Fit for a King

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!

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

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

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!

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

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!)

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!

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

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

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