rescue home, where they are taught dance in hopes to release the emotions they have inside that have been beaten down with the lives they were forced to live. They are asked to dream, and encouraged to make a new life for themselves. This itself is a very difficult task for the average woman in India even today. Sure India has modernized in some of its thinking, however what we see in Bollywood where women often are independent is not truly the case for the middle class and below in the country, and even in the upper class to some degree. Society is still predominately male driven, and women on their own are often thought of as prey. Although we are led to believe that women can do everything a man can do, it often is really not the case in India. There is still a stigma. This stigma leaves women who are victims of prostitution with little hope for a future.

In BAS by Wendy Champagne we see the stories and the pain and hope in the eyes of many young women. I loved how at the start of the film the faces of these women are blurred, and their voices so faint we can barely hear them. They are like ghosts. Many of these women are performing acts of prostitution 30 -35 times daily. Many of the brothels have 40 - 50 women in a small area. When the police officials raid the brothels, women are hidden in small secret areas. The conditions end up leaving many of these women HIV positive from the line of work they have been forced into, or also with children.

The Rescue Foundation featured in this film works with many of these girls in improving their capacity to return to some form of normalcy. However in a society where often such careers leave a permanent stigma it is difficult to overcome.

The one part of the film that had me a little confused was the fact that the foundation helped to assist these women to become married. Married women have more strength in society in India than do single women. I was a little confused by all this, as in Indian culture I know it a challenge for women with such a stigma to be so easily married off. I am not trying to judge, as I only wish the best for these women, but am curious as how these arrangements were made.

None the less the women in the film are empowered with the support and guidance they are given, through means such as the arts. The film leaves us seeing these beautiful women stronger, and louder than when we first met them.

BAS in hindi means STOP, and is reflective in the message the women want to get across, that they will not take it anymore!

BAS: BEYOND THE RED LIGHT can be caught at John Dutton Theatre at 12pm on Tuesday September 28th & Friday October 1st.

Milk of Sorrow

2010-09-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

Claudia Liosa's MILK OF SORROW (LA TETA ASUSTADA) is a beautiful story looking into the emotional distraught character Fausta, and the past of her mother she carries with her. It is believed in the village, that Fausta suffers from a illness known as "the frightened breast," which was passed on through her mother's milk after birth. While Fausta was in her mothers womb, her mother endured horrific events that led to what the locals referred to as this sickness. Fausta's mother passes, and she is faced with the task of wanting to take her mothers body back to her home land, however her debilitating fear of life and her social poverty make this task challenging one to pursue.

Magaly Solier who plays Fausta, is remarkable. We truly feel the power of the so called disease in her portrayal of Fausta. The beauty of the character and her expressive eyes often said it all, such that little dialogue was required to feel Fausta's pain. Although Fausta's presence on screen was meant to be quiet and disturbed, her inner spirit was strong like her mothers who endured much torture, and needed to be released. This film is beautiful portrayal of one's inner spirit and what drives us to make a change in our lives. Although Fausta has been fearful her whole life she learns that she can not sit passively if she wants to really live and accomplish the task she faces with her mothers body.

As a women I loved how this film looked at a risque subject matter in a very delicate manner through the pain in the eyes of Fausta's character and her journey.

Grab a friend and check out MILK OF SORROW at the John Dutton Theatre at 12:00pm on Monday September 27. If you can't make that showing don't fret, catch this beauty at an encore screening at 2:00pm on at Enmedia on Friday October 1.

Bloody Noodle Shop

2010-09-26T16:36:00.001-07:00

Bloody Noodle Shop

By: Benjamin Ross Hayden

No need to pen this article as published by Rodrick Jaynes - The Coen Bros illusive pseudonymic persona who supposedly writes their articles and edits their film, who actually does not exist. This time, Chinese auteur director Yimou Zhang fashions A Woman, A Gun, and a Noodle Shop, an astounding remake of the Coen Brother’s 1984 classic, Blood Simple.

Zhang’s earlier works are Hero, House of Flying Daggers, and Ju Dou. These are memorable contemporary Chinese films. Zhang subverts a bygone theatrical technique for this film, Zhang states “I gave the remake a rich Chinese flavor. I also adopted the aesthetic style of the old Chinese opera piece, San Cha Kou. The result is the confinement of all the characters within the same space, each of them shifting roles with one another and making similar mistakes”.

Subverting styles and periods is a method the Coen brothers have mastered with films such as The Man Who Wasn’t There – noir films, The Hudsucker Proxy - classic Hollywood style, and Burn After Reading – the spy drama.

Zhang’s subversion – the Confuciust Operatic – offers a far eastern perspective on the Coen’s underlying postmodernist absurdist meanings. The style, when blended with the ideas in Blood Simple, creates what Zhang holds about his film that “WGNS lays bare the absurdity of life – something ironically repetitive, always beyond our control”.

The film holds twelve - and probably more - direct thematic references to Blood Simple: the gun, emphasis on the gun’s chamber, the incompetent lover, the death of the abuser, the undead resurrection of the abuser, the hesitation to kill the undead abuser, the protagonist’s death dream, the bullet/arrow holes beaming light through the walls, and also the final death blow, unseen to Zhang (also the name of the female lead), as also unseen to Abby, played by Frances McDormand in Blood Simple. Most importantly, the final shots of both films: the pipes in Blood Simple – a mechanistic symbol for redundancy of the plumbing construction, a postmodernist visual metaphor in Blood Simple, equates with the pointlessness of numerous deaths, is seemingly repositioned in Zhang’s WGNS with the psychedelic water droplets of Zhan – the corrupt policeman – his death being as a water droplet trapped inside the metaphoric pipes of existentialist redundancy that the Coens contrastingly display at the end of Blood Simple.

In Zhang’s WGNS, there is apparently a subtle homage to The Dark Knight. The hyper-anxious lead, Li, asks the dead boss, Wang, "Why So Serious?". Li speaks to the back of Wang’s dead head – being a balding head with hair along the sides, this symbol of a Clown, taken with Christopher Nolan’s and Health Ledger’s Joker character, is reminiscent of The Dark Knight. This speaks about the new breed of world-class filmmakers referencing each other’s works, showing that film is a global language of intercommunicative inspiration.

Whether be the Coens referencing past genres, to Zhang referencing Coen thematics and the global filmmaking community at large, we see a growing symbiosis of cinematic interconnectivity weaving time, experience, and location into a unity of cinematic philosophy.

Go Green With CIFF 2010: Check Out Burning Water

2010-09-25T22:20:00.000-07:00

Water is what you rely on to put out a fire, but what if the water coming out of your kitchen faucet was flammable itself? The Canadian documentary Burning Water investigates a rural Alberta family’s water supply, and its unnerving ability to combust due to the surrounding area’s oil and gas industry. The film is the brainchild of writer/directors Tadzio Richards and Cameron Esler, and was inspired by Richards’ award winning article of the same name (published in Maisonneuve magazine).

Burning Water investigates a touchy subject here in Calgary, but carries a message well worth the controversy. Environmental issues are hot topics these days, especially in Alberta, so CIFF 2010 has introduced a brand new series devoted to our planet: Green Screen. Headlined by the much-anticipated documentary about northern Alberta’s oil sands, Dirty Oil, the series provides a great opportunity to be entertained and informed.

Do the activist in yourself a favor and check out Burning Water, Sunday September 26th, at 2:30PM at The Plaza. You might learn a thing or two about our province, and Mother Nature will thank you for it!

Burning Water Trailer V.1 from Bunbury Films on Vimeo.

Tickets are available at CIFF box office locations, and online.

Do You Have a Healthy Appetite for Horror? Sink Your Teeth Into Bitter Feast!

2010-09-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hell hath no fury like a scorned chef. That’s how the saying goes, right?

The premise of the American horror film Bitter Feast is remarkably simple. Chef Peter Gray loses both his job and his television show thanks to a nasty review written by snobby food critic JT Franks. Furious, Gray decides to get even with Franks by capturing and torturing him. Sounds simple enough, but viewers will be horrified by the creative (and cruel) lengths the cross cook will go to to prove his point. As a relentless horror-junkie, I’ve seen it all when it comes to murderers and their tragic back stories: the abused sadist, the ex-cop, the serial killer, the escaped convict, the mental patient, etc. etc. - but a chef? This one was new to me, but it works frighteningly well. Here are a few reasons a chafed chef makes a chilling madman:

Knives
Every horror movie has to have them - they’re the perfect way to achieve maximum gore. Well, here’s a villain that really knows how to use them. After spending hours upon hours hunched over a chopping block, a chef has some serious skill when it comes to slicing and dicing, no matter the type of flesh.

Poison
With their extensive knowledge of flavour combinations, they can accent or mask anything. How do you know that delicious bite of apple pie wasn’t laced with cyanide? Your next meal could be your last!

Appliances
You don’t need to be baking a cake to use an electric mixer, do you? And that blender isn’t just for smoothies...

Heat
Even the most careful cook has had a mishap with an oven, microwave, burner, or pot of boiling water - and it hurts! The kitchen is full of fire and needs to be navigated carefully, or in the case of a deranged chef, creatively.

Trust
Think about it - rarely (if ever) do you get to actually see someone prepare your meal, but you wolf it down anyway. That makes you vulnerable, AKA: an easy target. Even the chef at your local diner has the opportunity to take advantage of that. Have you ever thought to examine your plate for secret garnishes like pins, needles, razor blades, or rat poison? No. But I bet you will now...

I’m not going to divulge which of these devices Peter Gray puts to use- you’ll just have to see it for yourself! Bitter Feast plays tonight, September 25th, at The Plaza at 11:30 PM. Get your tickets online at www.calgaryfilm.com - but make sure you grab dinner first, you may not feel like chowing down afterward...

Bon Appetit!

Nora's Will

2010-09-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

A selection in the global series at this years CIFF, Mariana Chenillo's film, NORA'S WILL (CINCO DIAS SIN NORA), will have you laughing at the unacceptable behaviors in this dark yet comical tale of a Jewish family in Mexico. Jose, Nora's husband is not amused when he is left with the tasks of making Nora's final arrangements after her death. Nora who we only meet briefly in the film prior to her death, other than through Jose's memories, has wittingly left a number of tasks, through letters, and post it sticky notes, for Jose and others to take care of after she has passed.

NORA'S WILL is truly an entertaining film, with a simple yet complex concept of relationships. Specifically the most complex relationship illustrated in this film is between a couple after a divorce. The rational between why people behave the way they do in these relationships often makes little sense to the outside observer. With Jose and Nora, who were married for several years prior to their divorce, we are privy to see the tiny things that made and make Jose irritated with their relationship. Although Jose is not pleased with the chain of events and how they have been planned, he can not rid himself of the memories of his ex-wife and the time that they did spend together.

The premise of this film although darkly comical explores the complexity of relationships and how they differ amongst family members that often we see heightened in times of sorrow. We see the unique motives of people, such as the hired help, Nora's son, daughter in-law, relatives, and ex-husband. Jose, Nora's ex husband in the film entertains us with his defiance against the carefully staged events that Nora had arranged prior to her death.

Films about death and dying usually take on a serious tone, however this film is refreshing with simple concepts, yet dealing with complex subject matters such as religious beliefs, and suicide . This is definitely one of my faves this year. Don't miss this dark comical depiction of the loss of ones loved one at Eau Claire on Sunday September 26 at 7:15pm.

My picks for Saturday September 25th

2010-09-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Do you want to watch 6 movies in a day? If you do, today is a great day to do it.
In the first time slot, A DIFFERENT PATH (12:45 at Eau Claire) looks to be an interesting doc about people that reject car culture and embrace alternative forms of transportation. I will be at ROGER'S PASS (12:15 at Globe) - I need to read the schedule better. I thought it was at 12:45. That does not leave me much time to get ready and get there. So, the rest of this is going to be quick. Back to ROGER'S PASS. I have been eagerly awaiting this film for months. I curate the art for the Marquee Room; in April, we hosted a fundraiser for this film that displayed and auctioned the art from this film as well as some other great pieces. After looking at ninja penises every day at work for a month, I could not miss this film. The local media has been great with coverage of this film so check any of those pieces for more details.

PHASMA EX MACHINA (2:30, Eau Claire) Did you like PRIMER? Yes, of course you did; everybody did. See this movie. If you prefer the classics or were wowed by THE ILLUSIONIST last night, Jacques Tati's MR HULOT'S HOLIDAY (2:45 at Globe) is your best bet.

ARMADILLO (4:45 at Eau Claire) is the Best Documentary Feature Award winner at CIFF this year. Do you like docs? How about the best doc? Brad, the documentary programmer told me about this film a couple of months ago. It has been starred as a must-see since then. If you cannot make it today it plays again Sunday. See you there. MUNDANE HISTORY (4:30 at Globe) is what I am seeing in this time slot. Must be good. I would not see it if it was not. Someone reliable must have recommended it. I now pass this information on to you in a Kevin Spacey-inspired act of paying it forward.

All the films in the next time slot are worth skipping a proper dinner for. The Headliner is Woody Allen's YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER (6:45 Eau Claire). The only one I have seen is STEAM OF LIFE (7:15 Globe). Finnish doc about saunas, or at least what happens in them. The background info on the making of this film is terrific. Acclimatizing cameras to the steamy environment and so on. Ties in well with another Finnish doc, FREETIME MACHOS, which screened last night. I will be at FAMILY TREE (6:45 Globe). It encores tomorrow so I will tell you about it before then.

I wrote about PUTTY HILL already (http://calgaryfilmfestival.blogspot.com/2010/09/mavericks-day-2-putty-hill.html). A WOMAN, A GUN, AND A NOODLE SHOP (9:30 Globe) is in my top 5 to see this year. Zhang Yimou, the great fifth-generation Chinese filmmaker, remakes the Coen brothers debut, BLOOD SIMPLE. BLOOD SIMPLE is my favourite DVD commentary. Check it out if you get a chance. HEARTBEATS (9:15 Globe) is the latest from Xavier Dolan, director of I KILLED MY MOTHER. I have been hearing rave reviews. Encores on Sunday the 3rd

Rounding out the night is BITTER FEAST (11:30 Plaza). I have been telling anyone and everyone about this film since I first saw it. Probably anyone that cares about my opinion has already been trapped in a corner while I rave about it. In my opinion, it is the gem of the late nights. Joshua Leonard plays the tortured food critic in this film. You can also see him in THE FREEBIE which screens as part of the HUMP NIGHT series on Wednesday.

Time to put on pants and attend some screenings. See you out there!

Jacque Tati, a film pioneer

2010-09-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

French film maker Jacque Tati was voted one of the 46 great movie directors of all time by Entertainment Weekly. Tati's film career came after many other career explorations from his early rugby player days, to later being a mime, to film. His film career started in the 1930's, and although be did not direct more than 6 full length feature films, he surely made his mark on the industry through his unique ability to create visionary film that to this day we can appreciate.

PLAYTIME, a film by Director Jacques Tati is a masterpiece beyond its time. Tati's film from France debuted in 1967 and he played the character Mr. Hulot who was featured in his other films, such as MR. HULOT'S HOLIDAY. Another pioneer that you can catch this year at the festival. In PLAYTIME Mr. Hulot's character and American tourists explore a modern, version of Paris. The making of the film was one of the most expensive at its time and the set definitely illustrates this expense through its elaborate and enormous design creating what became known as "Tativille," mimicing his modern Parisian vision.

When watching the film there is much going on that you may miss, since we do not see a clear story line, but several intertwining characters through various encounters and events throughout the day. Tati did not use close ups in his work, and drew the audience attention to particulars in a scene through audible cues. At first I was not sure what was going on being a novice film goer, until I grasped the concept of the larger purpose of the interactions Tati was creating, the influence of modern society, and the gaps we feel even more so today in the age of technology through the use of humour. We are governed by our modern society these days, emailing a co-worker who sits just a few offices down, connecting via facebook posts with good friends rather than a phone call or over a cup of coffee. We see how sometimes the processes we have created for order and functionality are not always that functional, especially in the comical scenerios we see in this film.

You can catch PLAYTIME on Sunday September 26, at the Globe 2:30pm, or to get a taste of Tati's earlier worker check out MR. HULOTS'S HOLIDAY on Saturday September 25 at the Globe at 2:45pm.

Mavericks Day 2: PUTTY HILL

2010-09-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

PUTTY HILL is the Mavericks:International film that the most people have wanted to discuss with me. This is probably because it hits on something everyone has felt. Not everyone has been a drug dealing inmate, a marathon runner, a bank robber, a war correspondent, or inherited an island. Everyone does deal with the death of people close to them. The community in PUTTY HILL suffers through many hardships; the accidental overdose of a young man is just the latest. These people are shown spending two days mourning before returning to the other worries of their lives. Matthew Porterfield has captured the characters' mixture of desire to speak what is on their mind with the anxiety of expressing themselves and pain over what has happened. In solo interviews there is a sense of unconquerable despair. As the group comes together they are able to put on a brave face and honour Cory through karaoke. Powerful from start to finish.

Jacques Tati weekend starts with THE ILLUSIONIST and a surprise appearance

2010-09-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

This year's Mavericks:Pioneers series is comprised of two films by Jacques Tati screening September 25th and 26th. Tying in to this series was the opening night Headliner, THE ILLUSIONIST. THE ILLUSIONIST was based on a 1956 script by Tati and features an animated protagonist that is remarkably similar to how Tati would have performed the role had he made the film himself. There was a surprise guest at the screening. John Dutton, Assistant Director and Animation Director on the film, arrived to the screening with his family. He was able to do a short intro and I hosted a Q & A with him after the film. He was a wealth of information and answered questions that truly enriched the film viewing experience. Mr. Dutton was able to enlighten us on how the animators were able to re-create Tati's mannerisms and unique style of movement through animation.

Tati's MR. HULOT'S HOLIDAY screens Saturday at 2:45 at the Globe (http://www.calgaryfilm.com/2010/schedule/film/1350/).
PLAYTIME screens Sunday at 2:30 at the Globe (http://www.calgaryfilm.com/2010/schedule/film/1349/)
Tati was selected by Entertainment Weekly as one of the 50 Greatest Movie Directors of All Time. These two films exemplify why he deserves that honor.

Roger's Pass: A little local treasure not to be missed!

2010-09-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

At first, Roger's Pass comes off as a low budget dramedy that doesn't know where exactly it belongs, seemingly directionless with a slow pace and a sense of claustrophobia only further channelled through the all too familiar harshness of the Calgarian winter. But then, only minutes in, it takes you by surprise. Everything about this movie constantly dares the viewer to care, to feel. The quirky mis en scene, only slightly reminiscent of Wes Anderson's films, is visually engaging throughout and adds a sense of vintage tackiness to the entire affair, rounded with a certain warmth. The soundtrack is just as brilliant, comprised of minimalistic keyboard arrangements that add to the over all home made feel of the film, and features familiar songs by excellent homegrown act such as Women, Woodpigeon, Ghostkeeper, Chad VanGaalen, and many more, contributing greatly to the local factor and truly allowing this movie to retain it's distinctly Calgarian feel. All of this is used to full effect in framing a fundamentally human story, and this is where Roger's Pass truly shines; strong, sincere performances that perpetuate a script that is not only strikingly humanistic, but also a mature meditation on death, life, and everything that must happen in between.

The story itself revolves around Dustin, a deadbeat art school drop-out who's masterpieces include ninjas, ninjas, and more ninjas (mostly with their penises hanging out), and his family. His father Roger discovers several tumours in his brain, while his successful brother Dave is on vacation with his impregnated Guatemalan wife, all the while his mother, long estranged from his father, lives with her new husband Bon, who practices yoga and transcendental meditation in the nude in the living room each day. It's not necessarily a new concept (the overcoming of illness, etc), but the film manages to deliver it in a decidedly fresh and ever meaningful way. Roger's Pass may be a small film, but it is not one to be underestimated. If you allow it to unfold you will be present for not only a very funny and enjoyable film, but also a spectacle of overwhelming humanity. It is a little gem of a movie laced with subtle imagery and grandiose metaphors.

Some of the most powerful moments presence themselves in the way that characters interact with each other and the world around them. Dustin is self righteous and confused, misunderstood but also misunderstanding. While Roger comes to terms with his own mortality Dustin is forced to mature and care for his father, ultimately seeking his acceptance. The primary focus is on the relationship between Roger and his two sons, as they must learn to accept one another and themselves. By the time Roger comes to recounting the tale of the titular pass, you are ready to surrender entirely to this film. It is truly a marvellous thing to see the subtleties of life emerge as everyone in Roger's life rallies around him in his final moments, and a certain redemptive quality is achieved. All of this is only emphasized by the fact that it is featured within a strikingly familiar landscape, and it really does feel close to home, both literally and figuratively. Roger's pass is filled to the brim with outstanding local talent, and it is not to be missed. In a festival line-up that is loaded with amazing content from all over the globe, it's nice to see such a wonderful film emerge right here in Calgary. So show up and show your support, trust me, you'll be glad that you did.

You can catch Roger's Pass at the Globe (upstairs) at 12:15 pm on Saturday, September 25th.

Tickets are available online (calgaryfilm.com), from the festival centre in Eau Claire Market, or at the door.

Opening Gala A Smash Hit — CIFF 2010 Officially Gets Underway Today

2010-09-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

When TIFF premiered SCORE: A Hockey Musical, earlier this month, it was met with great reviews. No wonder CIFF decided to follow suit. There was an excellent turnout for this mainstream musical at the kick off last night.

Following the film, Writer/Director Michael McGowan (creator of the endearing road-trip story: One Week) talked about his passion for telling stories from a Canadian perspective. McGowan is proud to have made something his own three kids, ranging in age from 7 to 11, can enjoy. He added: "I can make these films. I feel like the luckiest guy in Canada right now!"

Then it was time to party! The Gala event at Flames Central was the perfect venue, with a smouldering performance as the evenings' highlight by Hawksley Workman. Not only did he co-write many of the songs featured in the film (with McGowan) but also played a role as Gump.

The ladies from Fashion Magazine gave me a glass of bubbly and I wandered over to get a look at the Sephora set-up where I met Natalie from the Chinook Centre store. This girl is one of the best in the business, trained at Blanche MacDonald in Vancouver and just back from Fashion Week in Toronto and TIFF. She has worked on Megan Fox and Hillary Swank so who am I to say no to a makeover, complete with smokin' eyes!

I'm ready for my close up...

Written by Diane Bennett

Iconic Canadian Filmmaker Michael McGowan in a league of his own with “Score: A Hockey Musical”

2010-09-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Newcomer, Toronto's Reid, with TV's George Stroumboulopoulos

I was delighted CIFF’s Opening Gala was family-oriented, as I was accompanied by the lone child in the audience. Here’s his review:

It was an exciting story! Farley (Noah Reid) loved to play hockey with his friends and his journey is about taking a challenge, doing something different and being true to yourself.

It’s really funny because hockey players like to fight but Farley doesn’t, so all kinds of hilarious things happen — which are funnier with the added songs and dancing — this also makes it more interesting. I’m going to recommend it to my friends.

Every Canadian should see it!

Written by Diane Bennett and her 10-year-old son, Christian

Armadillo: Not just another Afghanistan war doc

2010-09-24T12:49:00.001-07:00

Armadillo (n): any of several burrowing, chiefly nocturnal mammals constituting the family Dasypodidae, ranging from the southern U.S. through South America, having strong claws and a jointed protective covering of bony plates.

Armadillo follows four startlingly young soldiers – Mads, Daniel, Rasmus and Kim – on their first six-month deployment to Afghanistan. Since the USA-led removal of the Taliban from Kabul in 2001, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has occupied the area. 170 Danish and British servicemen and women based out of Forward Operating Base Armadillo in Helmand province, Southern Afghanistan, observe and patrol the surrounding area, attempting to build relationships with the local populations and push Taliban fighters northward.

After saying a tearful goodbye to their families, the four rookies arrive at Armadillo seeking camaraderie and adventure, and looking forward to the thrill of combat. With little-to-no on-screen interaction between the subjects and filmmakers, the men of Armadillo speak candidly about their experiences – from their lust for action, to their lust for women, to picking up the strewn body parts of former friends, it’s shocking to see how quickly these young men adapt to their new reality.

They are, of course, hardened soldiers – unflinching and unapologetic. They recognize the harsh reality they face and are undisturbed by discussions of death and dismemberment. For a documentary about the realities of war, however, there is very little visible bloodshed. While conflicts between ISAF forces and the Taliban are captured on film – including distant footage of wounded civilians and close-up images of deceased Taliban fighters – Armadillo is tame enough for more sensitive viewers, yet still conveys the raw brutality of war.

With an evocative score and impressive cinematography, Armadillo is not your typical war documentary. The film doesn’t attempt to influence viewers to approve or disapprove of the action in Afghanistan. Instead, it merely conveys the reality of the solders’ circumstances – the boredom, routine, violence and loss that comes from being entrenched. If anything, Armadillo runs the risk of angering viewers as the young soldiers share their uncensored opinions of ‘the enemy’.

Armadillo goes further than most other documentaries on the topic – interactions with civilian farmers give voice to the local population who reside in the ‘green zone’ between Armadillo and the Taliban forces. The film depicts the dialogue that the ISAF attempt with local civilians, answering questions, and offering apologies and compensation for damaged goods and livestock. It’s left to the audience to determine if these steps are taken for purely diplomatic purposes, or if the ISAF are genuinely concerned with minimizing their impact on civilian livelihood.

Amidst the proliferation of films, interviews, media attention, documentaries and debate surrounding the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, Armadillo is a unique glimpse into the reality of soldiers’ lives. The film is engaging precisely because it doesn’t attempt to direct the views of the audience; it simply shows what is.

You can catch Armadillo at Eau Claire Market, Cinema 1 on Saturday, September 25th at 4:45pm, or at the Encore on Sunday, September 26th at 6:45pm.

Headlining Tonight: Sylvain Chomet and Jacques Tati's The Illusionist (2010)

2010-09-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight’s headlining film is Sylvain Chomet’s The Illusionist which unites the fantastical storytelling of two greats of French-language cinema, Sylvain Chomet and Jacques Tati.

Chomet’s latest film brings to life an unproduced script from the beloved Jacques Tati. Written in 1956, it tells the story of a struggling magician in rural Scotland and his friendship with a young girl who believes his magic to be real (apparently the story is autobiographical, as Tati was trying to reunite with his estranged daughter at the time.) Tati, best known for his films Playtime and Mon Oncle, had a remarkable ability to comment on the complexities of human interaction in stark, modern settings, in a whimsical and comedic way. Certainly, it will be interesting to see a new work from Tati, but also a story that is set outside of his comfort zone (of modernizing post-war France) and telling a story that is perhaps a little more dramatic and heartfelt (and autobiographical) than his previous works.

I anticipate his whimsical approach will marry perfectly with Chomet’s fantastical storytelling. Chomet’s Les Triplettes des Belleville was the most memorable animated film of the decade, combining a folktale, an incredible score, and beautiful animation. While the two directors have their differences in style, they both have crafted richly detailed films that express a magical quality.

If you are unfamiliar with the previous films of these two directors, I have a sneaking suspicion that this will be a fantastic introduction. And if you are a fan of Chomet and Tati, grab a ticket! This is a unique opportunity to see a new work from Tati, and to see a collaboration between two great directors, over 50 years in the making.

The Illusionist (2010) plays tonight at Eau Claire Market at 7:30pm.

My picks for Friday September 24th

2010-09-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

We are fortunate to have a great opening Friday this year. There is at least one film to satisfy everyone's taste. I have seen 8 of the 10 films in the Mavericks: International series. It is a terrific set of films and for those looking to see the best of the films they will not be able to see any where else (to my knowledge only 1 of the 2009 Mavericks has received a proper North American release), any or all of the Mavericks are a great selection on any day of the festival. MANUEL DE RIBERA is the first of the Mavericks to screen this year (7:00 at the Plaza). Anything I could write pales in comparison to the official CIFF synopsis (http://www.calgaryfilm.com/2010/schedule/film/375/). It is the most visually arresting film in the series. The filmmakers have crafted a nearly perfect film. It is not for everyone's taste but every facet of the film successfully matches what one can assume was the filmmakers' intent. It is classified in the contemplative cinema genre and moves at a slow pace. The film does not suffer from this pace. Rather, the pacing allows the audience a periodic chance to step back from the story and truly appreciate how well the film is crafted. During the first viewing, I thought the film was a tough sell but as I turn it over in my mind, I realize it may be among the best films I have seen recently.

Also of note at this timeslot: KING OF PASTRY (7:30 Globe): Pennebaker and pastry. Two words that combined should be enough to entice you. Seriously, just look at Pennebaker's IMDb listing (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0672060/). He is 85 years old and consistently makes documentaries that rank among the best of all time. And do not tell me you do not like pastry. TRIGGER (7:00 Globe). Directed by Bruce McDonald. I think it is Tracey Wright's final film role. It is one of those rare films that people are so instantly sure they want to see that very few have even read the details of what it is about. Great start to what looks to be a fantastic Music on Film series. THE ILLUSIONIST (7:30 Eau Claire). Director of TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE working off a Jacques Tati script. I tear up with expectation for this film. Literally. I just re-read the synopsis and my eyes are watering. You can watch this Friday, M. HULOT'S HOLIDAY Saturday, and PLAYTIME Sunday.

At the 9:00 slot: I watched THE FAMOUS AND THE DEAD (9:00 Globe) yesterday. I think it comes down to one sentence in synopsis, "THE FAMOUS AND THE DEAD follows Mr. Tambourine Man (Henrique Larre), a 16-year-old Bob Dylan fan who spends hours on the Internet surfing for photographs and movies of a mysterious young woman who he may be in love with." That resembles my life 1o yeats ago more than I would like to admit. Brilliantly executed. If you like hokey puns you could even say it is Brazilliantly executed. Claim that joke as your own. I am too embarrassed to say it to anyone in person. HAPPY POET (9:15 Eau Claire). A guy tries to sell eggless egg salad. That plot point is enough for me to want to see it. Check out what Sasha wrote about it (http://calgaryfilmfestival.blogspot.com/2010/09/happy-poet-very-happy-movie-indeed.html). I will be at FREETIME MACHOS (9:45 Eau Claire). The Finnish films are tremendous this year. See the list at http://www.calgaryfilm.com/2010/schedule/browse/country/FI/. Do not know much about the one. Just have been so impressed with the quality of Finnish movies this year that it is worth a shot.

The Late Shows series is solid from start to finish this year. THE SHRINE (11:30 Plaza) earned its place amongst these films by blowing audiences away at Fantasia this year. I have not seen THE SHRINE but I did see films it beat out for this spot so I have faith it is well-worth seeing. For more details, check out Erin's post (http://calgaryfilmfestival.blogspot.com/2010/09/shrine-kicks-off-2010s-frightening-late.html)

Bioscope - Science vs. Divinity

2010-09-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

K.M. Madhusudhanan gives us a look into the early enchantment of film in a small village in Kerala, and the aura around the mysterious Bioscope. As for the history of the bioscope, this early device gave rise to silent film, and moving images to later form cinema as we now know it. The bioscope show was known to be one that travelled with fairs in the early 20th century. The film itself looks at the unique parallel in a country such as India where the divine forces were and continue to be one of the supreme forces that people believe rather than the rational reasoning's of science. Diwarkaran the protagonist in this tale becomes fascinated with the science around the bioscope while away from home at a fair. The bioscope belongs to Dupont, a Frenchman who teaches Diwarkaran about it and passes it on to him to continue doing the shows throughout the region. The imagery created by the film allow Diwarkaran an escape from his reality, the reality of his wife Nalini's illness. Nalini suffers from an illness that the family has been unable to find a cure for through the means of regular medicine. The family looks at the divinitive realm, and spiritual healers to help with Nalini's condition. Nalini's condition causes her to re-live a moment in her life via a reel that keeps playing in her mind, driving her deeper into herself while her husband's film reel drives him further and further outside of himself as her travels with the biscope show.

The fascination for me with this film came from my experience as part of the Indian culture. Divinity and science do not meet eye to eye in India, as we see through the village gossip in the film about the bioscope being some sort of haunting magic trick. Although science is prominent in large cities now a days, in villages where there is little education, often it is difficult for people to fathom new ideas. The ideas that are believed by most in the Indian culture are with respect to religion, spirituality, and divinity. Although we can see this more apparently in many eastern cultures, it can be visible in North America as well. In India however you will see the belief in ritual, God, and the divine everywhere you step, and this belief is stronger than any other you will see in the land of beautiful divine chaos. Those that question it often are left wondering why they did as does Diwarkaran's character in this film.

You can get a glimpse into the early introduction of cinema in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and a look into the impact of science on a society that believes predominately in the divine at the Globe on Saturday September 25th, at 12:45 pm.

Fit for a King

2010-09-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

My sister studied cooking and food preparation for several years, so I'm a bit familiar with 'kitchen strain' and was keen to see this film, partly for her sake, and largely to whet my appetite for something sweet. I’ll admit that Kings of Pastry wasn’t quite what I imagined, but it more than met expectations. Unlike the Food Network challenges many of us are – probably – familiar with, Kings of Pastry doesn’t focus on time-restricted design and assembly. Instead, the film offers a glimpse into the ultra-competitive, surprisingly stressful world of high-performance pastry. Conception, planning, timed trial runs and final products are captured on film for the wonderment of viewers.

Only 16 out of some 70 entrants make it to the final competition in Lyon, France, where most will return home empty-handed. Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer, founder of the French Pastry School in Chicago, is one of the 16 elite vying for the coveted red-, white- and blue-striped collar and title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France). Held every four years, the competition is a three-day event that requires contestants to create elaborate sugar and chocolate sculptures, amongst a selection of assorted pastries, cakes and desserts. With days starting as early as 4 am, each chef battles against exhaustion, frazzled nerves and the unwelcome effects of high humidity to create their edible masterpieces. In the midst of the challenge, the judges surprise contestant with yet another task, allowing them to use only those ingredients and tools already in their arsenal.

Every aspect of the competition is meticulously observed and critiqued by a panel of MOF’s – pastry chef’s who have received the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France. From preparation, to plating, to taste and presentation, things as seemingly unimportant as a broken cookie or imperfections in a pane of sugar can spell disaster. There's no voice-over, only the ocassional text to narrate events or locations. Instead, the film pays quiet attention to the intricate beauty of these fragile works while superbly conveying the extreme tension each contestant faces, not only over the three-day challenge, but for months or years leading up to it.

Altogether, Kings of Pastry was a captivating, intelligent and, needless to say, eye-opening documentary. Current or aspiring chefs, foodies, artists, sculptors and curious admirers alike will marvel at the undeniable skill and dedication demonstrated by these Kings of pastry.

You can catch Kings of Pastry on Friday, September 24th, 7:30pm at the Globe Theatre.

The Shrine Kicks Off 2010’s Frightening Late Night Line-up!

2010-09-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Calgary International Film Festival takes place exactly a month before Halloween - coincidence? I think not. I prefer to think that it is some spooky, supernatural spirit at work, conditioning audiences to brace themselves for another month of macabre mayhem. Cineplexes across the city will soon have their marquees brimming with gore-laden features, but CIFF gives horror fans the opportunity to experience some of the scariest, bloodiest, and most frightening films that may not be available in theaters this fall. So this is a call to all of you ghoulish geeks out there to gather your nerves and your bravest pals, and head on down to the Late Night Line-up for a screamingly scary time. Your vocal chords will thank you once October rolls around and you’re shrieking “Trick or Treat!” - whichever of the two is more your fancy...

Friday’s late night feature is The Shrine - a Canadian supernatural thriller from director Jon Knautz (Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer), filmed in both Pickering and Vaughan, Ontario. An enthusiastic journalist, Carmen (played by Cindy Sampson), is bored with the humdrum articles and stories she covers day-in and day-out. Fed up with her boss, she ignores his instructions to stay away from a disturbing story taking place in a secluded Polish village. Tourists are mysteriously disappearing without explanation, and Carmen wants to know why. Armed with her wits, a notebook, and a camera, she drags her boyfriend Marcus (Aaron Ashmore), and her assistant Sara (Meghan Heffern) off to Poland in search of the truth. What they find is a village of cold and hateful locals who will do anything to keep them from venturing into the mysterious fog on the outskirts of town and seeing something they would rather was hidden forever.

A suitable introduction to the Late Night Line-up, The Shrine is not a film of gore-overkill, but rather is a psychologically engaging story that will warm you up to the violence yet to come. It has its share of pain, blood, and brutality, but saves most of it for the pay-off during the final climax, keeping the viewer engaged right to the bitter end. It boasts homages to films like The Ruins and The Exorcist, but still remains original in its intent and script. The creepiest images are reserved for the most appropriate moments, and might get you when you least expect it. Isolation, trickery, and miscommunication between the villagers and the unlucky band of investigators all give the film an off-putting atmosphere of confusion and desperation.

The Shrine was featured at the 2010 Fantasia International Film Festival, and has now made its way to the silver screen at CIFF. You can catch this soon-to-be cult hit Friday, September 24th, at the Plaza Theatre in Kensington at 11:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased online here.

Happy Horror Season!!

The Happy Poet: A very happy movie indeed

2010-09-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

It seems that these days there is no shortage of lo-fi, independent, mumblecore-esque films making the film festival circuit, and admittedly, The Happy Poet is another addition to the canon, albeit a rather welcome one. The story follows Bill, a jobless poetry major (played to perfection by Paul Gordon who also wrote and directed the project), who purchases a hot dog stand and converts it into an "all-organic almost-all-vegetarian" food caravan. Bill is a charming character who truly exemplifies the movie through his ironic, monotonous charm. The Poet is a simple and humble little film filled with good natured, light hearted, indie fun. It contains all the qualifications of a quirky independent comedy: just the right amount of awkward silence, and some (not too much) awkward romance, and enough giggles to keep you smiling. At times the movie will even surprise you with some loud laughs. The dry humour is executed with deadpan delivery and a certain quiet wit, and is often quite hilarious.

But where this movie truly stands apart from it's contemporaries is in it's sincerity. Through and through it is sincere, even throughout the duration of the long shots of awkward emotional insecurity, or boredom, it is true to itself, and that is what makes it such a joy to behold. The Happy Poet is not a "feel good" movie per say, but it is inspiring, funny, and dare I say it, cute. But the kind of cute that we all secretly like, not that fluffy kind. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of substance to this movie. It takes a playful jab at consumerism, idealism, and even the state of independent film itself, but the beauty in this movie is that it can be applied to almost anything, and it works on it's own as a warm, kind, piece of art. This year's lineup is very diverse, and as always, features some very ominous content. Amidst the dark, the gruelling, and the grotesque, The Happy Poet is a sweet little break. Light, charming, and fun.

You can catch The Happy Poet at the Eau Claire Market Cineplex Odeon on both Friday, September 24th at 9:15 PM and Sunday, September 26th at 2:30 PM

Tickets are available through the festival website (www.calgaryfilm.com) and can also be purchased at the festival headquarters, also found within the Eau Claire Market Mall.

The most wonderful time of the year

2010-09-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

That unmistakable, far-off yet not-so-distant hint of winter is in the air. September in Calgary, and we all know what that means. No, not back to school – although that is the case for many – but rather the Calgary International Film Festival. As a born-and-raised Calgarian, I’m loath to admit that last year was my first true CIFF experience. Oh yes, I’d been to the occasional film in years past, but 2009 was a turning point. After purchasing the 10 pack, I bought last minute tickets to at least six other films in an attempt to take in as many films as possible.

With memories of last year still fresh, I’m back for more. I’ve awaited CIFF 2010 with the quiet anticipation typically reserved for shopping mall Santa’s on December 25. Already, my list of must see films tops well over thirty. So many in fact, I was forced to deploy a complex spreadsheet to keep each day straight. My festival-going strategy is not unlike how I used to prepare for University exams:

1) Study, study, study – reference film listings online, CIFF reviews and synopses, local media and blogger reviews, and recommendations from friends and colleagues
2) Plan – work out a schedule that – at least tries to – balance life, work and film, with a note to family and friends that I’ll be more-or-less incommunicado until October 4
3) Prioritize – list the films I want to see, giving priority to those I absolutely cannot stand to miss
4) When in doubt, choose ‘C’ – throw all my careful planning out the window and see as many films as possible

The success rate of this approach was remarkably high last year so I figured, ‘why mess with a good system?’ Even those films that I knew little-to-nothing about, or those that didn’t initially make my top 10 list, were each brilliant in their own way. That’s the beauty of CIFF – it’s a unique and wonderful event, specifically designed to feed the varied interests of any and all festival-goers. Where else could one take in a sports-themed musical on Thursday, lusty drama, humor and intrigue on Wednesday, and a shoot-em-up, down-n-dirty Western on Sunday? This isn’t your usual Friday night movie, kids, this is 11 days of passion, darkness, levity, art and philosophy.

If the films are the full-bodied, dark roast, extra-tall latte of the festival, the venues are the chocolate-dusted, double-foam whipped topping. Together, they create the steaming cup of deliciousness that keeps you coming back for more, and you couldn’t possibly have one without the other. The Globe Theatre and The Plaza are not simply movie houses, they’re part of the CIFF experience – their history and charm infuse each film with greater emotion. These are grandfatherly buildings, with their buttery popcorn-scented haze, are what make film-watching truly magical experiences.

If you’ve never been to the film festival before, I recommend you check it out – even if it’s just to take some time to enjoy yourself on a Friday night. I promise you won’t regret it. And if you’re already a frequent flyer, spread the good word. You’ve seen the pot-o-gold at the end of this rainbow, and it’s a prize best shared with others.

A BRAND NEW LIFE is not to be missed!

2010-09-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

Thinking about adoption, or know someone who has been adopted, or is going through the process of adopting? Then Ounie Lecomte’s A BRAND NEW LIFE is not to be missed! However please note that the subject matter in this film is not intended for younger audiences. As a couple who is personally going through the process of international adoption, I found this film to be one that gave us a look at a child's perspective rather than just our own our challenges in the larger scheme of creating a fulfilled family dynamic.

Jinhee a 9 year old, is left at an orphangage by her father. The emotional roller coaster of confusion, fear, anger, guilt, that we see brought tears to my eyes. As a potential adoptive parent we are aware of attachment issues that one will face and need to work to overcome, however we see in this story how time and time again how these develop, and the anxiety and fear around them. Dealing with the truth about being left at an orphange, and wondering as to "why was I left here" amongst children who did not have any families and therefore it rationalized their reason for them to be there. Finally adapting to the reality of the orphanage being a new home, and then not wanting to leave it. Watching others with whom relationships develop leave one after another, making it difficult to truly feel close to someone. These emotions we experience through Jinhee's eyes are a simple portrayal of the complex nature of these feelings. I'm sure many adoptive parents can attest to the challenges they face in ensuring their children know they will be there for them always as a result.

KIM Saeron played the most adorable child Jinhee on screen who you just wanted to reach out and hold. I loved this film for the simple way that a child's emotions are played out through tears of sadness, and a heart wanting to be loved. The representation of acceptance of a new life showcased the emotional journey of a child exceptionally!

Catch A BRAND NEW LIFE (YEO-HAENG-JA) at Eau Claire Market Cineplex Odeon on Saturday, Oct. 2, 09:45pm and Sunday, Oct. 3, 12:30pm

After the Rape: The Mukhtar Mai Story

2010-09-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Mukhtar Mai gained the attention of media around the world back in 2002 when she fought back against the men who gang raped her on the order of a neighbouring village tribe. Customarily women who have been raped in the village are expected to commit suicide, however Mukhtar Mai also known as Mukhtar Bibi did the unthinkable and fought back against the horrific crime against her. Mukthar's story in this film is not a look at the incident that shaped her life but her battle against traditions and how she channeled her anger into supporting women, and enabling them to believe in themselves through education and justice.

Catherine Ulme (Director) does a phenomenal job showcasing many stories of young girls, and women who deserve the opportunity to overcome the injustice they face on a daily basis. Many women in the surrounding rural areas search out Mukhtar's support and guidance for justice for themselves and their families. Muktar Bibi's efforts include two schools she opened for girls in a culture where boys were only deemed worthy of education. These efforts are just some that will allow young girls to be able to open doors they never thought possible through education. The film describes Mukhtar as an "Angel with broken wings". She truly is an angel in the way that she has given back and moved forward with her life, giving it a purpose. The beauty of her spirit that kept running through this film was the essence of Mukhtar, and women everywhere. Women are nurturing, beautiful and powerful beyond thier wildest dreams regardless of where they come from and the hand they are dealt, they know how to overcome. The publicity with regards to Mukhtars personal story and her work have provided some support and resources with regards to the infrastructure in the community. However Mukhtar daily deals with the fear of losing her life.

Mukthar Mai also has an autobiography "In the Name of Honour", which discusses her horrific rape. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she was named one of Asia's Heroes by Time Magazine back in 2004, and Women of the Year by Glamour as well. Mukhtar married in 2009, again overcoming another cultural stigma for women who have been raped can not marry. If you are interested in supporting Mukhtars efforts you can contact the Mukhtar Mai Women's Welfare Organization.

This is a FREE SCREENING! So you have no reason not to check this inspirational film out at ENMEDIA Gallery #203 , 351 – 11 Ave. SW (entrance is located through parking lot) on Thursday September 30, at 3:00pm.

This story will leave you appreciating and valuing the rights we have as women in this part of the world, and will tear at you for these women you will be see in this film deserve the same rights but have been bound by the societal norms of the part of the world in which they live.

The fantastical notion of perpetuating the fine art of cinema while truly finding time to enjoy it (aka Why Film Fest is great!)

2010-09-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

It's true and may just be a little bit sad (depending who you are), our World is changing, even faster than we can now buy tickets online to our most anticipated film festival movies (I know, pretty fast right?) Blockbuster is dead, succumbing to the ever mighty and all powerful Netflix, which will be making it's appearance up in the Great White North in just a matter of months now, taking with it all prospects of the once revered video store (hang in there Casablanca and bird dog!) and instilling itself as symbol of the times. It seems these days we would rather engage in mindless consumption of the free, cheap, and readily available. In fact there may come a day when we step outside into the bright sun and realize what we've done! Record stores are going extinct, cinemas have become cineplexes parading superimposed three dimensional remakes of remakes upon their overly silvery screens. Is there no solace from this madness?

Fear not good people! There is, and it is relatively inexpensive and believe me oh-so-worth-it. There will be many wonderful people yelling and crying and laughing altogether. There will be unreasonably addictive popcorn among other unreasonably delectable savouries. There will be theatres so old that you feel young again! And most importantly there will be movies. Not just any movies though! Like the advertisements read: Only the best movies make it. It would almost be fair to rephrase that to : Only ALL of the best movies make it. The selection of films is as diverse as ever with a healthy amount of local and Canadian talent to make us proud and to remind us that Calgary is much more than drunken cowboys in July, steak, and oil. The lineup also includes a strong selection of American independent cinema, global films, shorts, documentaries and more than the eyes, ears, and mind can behold! Take that netflix. There's a little of everything for everyone it seems, and if you are a true cinephile, well, then there really is everything.

The Film festival is much more than an individual viewing of recorded images on a screen. It is truly a collective appreciation of art. An "all together" celebration of the odd, the forgotten, and the inspiring. It is the manifestation of intentions, the temporary uprising of a certain special community that you'll miss when it disappears just two weeks after it sprung up, seemingly out of nowhere, and that you'll love coming back to the next go round!

So do not run to the hills and far away. Hell, don't even throw out your television. Simply dash over to Festival centre in Eau Claire, or find that little possibly coloured link online that assures you that you can purchase tickets if you click on it (you can), and just do it! Buy the ticket, take the ride. It'll be a good one.

Everything film fest and more can be found at: www.calgaryfilm.com

The festival itself runs from September 23rd through until October 3rd.

Going OUT to the movies!

2010-09-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

It’s almost that time of year again! Film buffs everywhere - prepare to trade in your sofa seats for folding ones, your television for a silver screen, and your microwave popcorn for a buttery bin of cinema corn! The 2010 Calgary International Film Festival is upon us and with over 200 films and events in the program this year, it promises to be a jam-packed cornucopia of film-related fun. As an eager audience member, I can’t wait to spend every waking moment of free time in the theatre, surrounded by the buzz of my movie-loving peers. Staking out a good seat, listening to the hum of vocal anticipation, and the instant when the lights finally begin to dim and the screen comes aglow are the moments that I (and many others like me) live for! However, not everyone sees it the same way. Gathering together under one roof to share a film with friends and strangers alike is a experience often taken for granted in this day and age of electronic download and widescreen home theater systems. How long will it be before the social aspect of film spectatorship becomes obsolete? Not anytime soon, if I have anything to say about it. As the opening gala of the festival nears, I’d like to take this time to remind everyone why physically going to the theatre and participating in the social gathering of a film is an beneficial part of cinematic culture. Here are my top 5 arguments (among many) when it comes to the question:

Why Actually Go To The Theatre?

1) To Get Out of the House!
Who wants to spend their entire lives surrounded by the same four walls? Almost nobody! (Excluding agoraphobics, of course.) Yet, contemporary culture is constantly inventing convenient ways for us to stay put in our humble abodes instead of exploring the social possibilities that lie beyond our doors! Ok, that was a bit existential, but in all seriousness - is there anything we can’t have brought to us with the click of a mouse, or the dial of a phone? Yes. Social interaction! Oh, and chatting on Facebook or playing Xbox Live doesn’t count (though I know tons of people who would argue otherwise). There’s a lot to be said for vacating your comfort zone and going in search of kindred spirits, and the rewards are many. The opportunities to try new things, make new friends, and grow as a human being increase exponentially simply by immersing yourself in the culture around you. One of the easiest, and most non-threatening ways to do this is to go see a movie in a cinema! Try it! There are so many things the viewer can miss by simply downloading or renting a flick, which brings me to my next point...

2) It Engages All Of Your Senses!
Watching a movie isn’t just “watching a movie”. You do more than just see what is on screen when you go to your local cinema. You smell the popcorn before you even open the door, and don’t even try to argue that it tastes exactly like the microwavable stuff - you’re just lying to yourself. Once you get your snacks, you settle into a cozy seat next to a loved one and huddle together to share treats and conversation. The anticipation in the room reaches a breaking point just as the lights go down. Suddenly, you’re surrendered to the darkness for a brief moment of blind wonder and then BAM! The gigantic screen is filled with a sharp-as-knives image ten times the size of a city bus. The visual splendor is accompanied by a booming sound track, which will never have to compete with your neighbour's noisy truck, or the dog barking in the backyard. Once the credits roll, you’re on senses overload and feel completely satisfied with the full-body experience you’ve just been through. Try to achieve that while sitting on your couch squinting at a blurry, bootleg version of The Dark Knight!

3) You Don’t Have to Cry/Laugh/Scream Alone!
You know that bandwagon everyone is always condemning? Go ahead and jump on it! Let the tears roll, let out that belly laugh, and for goodness sake don’t cover your eyes! There is no need to be ashamed or bashful about the emotional roller coaster a film can take you on - everyone else in the theatre is strapped into the same ride. Isn’t a joke funnier when you know other people share your sense of humour? Isn’t it comforting to know that there are other sensitive souls out there, bawling over the same love story? And doesn’t it alleviate some of your anxiety to know that there are other people just as afraid of ghosts/zombies/werewolves as you are? Don’t hold back, share what you are experiencing with the world - other audience members having the same feelings will thank you for it by opening up and participating as well. And while we’re in a sharing mood, keep in mind that after the screening you will have the opportunity to share in...

4) Fresh Conversation With Loved Ones
Don’t you ever get tired of regurgitating cliched conversation starters like “How was your day?” or “Some weather we’re having, huh?” - they get old fast, but we stick to them when there’s nothing else to say. The shared experience of a trip to the movies is one of the easiest ways to strike up a conversation with friends or strangers. It’s no lie that “everyone’s a critic”, and people (no matter their age, gender, race, etc.) love to talk movies! Not only can you give your two cents about the acting, story, visuals, and heartthrobs, but films also open up interesting topics of theoretical discussion. Themes like love, life, death, honor, morality, and religion run rampant in film language and subtext. Take advantage of that by sharing a dialogue with your movie-going companion that doesn’t have to start with “Sooo....What’s up?”
And finally,

5) It Doesn’t Cost You an Arm and a Leg
True, ticket prices seem to always be on the incline, but consider this scenario: You and your significant other have a friday night free to spend in any manner you like, but you choose not to go to the movies because tickets are $12.50 a piece. Instead, you consider going to dinner ($50+), or renting a couple of flicks and buying some snacks at the video store ($20). Considering the experience you get for your dollar (take a peak back at points 1-4!), that night out at the cinema looks like a steal! Still not convinced? Skip only three of your $5 coffees during the week and there’s your movie ticket, and then some! Besides, you work/study hard during the week so why not indulge once in a while on a thoroughly delightful (and relatively cheap) form of entertainment? Movies are made for YOU - enjoy them!

*Whew* - I think I’ve made my (long-winded) point. Whether you’re a theatre regular, or a cinema newbie - there’s always a flick out there that will speak to your personal taste. Try something new, or stick with what you love - either way, don’t take public screenings for granted.

So come and check out some of the great experiences being offered between September 23rd and October 3rd at the Calgary International Film Festival. For your convenience, all of the film synopsis’, listings, times, and ticket sales have been made available online!

See You At The Movies!!!

Fantasia: Part Two

2010-07-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Fantasia never fails to impress! The number of directors coming in day to day is huge and you never quite know who you are sitting beside over beer or a movie. Tons of great directors, producers, and actors from Japan, Hong Kong, Serbia, Europe, USA, Canada... icons such as Herschell Gordon Lewis and the great Stuart Gordon coming in today... independent Canadian directors like Lee Demarbe sitting in the audience and I even had the pleasure of meeting a great Danish actor Tomas Villum Jensen, who is in Montreal with his new film that he directed called At World's End. His Q&A was pretty amazing. He pretty much told close to 45 minutes worth of incredible shooting stories from Australia, Indonesia and their various obstacles and encounters. He could have told stories for hours if we weren't on a tight schedule for the next film. Oh, and he invited the new draft pick for the Montreal Canadians to his film, who is also from Denmark. For those interested in hockey, that was pretty cool having him join everyone over drinks. I also happened to be sitting in my first film where an audience member actually fainted. I was watching the world premier of I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, and during the very lively Q&A (with director Steven Monroe, the lead actress Sarah Butler AND the director of the original version Meir Zarchi, who also produced this new version, all on stage), Mitch Davis announced that one of the audience members had fainted during the show while leaving and actually hurt himself. The film is definitely intense, but I still found it quite shocking actually that someone fainted. The overall enthusiasm has been awesome during all the films I have attended so far, and there is a super broad range of genres being showcased. Lots of sold-out screenings already including Scott Pilgrim vs The World and Tucker & Dale vs Evil (shot in Alberta!). Have you noticed how many 'vs' movies there are this year?? Tons. One hint though is hopefully there is a special one in this years Late Shows! Anyway, I have seen most of what I can on this trip, but will end tomorrow night with the new film HEARTLESS by director Philip Ridley who directed The Reflecting Skin in Calgary in 1990. This new film is his first in 14 years, and I am pretty curious.

CIFF at Fantasia, Montreal

2010-07-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well, even though Montreal had a blistering hot day that 'felt like' 46 degrees (which they are getting used to, and I am melting... fast), Fantasia went off without a hitch last night with the Canadian premiere of THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE! They even had Disney reps in the house!! That and major security to keep an eye on anyone trying to record the movie. Anyway, Montreal's Jay Baruchel is the lead in the film, and he was there for the intro and Q&A. The movie... super fun! His Q&A... hysterical. Disney was worried about his performance looking PG, and his Q&A was for totally 18A. I am sure they were freaking out! The coolest part though was how much he loves Fantasia, goes every year, how much he attributes his acting success to having worked on such great Canadian films, and how he always will. He also said that he wished all his films would premiere there, where he is from. I like his attitude!

Following the screening many went to IP Man 2, but I of course went to the after-party. Extremely well attended, free for everyone and tons of fun. Films projecting on walls.... djs... and weird dancing girls throughout the night.

Fantasia will be running all of July from now until July 28, but I will be here until the 15th looking for some great Late Shows, and a few add-ons to World Cinema, Canadian and American indie genre films!

Tonight... I am going to check out PHOBIA 2 from Thailand, which CIFF screened the first one two years ago, SECRET REUNION which is the second film from the Korean director of ROUGH CUT, which CIFF screened last year, and definitely will make sure to meet Herschell Gordon Lewis! .... oh, and they just announced Rubber, the lead actor in RUBBER will be in attendance for the midnight screening.

This festival is the geekiest film fun you can have for sure!

More updates to come ---

Brenda Lieberman

CIFF Programmer

Two Days and Three Nights

2010-05-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

I think the idea of blogging everyday was a bit ambitious, after leaving my hotel in the morning, which is miles away from the center of Cannes, I don't get back until very late at night, unfortunately that is just no time to be writing about the happenings in Cannes.

But I can say their are happenings, quite a few and although I'm a little too exhausted to go into full details right now, I will say this, Cannes has everything you want and everything you don't wrapped into a shiny package. You have to love the spectacle because this festival is all spectacle.

Here are some of the highlights....

*First Night

Upon arriving to Cannes, I didn't even go to my hotel to check-in, oh no, I went straight out. I met a lovely producer on the cab to Cannes and pretty soon, I was with his friends drinking whiskey and enjoying the sites. Amazing night that ended at a private party that non other than Mr. Harvey Weinstein was hosting. And yes I did shake his hand and say two words to him, "Thank you".

The price for this crazy night was having to sleep in the lobby of my hotel for two hours as the front desk was closed from 4am to 6am but luckily I have experience sleeping in crazy places after the last few months of London living.

*Udaan

After missing the start of a hungarian film, I randomly went into a film that I had no information about and didn't even know if it was going to be in any good. Well it's turned out to be one of my favourites of the festival and also as an added bonus I sat right behind Gael Garcia Bernal during the screening. I tried to take a picture but all I got was the back of his head. After the screening I was able to shake the stars hand and let him know what a gem of a movie it was, truly something to keep our eyes on for CIFF.

*The Beach

Today I spent two hours on the beach, I should have been watching films but after two in a row I just had to soak up some of the sun. We are deprived in Calgary. Yesterday I watched a film on the beach, an old detective story titled, "The Girl Hunters". It reminded me a lot of Chinatown and Sin City, I suppose these are the most recent successes in the film noir genre. I was in and out of the film (a few distractions all around me) but for a film on a beach it was great. I enjoyed it a lot. I must have been really happy about it, because the Chinese press interviewed me about the experience as the film was ending.

So yes, Cannes has proven it's worth, I'll write a final review upon my return but for now I can share that I've seen seven films in my three days of being here and I hope to see at least three more before going to back to the UK.

Juan in Cannes - Preface

2010-05-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

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The Death of Film?

Very recently I went to see the latest big, blockbuster, event-movie and while sitting in the movie theatre watching a half hour of adverts, only two trailers, and eating a bag of salted but not buttered popcorn I witnessed what I think is the death of film.

Not that I didn't enjoy Iron Man 2, I thought it was great. I love a good Hollywood film, for all it's limited story and lack of character development there's wonderful effects, beautiful dare I say artistic technical achievements that you can't find anywhere else. It's amazing to look at, it's shiny and expensive, how can you not love it.

But as I sat there watching Marvel Comics open the summer blockbuster season, I was also witnessing a system that is taking less and less risks and is becoming more and more protective of it's releases and it's 'property'. Therefore as watched Iron Man 2 my eyes were opened to the fact that Hollywood in ten years will no longer make movies, but they'll make events, and that leaves the rest of us with tiny budgets but hopefully good stories to tell.

Some might think it's exciting, new filmmakers figuring out new ways to distribute films and using any means necessary to get their stories told but for me I find it scary, the industry as we know is changing, and I wonder if film will go the way of theatre and end up as niche entertainment, has this process already started?

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Onward to Cannes

With this in mind I go to Cannes, the biggest and highest profile Film Festival of them all. Will I get lost in the spectacle? Will films come secondary to the star sightings and the French Riviera? I have no idea what to expect nor am I putting pressure on this festival to give me faith in the industry again. But, I'm hoping that my eyes will be opened by the films that were selected. I'm hoping these storytellers who are at their prime will give me faith in the power film, because after all film is the most powerful medium and can change you, and move you and challenge your entire way of thinking in just two hours or less.

So Cannes, I challenge you! Open my eyes to what film can be and what film should be. Please Cannes, we need you at this most trying time in our industry, we need you to be the proud, flashy, over-the-top festival that you are, and show that a good film is worth everything.!

It will be exciting.. five nights, four days, 1 festival pass. I'm going to soak it up, open myself to everything, witness the markets, watch the shorts, sneak into the parties, and let rekindle my first and last true love, the cinema.

Woo! Can't wait.

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The Practical Side

For those of you that are still reading, thank you. Now I have to just get out of the epic preface and explain just how nervous I am.

1. This will be my first time traveling to a place where I don't speak the language. Yes I have travelled many places, and yes I know french is very similar to Spanish but still it's different enough. I'll definitely be a foreigner in a new place. That being said I'm sure it will be fine with plenty of English speakers around for us annoying North Americans to speak slowly to.

2. Ash Cloud... ugh! Are you kidding me, the whole time I'm there I'm going to have to keep an eye out for the ash. Not only is there an if, to whether or not my flight will be able to go, I will also have to worry about it on the way back. I'm sure it will be fine but still not something you want to worry about. Volcanoes? Really?

3. Easyjet. Now for those of you that don't know I was meant to go to Berlin in February for the film festival, but sadly easyjet cancelled my ticket and the rest was history. So now as I face the big orange discount airline again I'm left wondering will this be round 2 of the trip-that-could-have-been. Must think positive.

Here we go, let's see what happens.

Rotterdam Report: Sachin Gandhi

2010-03-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

It was about four years ago that I started paying closer attention to Rotterdam’s International Film Festival lineups and since 2006, I have been constantly impressed by their programming and longed to make a trip to the festival. So this year I finally made my journey to Rotterdam, albeit for a very short stay. I ordered my film tickets online and picked them up at the De Doelen where the box office is located along with an amazing cafe where one can grab some delicious food and much needed drinks. During the festival the hall with its spacious seating area is normally buzzing with the sound of constant conversations in multiple languages and allows one to rub shoulders with festival goers, filmmakers and critics. The hall also has a merchandise store where one can buy t-shirts, catalogs and DVDs of films showcased in past Rotterdam festivals. Most of the DVDs (in PAL format) are films that are not yet available in Canada, so it is worth picking some of the titles up, although one has to make sure that the DVD contains English subtitles as not every DVD has that feature.

There are 6 primary theatre venues to choose from and two of the venues (Pathe and Cinerama) have 7 screens each which means in a particular time slot one can have a choice of anywhere from 10 - 16 films. One can begin each day as early as 9:30 am and see about 5-6 films a day with the final screenings starting as late as 10:45 pm. Most of the films are repeated more than once so one can plan accordingly.

My time constraints prevented me from going to multiple venues so I confined myself to the Pathe across from De Doelen. In a way, that was more than enough since the Pathe is a spacious multiplex with comfortable seating that makes it a treat to watch foreign films. For me, the giant screen of the Pathe perfectly enhanced the experience of watching Heng Yang's fascinating Sun Spots, a film shot on HD video. The large screen ensured every image looked breathtaking and crisp. Sun Spots consists of 31 long single take scenes with no camera movements, meaning no pans or zooms. This style makes the film a challenging one to watch but it is also a rewarding experience because one can soak in the on-screen atmosphere and freely observe all the details present in each frame.

The remarkable aspect of Rotterdam 2010 was that even on the festival’s last day there was a breathtaking lineup of films available. On the final day, it was possible to start a cinematic journey in Suriname (Let Each One Go Where He May), hop over to Costa Rica (Agua fría de mar) or Mexico (Alamar), jump to Brazil (Avenida Brasilia formosa) or India (Sailor of Hearts,The Well), spend an evening in Africa (the several features that were part of the Where is Africa series) and end the night in Thailand (Mundane History) or the Philippines (two short features by Pepe Diokno & Lav Diaz). Or one could have confined themselves entirely to Europe and taken in the new Pedro Costa or Bruno Dumont along the way. Also, all the three Tiger Award Winners, Agua fría de mar, Alamar & Mundane History, were available for viewing on the final day along with the audience favourite winner, Yo, también (Spain). 10 days of such a wide array of films is enough to satisfy any cinephile's appetite.

Over the years, Rotterdam has become a great source for discovering fascinating foreign film titles, especially Asian ones, and is not shy to show longer works, such as Wang Bing’s documentaries The Journey of Crude Oil (a running time of 14 hours), West of the Tracks (9 hours) or Lav Diaz's Death in the Land of Encantos (9 hours) and Melancholia (7.5 hours). At Rotterdam, one can find artistic films easily rubbing shoulders with some commercial offerings and since the festival is not concerned with only showing premieres, one can catch some great titles which graced the festival circuit the previous year while trying to discover new gems. And there are plenty of gems to discover. Since 2007, a few of those gems from Rotterdam have ended up at CIFF, first thanks to Angela Kempf and last year thanks to Trevor Smith, both of whom made a journey to the famous port city. Three of the best films that featured at CIFF 2009, Be Calm and Count to Seven (Iran), Breathless (South Korea) and Wrong Rosary (Turkey), were all Tiger Award winners at Rotterdam. While the Cannes Film Festival in May gets the most attention with regards to new foreign film titles, in reality, the foreign film calendar is kicked off as early as January when Rotterdam announces its lineup.

CIFF Programmer Brenda Lieberman at the 2010 Berlinale

2010-03-11T12:14:00.000-08:00

Well, I have to say after just getting back from Berlin that I am in a little bit of shock still. I miss it already.

The Berlinale is truly amazing. Not only because Berlin is such a great city, but the number of films in both the festival itself, and the market, is massive -- Plus all the programmers who go, the distributors to meet with and the parties to attend.

My days were non-stop and in a perfect way. The jet lag actually works to our benefit, as I didn’t get tired at night at all. So staying up for events was easy.

The city was freezing. I must be a wimp because it felt colder than Calgary at times. I must say too it definitely takes some time being there to really figure the festival all out, how to get tickets, the subway system, where the best baguettes are found, and how not to have a 12 EUR gin & tonic.

I met with over 15 distributors, saw a ton of great films, and grabbed enough catalogues that I couldn’t carry my suitcase any more.

…. Well, and a great pair of boots. Lets not forget the awesome Berlin shopping.

The theatres…. WOOOOOWWWW. Each new theatre I went to amazed me more than the last. They were huge, beautiful architecture and looked like they were made for the festival.

I had a couple screw ups though. I went to one that I was the most excited about and discovered no English subtitles at all. We had the best seats, and lasted 10-miuntes before we just gave up. Another one I had to wear a translator headset for the English. This was one of the lamest ways to listen to a film. Especially when the translator would leave the button pressed too long and you would hear blank static instead of the films soundtrack.

Some of my highlights were A WOMAN, A GUN AND A NOODLE SHOP (based off of the Coen Brothers Blood Simple, but in Chinese), A SOMEWHAT GENTLE MAN, (Norwegian film) and EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP (a documentary on Banksey the world renowned graffiti artist)

Almost Four Weeks left for American Express and Avenue Magazine Dining Guide Promotions

2009-10-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well...that's a wrap. The festival is over, the films are being shipped back, and the box office has been emptied (so long Ikea lounge, Stella fridge, and all the Red Bull we could drink)! However, a few good things will linger until the end of October, before we all settle in for several months of hibernation.

Looking for a classic dinner and a movie experience? Be sure to stop by RUSH for lunch, dinner, or drinks, and then head to your nearest Rogers Video to pick up a copy of Breakfast at Tiffany's or Roman Holiday. RUSH is as much an experience for your eyes as your palette -- an air of old Hollywood glamor rules, with monochromatic tones, rich wood, glittering bobbles, and luxurious textures offers up a feeling of grandeur. The restaurant itself is split between several rooms: a formal dining room, a lounge for drinks or a quick bite (which includes a beautiful, long communal dining table similar to Farm's harvest table), two private dining rooms which together fit up to 28, and my personal favorite: Calgary's first chef's table.

I had the culinary pleasure of having a leisurely lunch in the Rush lounge. I dined on potato gnocchi with slow poached egg and spicy mushroom saute, while my lunch date feasted upon a lobster bisque with sandwich. The gnocchi literally melted in my mouth, and both of us easily cleaned our plates.

In between lunch and dessert, we took a tour of the venue, taking in the private wine boxes, stunning wine cellar, and different rooms. We then settled in for cappuccinos and dessert, Rush-style. Each item on the menu is themed: I settled for carrot, which included carrot creme laced with sea salt (amazing) and my date for blueberry, the highlight of which was a lemon/basil/blueberry concoction (equally delicious).

At the end of it all, we both decided Rush would become a new favorite Friday evening drink spot, dinner spot, and lunch spot. From September 1 until October 31, 2009, you will receive a $20 gift card to Vintage Chophouse and Tavern when you spend at least $100 before taxes at Rush and pay with your American Express Card. This and similar offers are featured in A Guide to Great Food in Calgary, a beautiful photographic guide produced by American Express and Avenue Magazine. Check for details online if you haven't found your guide yet.

That's a Wrap!

2009-10-05T04:30:00.000-07:00

Well, another film festival has wrapped up and what a 10-days it's been! I'll be using the word "thanks" quite a bit in this post but I do mean it.

We would like to thank our sponsors - without them, there wouldn't be a festival for us to go to, to volunteer at, to blog about, etc...

A big shout out to American Express for helping to deliver the first ever Mavericks award on Saturday night. We'd also like to thank Volkswagen for helping to drive us around town, Cineplex and Citytv for their support.

We'd also like to thank Canwest, Movie Central & HBO Canada, Fast Forward, Fashion Central who gave us sweet digs for the delegate lounge and the box office this year and the Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation for their support.

We had many sponsors in the media as well including Avenue Magazine, CBC, CJSW 90.9FM, Beatroute, Fashion Magazine, the Calgary Herald, CKUA Radio and Gay Calgary Magazine.

We'd like to thank the following sponsors in no particular order, Skyy Vodka, Bullfrog Power, Stella Artois, Joe Media Group, Segue Systems, Christie, Ikea, UPS, UVS, Starbucks Coffee, Hyatt Regency, Corkscrew Media, Sundog, Flagworks, Barley Mill Eau Claire, Pulp, Inc. Three Point Nine Marketing, Tubby Dog, Boulevard Travel, Indigo Books, The Fairmont Palliser, Mealon, Thrifty, Pyramid Productions, Cine Audio Visual, Diva Hair Salon and Christie Lites.

Scott Hall, LLP and Nuvo Hotel and Suites helped to bring you the Headliners and Cineplex, The Globe Cinema and The Plaza Theatre displayed the films. Big thanks to Alberta Film, the National Film Board, AMPIA, Calgary Economic Development and Telefilm Canada. Alberta Foundation for the Arts, The Calgary Foundation, Calgary Arts Development, Alberta Lottery Fund, Canada Council for the Arts, Tourism Calgary and the Rosza Foundation. One last shout out to The Broken Plate, The Wicked Wedge, Agropur, The Palomino, Mango Shiva, Wok Box and Thai Tai.

That being said, we'd also like to thank one more person.

You.

In all seriousness, thank you for attending the festival. The festival has grown a lot in 10 years and we couldn't do it without the public so here's to 10 more! I've been volunteering for the last four years in various capacities and I have to say this has been my favourite year so far!

I'd like to thank Juan and Kathleen along with all the staff for giving me a chance to blog about the festival. It is a highly sought after position and I didn't take it lightly. I took a break from my blog to do this and it was well worth it!

Hope to see you all next year...

Chaston B.

As Perfect As The Great Romantic Poets' Verse

2009-10-04T21:46:00.001-07:00

Bright Star is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. Breathtaking, spellbinding, a cinematic work of art with each painterly scene worthy of a Renaissance period frame and a gallery installation. Masterfully lit, meticulously decorated, with costumes and art direction that draws you into the early 19th century; it is certain to see many nods from the Academy.

In fact, Bright Star is already winning accolades for the Writer/Director, Australian filmmaker Jane Campion. The film earned her a nomination for a second Palme d'Or at Cannes (Campion is the only woman to have won the award - for The Piano in 1994 - for which she also took home the Best Original Screenplay Oscar.)

Based on Andrew Morton's book about poet John Keats (Ben Wishaw) and his love for the youthful Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish) and inspired by the poem Keats wrote for his muse; the title of which is the first verse:

Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art -
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priest-like task
Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors -
No - yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,
Pillowed upon my fair Love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever - or else swoon in death.

Campion has crafted an exquisite love story which is a powerfully emotional journey of devotion and longing. Its narrative is palpable, especially through the sincerity and dismay portrayed by the coquettish Cornish (Heath Ledger's Candy co-star) whose character is at once feisty and helpless. It is a feast for the eyes and as lyrical as poetry for the soul. Not to be wasted on home viewing, see Bright Star at the theatre.

(Diane Bennett is covering Events, Headliners & Music on Film)

Docs: Art and Copy

2009-10-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Just as I thought the festival was winding down, I walked into the Eau Claire theatre packed to the brim with people ready to watch... a documentary?! About advertising?!

But Art and Copy certainly pulled through and by the end, people were psyched to have learned so much about the leading ad designers - artists - that have come through with some of the best ad campaigns of the past few decades. Far from being a critique of consumerism and corporate brain-washing, this film put good advertising on par with art and design. It totally bypassed the topic of poor ads (the stuff we feel dragged down and bombarded by every day) and focused on what sets the good ads apart from the rest.

It turns out the answer isn't so clear cut. Some slogans are chanced upon and go viral for no good reason, while other ads are carefully manufactured to evoke particular emotions and make us want to not just buy a product, but join the group of people we associate with that product. The common vein, though, is that kernel of truth that we can identify with in the five or thirty seconds that we see the ad for.

But before taking the last step of this argument and proclaiming the great ad designers as the prophets and truth-seekers of our age, one is also faced with numbers. Billions of dollars are spent on ad campaigns that have only one purpose - to make us want things. An overwhelming majority (upwards of 80%) of all ads come from only four holding agencies. Kids are exposed to over 20 000 ads every year. Michael Jordan's value to Nike is estimated at $5.2 billion. Business is, after all, business.

Like it or not, advertising is a key component in our society and has a huge influence in shaping it. And in the right hands, it can do good things too; Nike's 'Just do it' campaign made people not only get off the couch, but also quit bad marriages and encourage girls to do more sports.

It was great to see so many people out for the last night of the fest! It's been a pleasure to blog for CIFF for the past week and bit and I hope you're all as stoked as I am for next year! Cheers to CIFF on its 10th birthday!

Closing Gala Awards Highlight Of The Night

2009-10-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

After having had the opportunity to listen to three of the Mavericks Filmmakers talk about the Art of Directing during the morning Industry Panel presentation yesterday, it was all the more exciting to see one of them win CIFF's top prize at the Closing Gala last night.

Writer and Critic Geoff Pevere, Head Juror of the Mavericks series, spoke of the attributes this award celebrates, prior to naming the winning director and film.

"Freshness of vision and creation of its' cinematic language, for vitality of its' expression and the reward it offers to viewers who rise to its' challenges; embodying the spirit of fearless originality and trailblazing optimism, it defines the essence of the Maverick spirit. The inaugural 2009 Mavericks Award goes to Chris Chong Chan Fui for Karaoke."

Production Still from Karaoke

The filmmaker, was speechless when he accepted the award, consisting of a trophy and a cheque for $25,000 - the largest prize of its kind from a Canadian Film Festival.

Chris Chong with CIFF's Trevor Smith and Jacqueline Dupuis

Chong says he completed Karaoke in about 5-months, although he had been thinking about making the movie for a couple of years. During the industry panel discussion the writer/director said the subtext of his film is deception. Chong used his actors much like props and felt they were one of the least significant aspects of the production, noting he left them in the dark about the vision he had for the film. The director added he only needed professional actors so they would be on time and not talk on set.

Although Chong said he was very regimented when making the film - carefully plotting each scene on an excel spreadsheet and following a distinct three act structure - fellow Mavericks filmmaker Nicolas Perada (Juntos) said the Karaoke director was probably the only one who viewed his film this way, noting it had a very loose style.

The Borneo-born, and sometime Torontonian, filmmaker has previously won two of TIFF’s Canadian short-film prizes. Karaoke was also selected for the 2009 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight (which is rare for a first-time feature film to show at Cannes) after having been selected exclusively for the script clinic at the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival.

The Best Of Alberta (Shorts) Award was also presented at the Closing Gala to Calgary-based Writer/Actor/Director Karen Hines for A Tax On Pochsy, the latest installment in the series featuring Hines as the amusing character Pochsy, with the distinct style of a silent film star.

Karen Hines accepts her award from NFB's David Christensen

A Tax On Pochsy is a romp which tackles serious issues like pollution and child labour with a witty, whimsical delivery by the delightfully funny Pochsy whom, it seems, is developing a cult-status in Canadian cinema as Hines alter-ego.

Production Still from A Tax On Pochsy

CIFF named High Life the Best Canadian Feature film (Gary Yates, Writer/Director). It's an outrageous comedy about a motley crew of petty criminal morphine addicts who decide to step up their game with a bank heist. (Not your average Canadian stoner movie.) The hilarious antics of these Pulp Fiction-esque characters, set to a 70's soundtrack featuring classic rockers April Wine, make this a nostalgic bit of Canadiana, even if the filmmaker tries to pass off the location as anywhere USA.

Other winners announced were:

Can Go Through Skin, Special Mention New Voices in Fiction
Katalin Varga, Best International Feature
45365, Special Mention: New Voices In Documentary
Tibet Song, Best Documentary Feature
Dans Macabre, Programming Selection
Outstanding Achievement
12 Notes Down, Best Documentary Short

(Diane Bennett is covering Events, Headliners & Music on Film)

Review of the Weekend

2009-10-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

First off, a big hand goes out to Eau Claire Market for helping to put on a great event last night - the Closing Night gala. Of course, last night's screenings took place just upstairs in the Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire Market Cinemas. The hospitality staff of the Hyatt Regency served amazing food and drinks and did a great job to keep everyone happy. A shout out to all the volunteers that worked the gala and to those who stayed late to pack all of this away. I grabbed a few shots of the party right before everything started.

And here's the room with a few more people all of whom were conversing and have great conversations over a few Stella's...

The Stella case up top was full at the beginning of the night and was promptly empty at the end of the night. There's the new "Stella Artoia Legere", the lighter version - I botched up the pronunciation of it so many times. Skyy Vodka and their sister brands were also available, Skyy is another sponsor of ours and we are glad to have them.

Going back a little bit, Friday night, Stella Artois held it's Unseen Party. It was a lot of fun from what I heard and if you saw any of these placards or banners, that's what they were for.

Congrats to all the award winners including our Best of Alberta winner and the winner of the Mavericks Award, Chris Chong Chan Fui who received a $25,000 grand prize furnished by American Express. He was given one of those big checks but sadly I didn't have a good view of it. Citytv will have some highlights for you on Monday's BT and Your City programs.

The parties may be over but there's still a full-day of festival to be had. See something you missed or catch something new because there's still another 8 hours of festival left!

Geetika's Fave's and Last Recommendations

2009-10-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

Well it's Sunday October 4th, and the Calgary International Film Festival is winding down to the end for this years schedule, as is my blogging.

Last Day of CIFF............sigh

I wanted to take a moment to highlight my favorites for this year based on the two series (Canadian, and Hump Night) that I have been blogging on.

For Canadian films at the festival this year my favorites in order are:

1. An Insignificant Harvey - Which to be honest with you was not one I was keen on seeing, much to my surprise I ended up loving it. Hence the saying goes "never judge a book by it's cover" or in our case a film.

2. Year of the Carnivore - I loved the quirky nature of this film, and the scenario's that were played out by Sammy Smalls (although this film was part of the hump night series, it was Canadian and one of my fave's as a Canadian film).

3. Excited - The underlying message of the film in regards to acceptance is why this film is third on my list.

Honorable mention - I Killed My Mother . I must say that I was very taken by I Killed My Mother considering Xavier Dolan not only took on the lead character, but also produced, and directed the film.

Hump Night Series - The Auteur

It was a definite crowd pleaser, hands down! I would recommend this film to anyone who does not get too queasy when things get a little (okay a lot) frisky.

I did have the opportunity to check out some other films at the festival, and my no. 1 all around favorite film for this years CIFF programming would would have to be, drum roll please ..................................

Geetika's all around CIFF favorite this year: Amreeka!

It was funny, yet made a powerful impact on understanding ignorance, and Nisreen Faour was fabulous as Muna. Plus this film was American and Canadian.

If you have not had a chance to check out the festival, there is still time as films will be screened until late tonight. You can still catch Cole, High Life, and one of my fave's, The Auteur.

Alright that's it for me for this year, officially signing off! Geetika

Best of Alberta Shorts

2009-10-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

It was another great year for the Best of Alberta Shorts program. A near sell-out every year, this year it served as the closing gala presentation. The films were all great and the Q & A with filmmakers from most of the films was enlightening. Greenwash Gang was conceived, shot, and edited in 17 hours for a 24 hour film competition. Ellen's Shoes is Han Siu's first film. He shows great promise as a feature film director. I had heard many people talk highly about The Island. I think it played at FairyTales this year. Fallow is the first film in a planned trilogy. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for the two films to follow. Intergalactic Who's Who - Zig 5 was an interesting take off from the Hinterland Who's Who series. Zig 5 is the fifth in the series of Intergalactic Who's Who. I think the director said there are at least three more to come. A Tax on Pochsy is the latest in a series of plays/short films about the character Pochsy (anagram of Psycho). A fantastic film that engaged the entire audience. It is rare to find a film that is so well filmed as well as funny. 5 Hole: Tales of Hockey Erotica was adapted from Dave Bidini's stories. I think Cam Christiansen has won this award the past two years (for I Have Seen the Future and The Real Place). Although, those films were both deserving of the award (with the former even being short-listed for an Academy Award) I was glad to see the streak broken this year. Trevor Smith directed a music video for Dan Mangan's song The Indie Queens Are Waiting. I have watched this video countless times since it was posted online a couple of months ago. Mangan will be performing in Calgary at the Marquee Room Monday, October 5th. Dead Walkers appeared to have the most cast and crew in attendance. We will probably be hearing more about this film in the coming months as it continues to be accepted to impressive film festivals around the world.
At the gala, A Tax on Pochsy was announced as the winner. A well-deserved win.

Breathless (Ddongpari )

2009-10-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone, and welcome to the final day of the 10th annual Calgary International Film Festival. Today is the day to catch encores of some the fantastic films you have missed over the 10 days, and escape Calgary's early taste of what promises to be yet another cold and snowy winter. Last night I had the privilege of seeing a fantastic Koren film entitled Breathless, and I enjoyed it so much I had to blog about it. (I promise I'll refrain from any bad jokes about how it "took my breath away"...)

Never in my life can I say I had the opportunity to reach subtitles as "colorful" as I did throughout this film. I left the theater last night certain that I had mastered a number of Korean profanities after hearing them spoken so often onscreen. This being said, this was in no way a deterrent.. I mean come on, this was a movie about a gangster.

The colorful language was probably the only feature Breathless had in common with it's Western gangster movie counterparts, and this is largely why I enjoyed the film so much. Breathless is both multifaceted and cutting edge. It is raw, it is authentic, and there is nothing glamorized about it. The movie stars the incredibly talented Yang Ik-June (he also just so happens to be the film's director) as Sang-Hoon, a damaged man who is haunted by his violent past and turns to the gangster life as some form of release from his anger and self-loathing.

On his way home one day he meets a high school girl named Han Yeon-Heui, the first person he has met in a long time who will stand up to him and doesn't shy away from his hostile demeanor. The film follows the progression of their unusual,yet captivating relationship as Yeon-Heui helps Sang-Hoon let go of some of the anger that he has held onto for so long, and he helps her escape from her tumultuous and violent family life.

Breathless is a captivating look into the cycle of domestic violence juxtaposed against the breathtaking backdrop of the South Korean landscape, and is one of the most memorable films I've seen over the course of the festival.

If you missed the screening last night, there is an encore playing at the Globe at 6:45pm tonight. Trust me, you don't want to miss it.

Finish up strong

2009-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday marks the conclusion of the Calgary International Film Festival. Check out these encore presentations of the films you missed earlier in the week. The weather doesn’t look good so go ahead and overdose on films. Start your day with “Miao Miao” at 12:15pm at the Globe. Stick around the Globe for another showing of “Breathless” at 2:15pm. Another option would be to walk over to Eau Claire to see the Icelandic “White Night Wedding” at 3pm. “My Dear Enemy” will play again at 5pm at the Globe. Have a bite to eat then check out the encore of “Seven Minutes in Heaven” at 9:15pm at the Globe. That sounds like a good way to end the festival for another year.

CBQM

2009-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ever get frustrated with hearing a busy signal on the other end of a phone call? Imagine being able to call your local radio station and having the announcer tell the person you're trying to reach to get off the phone. That wouldn't fly in Calgary but in the town of Fort McPherson they would be happy to oblige. In fact, they would be happy to pass along any message from any caller.

It's obvious from watching the documentary CBQM, that the residents of Fort McPherson not only take great pride in their locally run radio station, but also in their tight knit community. From moose calling competitions and scoldings from the RCMP to story telling and open mic broadcasts of aspiring musicians, CBQM is a dependable source of entertainment to the 900 residents of the place they call McPhoo. For me, it was a refreshing alternative to the usual fast paced, attention grabbing stations that bombard you with advertisements, chart hits, and contests with big giveaways.

CBQM is more than a story about a radion station. It's a detailed portrait of the Teetl'it Gwich'in community and of life in a small town. It is playing at Eau Claire on Sunday, October 4th at 2:30 pm and is a great opportunity to learn about a place and culture that's hidden 150 km north of the arctic circle.

The Exploding Girl (no it's not my autographical piece!)

2009-10-03T23:54:00.000-07:00

Day 9 of this year's Calgary International Film Festival has come to a close, and what a crazy day it was! I woke up this morning eager to set out to watch a carefully chosen list of 4 films. Weeeell, I somehow managed to mix up which theater I was starting off my day at, and ended up missing the American Indie flick, White on Rice.

Instead, I ended up at the encore screening of Gigantic, and then set off to the Globe for a screening of the Korean gangster movie Breathless. The night finished off with a screening of the Exploding Girl, the perfect closer to an otherwise hectic day.

The film follows a quirky and lovable college student named Ivy, as she heads home to spend spring break with her mom. The course of her plans take a slight change, when she gets an awkward call from her friend Al asking if he can crash on her couch. The two have known each other since eighth or ninth grade, so of course Ivy agrees. Over the course of the time they spend together, Ivy's boyfriend becomes more and more distant, while her and Al struggle to come to terms with blossoming feelings they have for one another.

The Exploding Girl remains sincere and genuine throughout the course of its 79 minutes and this is largely attributed to the talent of the lovely Zoey Kazan in the role of Ivy, and the adorable Mark Rendall as Al. The two had fantastic onscreen chemistry, and together were able to perfectly capture the essence of two friends realizing they may love each other in a way they never imagined.

The Exploding Girl was not only a fantastically written story of two people testing the waters outside the "friends zone," it was also a cinematographic marvel. Filmed in a series of long unbroken takes, director Bradley Rust Gray was able to capture the hustle and bustle of the city and subtly intermingle it with the progression of Ivy's inner turmoil throughout the film.

If you missed the screening of this warm and fantastically shot American Indie film last night, don't fret! There is an encore screening of the Exploding Girl playing this afternoon at 4:30pm at the Globe.

Films for Families!

2009-10-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

The kids are alright! This afternoons showing of Films for families was a great success. It is always a great feeling to see future cinema lovers and current movie buffs enjoying an afternoon ‘out on the town’. The globe hosted six unique shorts all in the child friendly realm.

Prior to the movie starting the anticipatory hustle and bustle of families added to the excitement of these little movie-goers. Even better, A birthday party was being celebrated (Happy Birthday!) at this particular screening. Now, that probably would have been a pretty exciting invitation to get!

I think all of the short were a great hit with the audience, although there were a few that stole the show. As expected, Chicken Cowboy by Stephen P. Neary won over the audience. This tale about a chicken, who tries to be a man only to realize it is better to be yourself, was both visually captivating and hilarious (especially with Bobo the barking horse). Luckily, you can watch this short online at

Furthermore, Lost and Found by Philip Hunt was also a triumphant addition to the selection. This short, based on the award winning story by the same name, is about a young toque wearing youth who discovers a lost penguin at his door. Although he is, at first, unwilling to accept the penguin into his life, he learns through numerous trials and tribulations (and even a trip to the South Pole) how important a new friendship can be.

Finally, the shorts capped off with the stunning animation in The Happy Duckling. The animation in this short is absolutely brilliant! Focusing on a modern take of an old pop-up book, audiences are lead through the tale of a persistent duck and the boy he begins to follow.

In all, the collection of these shorts was exciting and a very entertaining way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Volunteers Put There Necks Out For Festival

2009-10-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

CIFF Volunteers at the Black Carpet Gala

The final weekend...

2009-10-03T15:11:00.000-07:00

Here we are, the festival is drawing to a close. Tonight is the Closing Night Gala and everyone's excited. Tonight's event will be taking place at Eau Claire Market.

From what I understand it will be a similar setup to the Opening Night gala last Thursday night and it should be an fun and exciting event. The closing gala film, which is a presentation of Short Films from filmmakers here in Alberta and will be taking place in the Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire Market.

Cineplex has been a sponsor of the festival over the past few years or so and this is the first year the festival has held gala's at a Cineplex venue.

Tonight we also award the first Mavericks award, a $25,000 dollar grand prize to one of ten filmmakers. The Mavericks Award prize is courtesy of American Express.

However, there's still a full-day of films to go tomorrow. We have a few films playing for the first time tomorrow, a few encores as well. Check the schedule on the Calgary Film.com for full listings - sponsored by Movie Central.

Carcasses: Our things, Ourselves

2009-10-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

When you were a kid, did you a have a favorite teddy bear, lego collection, or piece of clothing? I know I did. It's normal for children to create bonds with their possessions - it can teach them to respect their belongings, and value the special gifts they are given by others. However, when an adult displays the same attachment to inanimate objects it is often seen as crazy, sad, or superficial. When does it become unhealthy to care deeply for your things? Or does it depend on the individual, the item, and the emotions attached to it?

The relationship between person and possession is explored in the Canadian docu-drama Carcasses. It follows the story of 74-year-old hoarder Jean-Paul Colmor, a man who spends his days reminiscing with his accumulated collection of do-dads - his favorite being junkyard of auto parts.

Some he repairs, some he sells, and others he will not part with. It is only when his secluded lifestyle attracts the attention of others that his eccentric emotional state is exposed, challenged, and embraced.

Carcasses plays Sunday, Oct. 3rd at The Globe at 7:30 PM.