Kamloops Film Festival 2017

Kamloops Film Festival

FILM FOR A

Cause 2017

Guests and Events SPECIAL

and more...

AT THE

Paramount Theatre

2017

kamloopsfilmfest.ca

March 2-11

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

Table of Contents OPENING NIGHT TICKET INFO Q&A’S DISCUSSIONS UNITED STATES OF CINEMA FAMILY EVENT CLOSING NIGHT DARKFEST FILM FOR A CAUSE KISS FLAVOURS & FLICKS FILM VOTING & FESTIVAL DRAW SPONSORS CANADIAN FILMS AWARD WINNING

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4 5 6 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

7PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

Q&A

6PM

Q&A

9PM

DARKFEST

KONELĪNE: OUR LAND BEAUTIFUL

THE SPACE BETWEEN

THE EYES OF MY MOTHER

A sensual, cinematic celebration of northwestern BC.

A new father discovers his child is not his own and sets out on a journey to find answers.

A young, lonely woman is consumed by her deepest and darkest desires after tragedy strikes her quiet country life.

“A heartfelt indie comedy written and directed by actor turned director Amy Jo Johnson” FLASHPOINT

“A simmering nightmare of a movie”

“Breathtaking… gripping… finds beauty in unexpected places.”

THE NORTHERN MINER

9:30PM | OPENING MINGLE | HOTEL 540

NEW YORK MAGAZINE

POST FILM DISCUSSION

WE

♥ OUR VOLUNTEERS Thank you!

For information about volunteering for next year contact us at kffvolunteer@kamloopsfilm.ca

The City of Kamloops is a proud sponsor of the Kamloops Film Festival.

CITY OF KAMLOOPS

2017

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

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SATURDAY, MARCH 4

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SUNDAY, MARCH 5

12PM

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JUSTE LA FIN DU MONDE

9PM

MOONLIGHT

7PM

8PM

The story of a couple whose relationship begins to turn sour during their performance of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

6PM

MONDAY, MARCH 6

6PM

MAUDIE

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

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SATURDAY, MARCH 11

12PM

INDIEWIRE

LAND OF MINE



WEIRDOS

PATERSON

Just after the end of the Vietnam War and in the midst of the American bicentennial celebrations of 1976, runaway Kit and his girlfriend Alice hitchhike their way along the east coast of Canada.

A quiet observation of the triumphs An actress mother and her estranged During one fateful weekend, the family and defeats of daily life, along with the gay son’s lives intersect with those of brilliant astrophysicist Albert James poetry evident in its smallest details. of two medical professionals after an has a complete meltdown. unexpected tragedy.

“A movie for everyone” “Don’t miss this brilliant comedy full of LOS ANGELES TIMES Monica Bellucci is the heartbeat of the heart!” REELHONESTREVIEWS.COM movie. Her performance is fearless, captivating…” POPOTIQ

“Weirdos is anything but weird, but it sure is fun to watch” SHOWBUZZ

UNDER SANDET

A young group of German POWs are made the enemy of a nation, where they are now forced to dig up 2 million land mines with their bare hands. ”A moving story of human connection.”

FILM JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

3PM

Q&A

VILLE-MARIE

9PM

6PM

A practical joking father tries to reconnect Follows Casey and Jonas, two teenagers with his hard working daughter by desperate to escape their broken and creating an outrageous alter ego and abusive homes and examines the desperation of life on the run and the posing as her CEO’s life coach. beauty of first love.

“Spectacular. A Knockout. A generous, hysterically funny but deeply touching “A poetic tale of backwoods crime with first-rate performances” father-daughter story.”

THE WRAP

8PM

A photographer invites her closest friends An arthritic Nova Scotia woman works to vacation at her family’s home in Goa in as a housekeeper while she hones her celebration of her upcoming marriage. skills as an artist.

“It is a pleasure to see these talented ”A lovely, tiny character study” actresses inhabit the screen together... THE GUARDIAN the feeling of solidarity and strength is marvelous” SEATTLE SCREEN SCENE

MEAN DREAMS

TONI ERDMANN

9PM

THE TELEGRAPH

ANGRY INDIAN GODDESSES

FORUSHANDE

”Beautifully acted…Tense and devastating.” VARIETY

Chronicles the life of a young black A terminally ill writer returns home man from childhood to adulthood as he after a long absence to tell his family struggles to find his place in the world. that he is dying. ”…Its message is clear: The world is richer “A powerful drama with an amazing and deeper and more complex than we cast that will keep us at the edge of our ever imagined, and even its most troubled seats.” KONEXION characters — just like us — are looking  for love.” THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

“Propulsive, scary and intelligently bolted together“

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IT’S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD

“A truly inspirational masterpiece that I hope everyone has a chance to see” CKLB RADIO

Come celebrate with filmmakers from the region as they feature their short films on the big screen and compete for juried and sponsored prizes. Every year this event gets bigger and the talent gets better. You may be surprised by the calibre of filmmakers from your own back yard.

IN S

6PM

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“A work of scalding & moving relevance” VARIETY

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TUESDAY, MARCH 7

The story of an unusual friendship between a hunter obsessed with finding a missing caribou herd and a teenage rebel who gets lost while on the run.

THE SALESMAN

A middle-aged carpenter who requires state welfare after injuring himself is joined by a single mother in a similar scenario.

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“This is not just a visual treat, it’s a rewarding and unexpectedly engrossing piece of female-led storytelling.” SCREEN DAILY

KISS FESTIVAL

A scientist and a teacher living in a dystopian future embark on a journey of survival with a special young girl named Melanie.

5PM

I, DANIEL BLAKE

A young Canadian poet with Chinese and Persian parents travels to Iran to perform at a poetry festival.

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WINDOW HORSES

R IA

2PM

IC TO

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS 001

A successful businesswoman gets caught up in a game of cat and mouse as she tracks down the unknown man who raped her.

“Elle is a complex psychological portrait of an unusual woman…the sheer brilliance “The penguins are cute, but the big fluffy and mastery of Huppert’s controlled, multifaceted performance makes the film sheepdog steals the show.” IRISH TIMES a movie that will inspire debate for 10AM | A FAMILY FRIENDLY TEA PARTY | KAG decades to come” TIME OUT An eccentric chicken farmer trains his mischievous dog Oddball to protect a penguin sanctuary from fox attacks in an attempt to reunite his family and save their seaside town.

DARKFEST

3V

THE SUN AT MIDNIGHT

(5 0

Q&A

ELLE

ODDBALL AND THE PENGUINS

GRAND UNIFIED THEORY

7PM

FILM FOR A CAUSE

20TH CENTURY WOMEN The story of three women who explore love and freedom in Southern California during the late 1970s. ”A wonderfully rich, brilliant comedy… packed with dialogue that absolutely sings and characters we want to stay with forever.” NPR 9PM | CLOSING NIGHT PARTY | HOTEL 540

kamloopsfilmfest.ca

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

g n i n e p OG Night

“Astonishing, stunningly beautiful…. equal parts sigh, song and cry.”

- Toronto Star

KONELĪNE: OUR LAND BEAUTIFUL • MARCH 2 • 7PM 5PM • VIP RECEPTION • HOTEL 540

~8:45PM • Q&A • HOTEL 540

9-11PM • OPENING NIGHT MINGLE • HOTEL 540

Ukulele performer Audrey Jones will serenade the crowd with sweet musical stylings, as VIPs, including sponsors, special guests and committee members, gather for refreshments, and pre-red carpet nibbles to begin the 2017 KFF in style.

Join Koneline Director, Writer and CoProducer Nettie Wild and Knowledge Network’s Murray Battle for an enlightening Q&A post film. Learn about the shooting conditions in northwestern BC, how hard it was to capture the various voices of the film, and much more.

Audrey Jones grew up in Vancouver and attended the Sarah Mclachlan school of music for four years. She enjoys playing and writing music on her ukulele, guitar and piano.

Audrey hopes to pursue a career in musical therapy because she believes that music is a powerful way to ease the spirit.

See page 6 for more details.

Following the Q&A, guests will exit the meeting space, and spill out directly into the opening night mingle, which will be hosted in Blue and the Hotel 540 lobby. Luscious jazz singer Cathi Marshall and her bandmates will be keeping things mellow yet up-tempo.

Enjoy a cocktail, have a nibble, or order a meal. Feel free to tuck away in a quiet space to chat about the film, or get right into the mix with the music. The choice is all yours.

Watch anytime, anywhere. Knowledge.ca/app

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

c k et l n f o TiE SINGLE TICKET PRICES: $10: Adult Admission $9: Senior (65+) Admission $5: Student/ Child Admission $15 in advance, $20 at the door: The Festival Closing Party PASS PRICES (AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE)

$150: Full Fest Pass (includes a party voucher and a t-shirt) $80: 10-Film Pass (includes a party voucher) FILMS MUST BE CHOSEN WHEN PICKING UP PASS $40: 5-Film Pass FILMS MUST BE CHOSEN WHEN PICKING UP PASS $15: DarkFest Pass (enjoy both screenings of DarkFest)

Single Film Tickets, Closing Party Tickets and KFS Memberships are available online. Visit kamloopsfilmfest.ca for details Single Film Tickets, Closing Party Tickets and KFS Memberships are available in advance from Moviemart (444 St. Paul Street) or at the Paramount Theatre (503 Victoria Street) during the KFF. Single Film Tickets are available in advance from the TRUSU Desk (TRU Campus Activity Centre).

PLEASE NOTE:

• IMPORTANT: Purchasers of the 10-Film or 5-Film Pass will need to choose all of the films they want to attend when they pick up their pass.

• Passes and/or tickets bought online can be picked up before the festival Feb. 26 to Mar. 1 from 5 to 9pm at Moviemart (444 St. Paul Street) or at the theatre during the festival.

• You can only use your pass once per screening. You’re not able to use your pass to bring two (or more) people to the same screening.

• No Refunds. No Exchanges.

• An annual $2 KFS Membership is required for all KFF screenings even if you have a ticket.

• A KFS Membership is included as part of all KFF 2017 passes.

• A TRU Student UPASS is recognized as a KFS membership.

• To ensure a seat, pass and ticket holders must be at the theatre at least 15 minutes before the start of the film. After this time, the KFF can sell any remaining seats at the door and you may not be able to get in.

• 10-Film and 5-Film Pass holders will get the appropriate film dot on their pass hole punched when they arrive at the screening.

• Fees apply when purchasing Passes or Tickets online or at Moviemart.

• Film or Party vouchers must be exchanged in advance at Moviemart (444 St. Paul Street) or at the Paramount Theatre (503 Victoria Street).

PRINTING

SIGNS + DISPLAYS RESPONSIVE

MARKETING SOLUTIONISTS. SUPERHEROES. LIFESAVERS. Call our staff what you will.

We provide effective solutions through print, signs and displays, graphic design, and responsive marketing technology.

waysideco.ca 1.877.372.3373 Wayside Kamloops has moved: 902 Camosun Crescent Vernon | Kelowna | Vancouver

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

&As Qb Q&A’s WILL BE HELD DIRECTLY AFTER FILM SCREENINGS

MARCH 2 AT 7PM

MARCH 3 AT 6PM

NETTIE WILD DIRECTOR, WRITER, CO-PRODUCER

After the Canadian feature The Space Between, join working LA actor David Paetkau for a fun and informative Q&A. Learn about his experience on the film and what it was like being directed by Amy Jo Johnson, the actor/director who was the Pink Power Ranger in the 90s.

KONELINE: OUR LAND BEAUTIFUL

Join Koneline Director, Writer and Co-Producer Nettie Wild and Knowledge Network’s Murray Battle for an enlightening Q&A post film. Learn about the shooting conditions in northwestern BC, how hard it was to capture the various voices of the film, and much more.

Nettie Wild’s highly charged and critically acclaimed films have brought her audiences behind the frontlines and headlines of revolutions and social change. She is best known for her award winning documentary features: Fix: The Story of an Addicted City (2002), A Place Called Chiapas (1998), Blockade (1993) and A Rustling of Leaves: Inside The Philippine Revolution (1988). Her more recent works, including the interactive Bevel Up (2007), the multi-platform Inside Stories (2011), and the digital mapping installation Uninterrupted, explore new forms of storytelling.

Nettie has been honoured at film festivals around the world. She has won two Genie Awards for Best Feature Documentary, Best Feature Documentary from the International Documentary Association, and top honours from the Forum of New Cinema at the Berlin International Film Festival. Wild At Heart, a book focusing on her work and career, was published in 2009 and there have been multiple retrospectives of her work. In 2010 she received the BC Film Critics Circle Award for her contribution to the film industry and the Vancouver Sun named her as one of BC’s “most influential women.” In addition to directing, Nettie is also much in demand as a story editor, teacher and lecturer.

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OPTOMETRISTS

Leonard W. Demarchi, O.D.* Giovanni Cinel, B.Sc., O.D.* Michael Noble, O.D.* Josh M. Weston, B.Sc., O.D.* Tamsyn C. Sitler, B.Sc., O.D.* Dan Derkson, O.D.*

Tudor Village Plaza #13-1315 Summit Drive (250) 828-1554

THE SPACE BETWEEN

DAVID PAETKAU ACTOR - MARCUS David Paetkau is best known for his role as Sam Braddock in the award winning police series Flashpoint.

He will next be seen in The Space Between directed

by Amy Jo Johnson and Goon: Last of the Enforcers directed by Jay Baruchel. His credits include Man of Steel, Dexter, Goon, Criminal Minds, Supernatural, Smallville, Final Destination 2, AVP-R, I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer, and Whistler. David was born in Vancouver, raised on the Sunshine Coast, and now lives with his family in Los Angeles.

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

MARCH 4 AT 7PM

THE SUN AT MIDNIGHT Following the conclusion of this powerful drama, filmed in the Northwest Territories, have your chance to connect with the director and one of the stars as Kirsten Cathew and Devery Jacobs will be in attendance to share with us the joys and tribulations of working in remote areas of the NWT to tell a moving tale of perseverance and self discovery.

KIRSTEN CARTHEW WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER The Sun At Midnight marks Kirsten Carthew’s directorial feature film debut. Kirsten is the director of The YK Doc Project, Abe & Alfred and Fish Out Of Water. She has multiple writing credits, which include the Brazilian feature film Uma Loucura De Mulher (2016), directed by Marcus Ligocki and starring Mariana Ximenes. She is a former producer and journalist with CBC and has worked as a filmmaker and transmedia producer in Europe, the Middle East, Canada and the USA. In 2011 and 2012 the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories (NWT) nominated Kirsten as a Wise Woman for her role in co-founding two award-winning not-for-profit organizations devoted to outdoor adventure and environmental stewardship for youth in the NWT. She is an alumna of the Canadian Film Centre, the National Screen Institute, the London School of Economics and the University of Southern California.

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MARCH 11 AT 3PM

GRAND UNIFIED THEORY

DEVERY JACOBS ACTOR – LIA Devery Jacobs is a film and television actress, born and raised on the Mohawk reservation of Kahnawake, QC. Mainly known for her leading role as Aila in the awardwinning feature film Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2013), Devery was nominated for Best Actress at the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards. She has also been featured in Telltale Games' The Walking Dead: Michonne (2016), as well as the television series Mohawk Girls (2013-2015).

Devery recently portrayed the supporting role of Andrea in Telefilm’s The Land of Rock and Gold (2016), series regular Tina in the go90 web series, COLD (2016) and won Best Performance at the 2016 Whistler Film Fest for her work in The Sun at Midnight (2016).

Devery has also explored the other side of the camera, with her directorial debut of the short film STOLEN (2016). It discusses the national issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada, and was nominated for Best Short Film at the 2016 American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco, CA. Devery was also selected to participate in the Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship at the 2016 Whistler Film Fest for her short film script, Rae, set to shoot in the spring of 2017.

The hilarious and Vancouver shot Grand Unified Theory will continue the fun after the credits role with a visit from director, writer, and producer, David Ray, and former Kamloopsian and star, Kendall Cross.

DAVID RAY WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER Vancouver-based David Ray is a passionate director with an original voice who combines a love of casting and performance, with great attention to detail in the technical aspects of cinematography, elevating traditionally genre specific work with an artistic sensibility and breath-taking authenticity. Ray’s feature length directorial debut was the dark comedy he also wrote and coproduced entitled Fetching Cody, starring Jay Baruchel (Tropic Thunder, This Is The End), which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before travelling the world and being picked up by Showtime and Netflix (USA). His follow up feature is the feature length dramatic comedy Grand Unified Theory.

A stalwart at the SyFy Channel, six of his MOW screenplays have been produced, as has forays into animation, including work on the series Animism for APTN and The Henchmen for Bron Studios. No stranger to the gaming industry, he was the lead writer on the blockbuster Need For Speed: Carbon with Electronic Arts.

His commercial work has garnered praise as well, directing campaigns for Vancity, VIFF and ING that have won several Marketing Awards, a Lotus, two Golden Quills and been short-listed at Cannes. continued on page 10

Enjoy the movies!

Proud to support the annual Kamloops Film Festival

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

s n o i s s Discu N

8PM • TUESDAY, MARCH 7

8:45PM • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

8PM • THURSDAY, MARCH 9

PDK CAFÉ, 438 VICTORIA STREET

BLUE, HOTEL 540, 540 VICTORIA STREET

RED COLLAR BREWERY, 355 LANSDOWNE STREET

A STEEPING DISCUSSION Following the dysfunctional family drama It’s Only the End of the World, join your film loving family at PDK Café for coffee, donuts and casual conversation, with the KFF Committee serving as the discussion catalyst.

A WINEING DISCUSSION

A glass of wine and a chance to debate seems like the perfect combination after the screening of the Oscar-nominated Toni Erdmann. This zany yet poignant comedy has been winning accolades across the world, but we can assert how we feel right here in Kamloops. Plus, there will even be a touch of chocolate.

A BREWING DISCUSSION

Mean Dreams is a hard hitting Canadian thriller featuring a frightening and powerful performance from Bill Paxton (Titanic, Aliens, Apollo 13), so plan to join us for some craft beer and delectable savouries at the Red Collar Brewing Company to decompress and discuss.

Kamloops is far more than just a small town. It’s a state of mind, a place where you skip the crowds, stretch your legs and expand your horizons. Kamloops rests on the shores of two picturesque rivers, our landscapes are simply ideal for conjuring up your next escapade. You’ll be amazed by our extraordinary winding trails, twisty single-track rides that can be enjoyed year-round. Find yourself downtown enjoying our local shops, vibrant arts and culture scene. Kamloops Flavour Trail is a “Foodies” dream, appealing to the most discerning taste buds, presenting a burgeoning list of wineries, craft breweries, and restaurants bursting with passion.

Kamloops is the place where families, urban and rural adventurers forge incredible experiences and create enduring memories. Produce your next Kamloops adventure...

It’s Your Show

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2017-02-01 4:03 PM

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

9

UNITED STATES OF CINEMA: Narrative empathy and the transformative power of the arts

comfort and some top-notch distractibility amid all this madness? How do we ground ourselves?

BY ALICIA ASHCROFT A KFF Committee Member and blogger, who experiences the film festival the same way she does life: with an open mind, an open heart and an open bag of popcorn.

Since the evening of the American elections, I have been feeling similarly to that of George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life.

The once adventurous dreamer, crushed under the wheel of disappointment, defeat, and disillusionment, wishes to have never existed. His guardian angel Clarence arrives on the scene and drops him into an alternative realm in which George was never born. His hometown of Bedford Falls is now Pottersville, a cesspool of gin joints and dime-a-dance clubs, teeming with lost souls and misguided morals.

For those not familiar with the Frank Capra classic... where have you been? Better yet, where are you? I’ll bring popcorn and the DVD; Jimmy Stewart plays hardworking George Bailey, a man forever at odds with Mr. Potter, an all-

round mean-spirited capitalist.

Potter wants to monopolize the town's business, including the Bailey Building and Loan.

This, of course, at the expense of all the lowly citizens deigning to live comfortably within the shelter of their four walls.

George says, "just remember Mr. Potter: this rabble you're talking about, they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community...is it too much to have them work and live and die in two rooms and a bath?"

Mr. Potter doesn’t care about the lowly ants scrambling around his empire; in fact, he never does. He never has a redemptive revelation; there aren’t any apologies or moments of enlightenment. As for the fine folks in Bedford Falls, there aren’t any cries for revenge either; they are too busy rallying together to support George, express their love and generosity. THAT, my friends, is how an angel gets his wings.

The ending of that movie never fails to slay me. In my mind, nothing is truer and purer. Although, when it premiered in 1946, it was not a success. Not only that, the FBI accused the film of being Communist propaganda, claiming that it "represented rather obvious attempts to discredit bankers" and "deliberately maligned the upper class.”

Huh. Imagine that.

Post-war audiences were not digging the concept either, and the film was a box office bomb. True, it’s a grueling slog at times, watching George grapple at greatness and miss the mark again and again.

Although, the struggle does make the film's conclusion all the sweeter.

(Have I lost you? You must be like…what is she talking about?

It’s a Wonderful Life? What does this have to do with the Kamloops Film Festival?)

Naomi Klein, author and activist, did a lecture in Kamloops in early February, and spoke about how our brains are

“hardwired for the Hollywood ending.” In the wake of the new administration and the hammering of executive orders and the increase of racist agendas and the deepening of the divide amongst the left and right, we seek for stories to ground us.

Klein says, “we don’t know how this story will end.”

Her remark made me think of George Bailey and Mr. Potter, and what constitutes a happy ending.

Civilization has always had lashes of cruelty, that’s clear.

History is a thick multi-volume testament to humanity’s blistering failures, with chapter after chapter about violence, segregation, greed, atrocity and unrest. The ‘us versus them’ narrative, the rumors, exaggerations, and stories behind stereotypes that divide us unnecessarily, feels like sudden citizenship in Pottersville, without a guardian angel in sight.

Is there hope for happiness and sanity? Where does one go for

Within the first week of the US presidency, I was struck by a deep depression. At home on a sick day, I was unable to sleep or rest. I couldn’t possibly fathom any more news or commentary…but at the same time I felt captivated, entranced even—and unable to stop myself from taking one more peek at the train wreck.

So, I sought out my life-long cure-all emotional remedy: movie magic. I curled up on the couch with a blanket and watched Easter Parade and Funny Girl. The world was still raging around me, but for a brief and delicious period, it hardly mattered. For a moment, it was just me, Judy, Barbra and good ol’ Fred Astaire.

The classics have always been my go-to. Wizard of Oz, Singing in the Rain, Breakfast at Tiffany’s are my happy place.

Like Holly Golightly says, “Tiffany’s calms me down right away…nothing very bad could happen to you there.”

I feel the same way about the movies, which in all fairness was a theory challenged when my husband and I were

in an actual movie theatre in Christchurch, New Zealand, and a devastating earthquake occurred. This unexpected hammering, the room shaking like God’s cosmic washing machine off kilter, ripped me from my mental state. I was in preWorld-War-II England, engaged in the story, invested in the characters. And then there was blackness--a cinematic death.

As if for a flicker of a moment, we died alongside that story.

We evacuated the theatre, the taste of popcorn in our mouths, the film’s conclusion unseen.

I was living a post-earthquake life, suffering from a dash of post-traumatic stress around the time when rumors of the 2012 apocalypse were on everyone’s lips. Of course, you want to believe it won’t happen. Then again, sometimes you lose faith. What would happen if the world ended?

Would it be with a bang or a whimper? Would it be like the Titanic, when all the china starts flying off the tables and shelves? Or would a vast, gaping chasm open and just swallow us whole?

The memories of sudden darkness, the rumbling, the mayhem, the madness, were at times, unbearable. Naturally, CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

2016-2017

season

BRUCE DUNN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

K a m L O O p S S Y m p h O N Y. C O m

we support KFF because a KeLSON grOup pOpS perFOrmaNCe

pOp, FuNK, SOuL, aND SYmphONY ALEX CUBA FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017 & SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2017 7 : 3 0 p m • S a g e b r u S h T h e aT r e TICKETS AT KAMLOOPS LIVE! BOX OFFICE kamloopslive.ca

radio people love great movies too

10 KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

Q As & b

Proud supporter of the 2017 Kamloops Film Festival

continued from page 7

KENDALL CROSS ACTOR - RITA GRAND UNIFIED THEORY After graduating from high school in Kamloops, Kendall attended the University of British Columbia where she completed a BFA in stage acting. In 1992, she landed her first television audition and appeared in the series, Highlander. She has since appeared in numerous television and film projects spanning over 20 years, most notably Flight 93 and The Butterfly Effect, along with recurring roles in such television series as Star Gate, Caprica, Cedar Cove, Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce, The 100, and Beyond. She resides in Vancouver with her husband and two children.

330 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2G2 778-471-0983 • connectornews.ca

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TRU, Old Main, Student Street Curtain Nightly @ 7:30pm Tickets $14 available @ Kamloops Live! Box Office or Reservation @ 250.377.6100 MC122054

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Alumni casting call!

Did you attend Cariboo College between 1970-1990?

Join us for a Charter Alumni Brunch

Saturday June 3 • 10 am Mountain Room, CAC Update your information and receive your invitation

tru.ca/alumni

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FREE brunch, campus tours and memorabilia share.

smartlivingapp.ca

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

Family ent Evw ODDBALL AND THE PENGUINS • MARCH 4 • 12PM

10AM TO 12PM

ODDBALL & THE ART GALLERY: A FAMILY FRIENDLY TEA PARTY KAMLOOPS ART GALLERY, 101 – 465 VICTORIA STREET

Before Oddball and the Penguins, join us at the Kamloops Art Gallery and Public Library for some family friendly fun. David’s Tea will supply a loose tea selection and sweet treats will also be provided.

Prime yourselves and the youngsters for a rollicking fun film with delicious tea, scrumptious treats, and interactive activities!

Proud sponsors of the Kamloops Film Festival.

More than just Realtors.

250•374•1925

HomesInK amloops.com

&

Vince Katrina

726 Seymour St. Kamloops, BC

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“a funny, emotionally piercing story.”

- New York Times “beautifully perceptive and deeply poignant.”

- Consequence of Sound

20TH CENTURY WOMEN • MARCH 11 • 7PM 9PM • CLOSING NIGHT PARTY • HOTEL 540 FI

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We’ll have seen a lot of movies together over the ten days of the 2017 Kamloops Film Festival. We’ll laugh, we’ll cry, we’ll consume far too much popcorn—but then it’ll be time to DANCE. Stay up way past your bedtime, get your groove on, and celebrate what is sure to be another successful film fest season.

SEE PAGE 14 FOR MORE INFORMATION

C l o s i n g P a r t y T i c k e t s a r e $ 1 5 i n a d v a n c e a n d $ 2 0 a t t h e d o o r.

GREAT FILMS NEED A SUPPORTING CAST The Downtown and North Shore Echo Newspapers are proud to support the Kamloops Film Festival!

DOWNTOWN • NORTH SHORE Your Neighbourhood. Your Newspaper.

#1 - 219 VICTORIA STREET, KAMLOOPS P: 250.374.3246 E: ECHO@SHAWCABLE.COM

Proud to suPPort the KamlooPs Film Festival

CRAFT BEER COFFEE SCRATCH FOOD

Dr’s Pozza, Williston, loWey anD associates

OPEN 8 AM TO LATE - 7 DAYS kamloopsoptometry.com 250-374-8755 • 613 Lansdowne St.

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

March 3 & 4

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THE EYES OF MY MOTHER MARCH 3 • 9PM

THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS MARCH 4 • 9PM

Double DarkFest Trouble is back with two spine tingling horror flicks over two nights that will max out your annual scream quota. Only the brave will enter, but only the bravest will survive. The Eyes of My Mother is a beautifully shot black and white horror drama that explores the human anatomy in a most unsettling manner. The Girl With All The Gifts is a zombie movie with a twist. Glenn Close and Gemma Arterton star as a scientist and a teacher connected to a special young girl named Melanie who is partially immune to a new virus spread via the flesh-eating ‘hungries.’

Enjoy both screenings of DarkFest for $15

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(See Ticket Info – page 5 for details))

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14 KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

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7PM • SATURDAY, MARCH 11

FILM FOR A CAUSE – 20TH CENTURY WOMEN PARAMOUNT THEATRE

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For this year’s Film for a Cause, the Kamloops Film Festival is partnering with Kamloops YMCA-YWCA Violence Against Women Intervention and Support Services to help them collect in-need items. There are a few films in the lineup this year whose themes align with the important work that this organization does, so we thought we would offer our assistance.

Your voice for the Kamloops creative community

YMCA-YWCA frontline staff have noted some gaps in items that they like to have on hand at the shelter for passing along to the women and their children.

ITEMS NEEDED: • Facewash/cleanser (*have lots of body wash and soap) • Deodorant • Hair elastics, headbands & bobby pins • Tampons • Hair conditioner (*have lots of shampoo) • New pillows • Towels • Nail clippers • Women’s slippers • Baby products (shampoo, wash, wipes, etc. *have lots of diapers)

Representatives from the YMCA-YWCA will be on hand before our screening of 20th Century Women at 7pm on Saturday, March 11 to gather any donated items or cash contributions. Based on the huge success of our partnership with the Kamloops Food Bank last year, we know we can count on our patrons to assist in this worthwhile initiative.

250-682-0260 KAMLOOPS

JEREMY

MCPARLAND

j.harland@themixkamloops.com www.themixkamloops.com

STAN

BAILLY

HENRY

SMALL

NIKKI

OMEN

ANGIE

HEINZE

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

kissfest.ca MARCH 5 •12PM

KISS

Kamloops has got talent. Filmmaking talent.

Come celebrate with filmmakers from the region as they feature their short films on the big screen and compete for juried and sponsored prizes.

Every year this event gets bigger and the talent gets better. You may be surprised by the calibre of filmmakers from your own back yard.

Knights of the Sun

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16 KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

Dr. Preety Desai

W: kamloopsperiodontist.com t: 778.471.6001

MARCH 2 - 11, 2017

~ Proud Sponsor of the Kamloops Film Festival ~

PRESENTED BY:

The Kamloops Film Festival The Kamloops Wine Trail Hotel 540

•

1 Supports2

The Kamloops Film Festival www.domtar.com

|

The Sustainable Paper Company

TAKE TWO: THE BEST OF BLUE CELEBRATING LOCAL WINE, FOOD & FILM Whether you want to feast, indulge, imbibe, sip, nibble or nosh...the possibilities are endless. The ten-day festival features the best of food, film and local wine. Enjoy a multitude of delicious, delectable culinary delights offered by Blue at Hotel 540.

Monday to Saturday Features Three-course dinner, $32.00 Wine trail flight - three different wines (all 3 oz. pours), $16.00 Small plate for $10.00 with the purchase of a wine trail wine (by the glass) Saturday and Sunday brunch Best of Blue Brunch Signature Monte Creek sangria served with a brunch entrée, $19.00 Full blue brunch menu is also available with wine trail features by the glass Local wine options will be the perfect pairing to each menu item. (prices vary)

For more information visit ‘Flavours & Flicks’ on Facebook www.facebook.com/flavoursnflicks

HUB International proudly supports the 21st Annual Kamloops International Film Festival Good insurance supports you, guides you and empowers you. And so should a good broker.

Looking out for you. Looking ahead for you.

Four locations to serve you: Hub International 299 Third Avenue Kamloops, BC

Hub International 16-750 Fortune Drive Kamloops, BC

250-372-3155

250-376-3707

Hub International 198-945 W. Columbia St. Kamloops, BC

Hub International 2-111 Oriole Rd. Kamloops, BC

250-372-0626

250-372-3517

hubinternational.com

www.facebook.com/flavoursnflicks

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

Film Votingw& Festival Dra

Rate each film you attend and see whether your favourite is given the Audience Favourite Award at the end of the fest. Plus, fill out our festival survey to be entered into a draw for your chance to win two free passes to KFF 2018. The draw winner will be announced at the Festival Closing Party.

P A R A M O U N T

OOPS K AMFLESTIVAL FILM CH MAR20 17 2-11,

COMMERCIAL SALES, LEASING & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

315–546 Saint Paul Street Sales & Leasing • Property Management • Industrial & Investment Properties • Development • National Tenant Representation

MONA MURRAY Dip. ULE, RI (BC), CPM

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250-372-2277

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www.mcmrealestate.ca

w

YOUR #1 SOURCE

for Community News!

DAILY NEWS EMAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS:

• Get daily news delivered to your inbox every morning

Proud to sponsor cultural events in our local Community New Afton welcomes your feedback. Call us at 250.377.2100 or email us at info@newgold.com Follow us on Twitter @NewAfton www.newgold.com

• Find out what’s happening in your community • HTML & text format available • No fees and no obligation To subscribe visit:

www.kamloopsthisweek.com Phone 250-374-7467 1365 Dalhousie Drive Kamloops, BC V2C 5P6

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18 KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017

United States of Cinema: Narrative empathy and the transformative power of the arts when there is nothing left to comfort or calm, the instinct is to tap into some cinematic comfort food. During one such attack, with trembling hands, I grabbed Mamma Mia, recently borrowed from the local library, and caught my breath once more, silencing the brute force of apocalyptic anxiety with ABBA interludes and colorful choreography. I thought…how bad can the world be when there's Meryl Streep, Dancing Queen and Pierce Brosnan’s terrible singing voice?

Perhaps Mamma Mia is not the height of highbrow cinematic mastery, but it doesn’t always have to be; that, my friends, is the healing, nonjudgmental power of the arts.

Film is a safe space, a happy place, a saving grace—a security blanket, memory box and a think tank. Obviously—cinema has a spectrum, and it is an inclusive realm. Here’s a crazy thought: what if film could be used as a method for increasing global understanding, and as a weapon against racism, Islamophobia, and general xenophobia? By experiencing stories from other cultures and countries—even about the environment—aren’t we more apt to protect, defend and support them?

to the story, you can relate to yourself, and it becomes important”— Carthew said.

“Someone once said this, and it’s stuck with me: ‘we protect what we fall in love with.'”

During an interview with Kirsten Carthew, writer, director, and producer of The Sun at Midnight, we chatted about the concept. “If you can relate

Carthew continued, “when I see an artistic process well done, it’s the pinnacle of humanity…it just raises the bar for everyone else.”

She reflected on an interaction following a screening in Toronto. A thirteen-year-old boy approached her and expressed how deeply he connected to the story—and to the experiences of the sixteenyear-old female protagonist.

Though his life was unlike hers, no matter the circumstance, the emotions transcend.

The intention behind the artwork, the emotional impression, to be a spectator in that audience is a pure joy. “To bear witness to such a worthy life experience keeps you present in the moment.” It is a gift, a blessing, a reprieve from the exhaustive trudge through life.

Academic Suzanne Keen describes this as narrative empathy: “the sharing

of feeling and perspective-taking induced by reading, viewing, hearing, or imagining narratives of another’s situation and condition.”

Connie Brim, former English professor and faithful film festival attendee said “narrative empathy nudges us to be open minded and open hearted, we have to challenge ourselves to achieve understanding, even if it means being uncomfortable.”

A well-crafted film activates both the head and the heart, engaging a sense of sensitivity to the plight of others. It motivates us to muster courage and gather strength. Stories draw us closer as a community and help us move forward together.

“In this age of narcissism, we must work to continuously step out of ourselves.”

Through international film, viewers are exposed to a wider range of other cultures, languages, and insights. We see through the eyes of others, think beyond our own perspectives, capture keen observations, emotionally engage and activate curiosity. Through shared stories, we can discover a shared commonality--the human experience.

Storytelling is not necessarily about agreeing, but about understanding. Racism is at such a fever pitch that xenophobia was named the

word of 2016. The “fear or hatred of foreigners, strangers, people from different cultures; fear or dislike of customs, dress, and cultures of people with backgrounds different from our own.”—was the word of the year. Let that sink in.

Others maintained that “posttruth” (now referred to as “alternative truth”) was the word of the year. Neither option does much to clear the head or warm the heart.

Can narrative become absolute truth? Can International film temper rampant xenophobia?

It certainly can’t hurt. Can it evoke a sense of empathy and inclusiveness? Can it tap into and seek out universal truths?

Cinema and storytelling are a truly unifying force. Despite our differences in complexion, culture, and complexities, we are a collective sharing an experience. Despite the borders that divide us, aren’t we all scattered particles of humanity trying to survive? Don’t we all want to break bread, sleep soundly, love unabashedly and love God if we so choose? We have the right to find some meaning and semblance of happiness amongst the rubble and the rapidly ticking clock.

Stranger Things’ David Harbour’s speech at the Screen Actor’s Guild Awards captured the spirit of the power of art and performance: “take your

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craft seriously and believe that great acting can change the world; it’s a call to arms…to go deeper and battle against fear, self-centeredness, exclusivity.

Cultivate a more empathetic and understanding society by revealing intimate truths that serve as a forceful reminder to folks that may feel broken and afraid and tired; they are not alone. We are united and that we are all human beings and we are all together on this horrible, painful, joyous, exciting and mysterious ride that is being alive.”

Let me just say what everyone is already thinking: David Harbour took my idea and Winona Ryder stole my facial expressions. Pending lawsuits aside, that is the heartbreaking beauty—and necessity—of art. Join the collective of human beings, with differences set aside, breathing the same air and sharing the same onscreen story. These moments of bliss are a blessing; relish in the movie magic for as long as you can, you’ll be reminded of reality soon enough. While the film continues to roll, nothing else matters.

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL • MARCH 2-11, 2017 D I AM O N D

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DR. PREETY DESAI

KAMLOOPS

C OM M UNI T Y

Terry Simpson

OMEGA

Ken B. MacKinlay Notary Corp

Cathy & Phil Holman

THE

“Serving the Community since 1970”

TRU’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Jane & Russ Reid

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE OF KAMLOOPS

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r fo e m Co * the

s m l Ffori theNight stay

Conveniently located across the street (Hotel 540) or within a short walking distance (The Thompson) from the Paramount theatre.

Stay a night or more during the film festival and receive this special rate.

$99.00 PLUS TAX www.hotel540.ca

PARKING INCLUDED

$89.00 PLUS TAX PARKING INCLUDED

www.thompsonhotel.ca

SPECIAL RATES INCLUDE TWO FILM VOUCHERS* TO THE KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL