Jacques Tati weekend starts with THE ILLUSIONIST and a surprise appearance

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!

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

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”

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

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)

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

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

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

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!!