Kamloops Film Festival 2019

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

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

Table of Contents OPENING NIGHT TICKET INFO Q&A’s BEER & WINE TASTINGS Goodbye norma jean essay DISCUSSIONS FEATURED NON-PROFITS DARKFEST BURLESQUE & SIDESHOW FILMS FOR A CAUSE KISS CLOSING NIGHT FLAVOURS AND FLICKS Family Party SPONSORS

CANADIAN FILMS

Kamloops.ca

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AWARD WINNING

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

Get your tickets early!

TICKET INFO PAGE 5 THIS MOUNTAIN LIFE

ANTHROPOCENE

THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT

Frozen (Sing-Along)

CAPERNAUM

EDGE OF THE KNIFE

Q&A

OPENING NIGHT FILM

WINEING DISCUSSION

FAMILY FILM

DARKFEST

THURS MAR 7 • 7PM

FRI MAR 8 • 6PM

FRI MAR 8 • 9PM

SAT MAR 9 • 12PM

SAT MAR 9 • 2PM

SAT MAR 9 • 5PM

Martina Halik and her 60 year-old mother, Tania, embark on a six-month ski trek through the treacherous Coast Mountains of British Columbia. What is it that leads these adventurous people to sacrifice everything - comfort, family, personal safety - for a life in the mountains?

“A BEAUTIFUL CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE”- FernTV

Narrated by Alicia Vikander, this Canadian documentary spans six continents and 20 countries, capturing alarming evidence of mankind’s never-ending quest for dominance over the natural world in this current geological age.

The newest film from Lars von Trier follows the exploits of Jack, a highly intelligent killer, over the course of twelve years, introducing the audience to the murders that define his development as a serial killer.

Come sign along to all your favourite songs from the Disney smash hit! When their kingdom becomes trapped in perpetual winter, fearless Anna joins forces with mountaineer Kristoff and his reindeer sidekick to find Anna's sister, Snow Queen Elsa, and break her icy spell.

The film follows Zain, a Lebanese boy who sues his parents for the "crime" of giving him life. His story moves him from being a gutsy, streetwise child, to hardened 12-year-old "adult" fleeing his negligent parents.

After causing the accidental death of a friend’s son at an annual fishing retreat off Haida Gwaii, Adiits’ii falls into a tailspin and retreats to the wilderness, plagued by guilt.

Finding Big Country

SUSPIRIA

“STUNNINGLY, EVEN HYPNOTICALLY SHOT”- Original Cin

“AN ABRASIVE MASTERPIECE” - Daily Grindhouse

“A TOTAL FROSTY DELIGHT” - Camilla Long, Sunday Times

KISS FEST

Sir

“AN ABSOLUTE HEARTBREAKER ABOUT CHILDREN IN PERIL” - Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Dancing Dogs of Dombrova

“MAKES A VERY SPECIFIC STORY FEEL UNIVERSAL” - Matthew Paradis, Cinema Axis

Never Look Away

Q&A

Q&A

kissfest.ca DARKFEST

SAT MAR 9 • 7PM

SAT MAR 9 • 10PM

17 years after controversial Vancouver Grizzlies NBA star Bryant ‘Big Country’ Reeves leaves town, super-fan Kat Jayme goes on a mission to find her childhood hero and tell the story of this forgotten legend.

A brilliant young American ballerina travels to Berlin to study at the Markos Tanz Company. On her first day, a recently expelled student is murdered.

The murder does not seem to be an isolated occurrence and she begins to suspect that the school might have been involved.

"CHARMING, CROWD-PLEASER” - Courtney Small, Reel Asian Reviews

At Eternity’s Gate

MON MAR 11 • 6PM

"A TOWERING PERFORMANCE” - Chris Hewitt, Star Tribune

The Bromley Boys

A FREE family-friendly event.

"GORGEOUS, HIDEOUS” - Emily Yoshida, Vulture

The Grizzlies

BEER TASTING

This stunning biographical drama chronicles the final years of famed painter Vincent Van Gogh. The film delves into the tormented mind of the now-iconic artist as he puts paint to canvas in search of meaning beyond the here and now.

SUN MAR 10 • 12PM Come celebrate with filmmakers from the region as they feature their short films on the big screen and compete for juried and sponsored prizes.

Sink or Swim

SUN MAR 10 • 2PM

SUN MAR 10 • 5PM

Ratna works as domestic live-in help with Ashwin, a man from a wealthy family. As these two worlds collide and the two individuals connect, the barriers between them seem only more insurmountable.

A pair of estranged siblings travel to the rural Polish town of Dombrova to fulfil their dying grandmother’s wish: bringing home the bones of her favourite childhood dog, so she can be buried with it.

“A DELICATELY OBSERVED AND ATTRACTIVE DRAMA” - Peter Bradshaw, Guardian

“HILARIOUS AND HEARTWARMING” - Ed Sum, Otaku No Culture

Vox Lux

Mon MAR 11 • 9PM

Tues MAR 12 • 6PM

A group of depressed middle-aged men address their collective midlife crisis when they learn of the existence of a team of male synchronised swimmers at their local pool.

Roma

Circle of Steel

"FEEL-GOOD COMEDY... AN INFECTIOUS SENSE OF HUMOUR” - Richard Mowe, EyeForFilm.co.uk

Shoplifters

BREWING DISCUSSION

BEER TASTING

Inuit youth in a small community gain a powerful sense of pride and purpose through the sport of lacrosse, in this true-story account of tenacity, renewal, and inspiring resilience.

"MORE THAN THE TYPICAL INSPIRING SPORTS DRAMA BECAUSE IT OFFERS US HOPE.” - Danielle Solzman, Solzy at the Movies

Wildlife

SUN MAR 10 • 8PM

Inspired by real events and spanning three eras of German history, Never Look Away tells the story of a young art student, Kurt Barnert, who has fled to West-Germany, but continues to be tormented by his childhood and youth in the Nazi years and during the GDR-regime.

“A GORGEOUS EXAMPLE OF PROVOCATIVE STORYTELLING” - Stephen Schaffer, Boston Herald

Tues Mar 12 • 9PM

After a meteoric rise to pop star fame in her youth, adult Celeste mounts a comeback following an infamous incident that derailed her career.

“FANS OF NATALIE PORTMAN WON'T WANT TO MISS HER RISK-TAKING PERFORMANCE.” - Daniel M. Kimmel, New England Movies Weekly

Cold War

WEDS MAR 13 • 6PM Elegantly adapted from Richard Ford's novel of the same name, Wildlife centres on fourteen-year-old Joe who is the only child of Jeanette and Jerry - a housewife and a golf pro - in a small town in 1960s Montana.

"UNDERSTATED... DEEPLY AFFECTING” - Bob Mondello, NPR

Ben is Back

Weds Mar 13 • 9PM Out-of-work Osamu and Shota, a young boy, spend much of their day shoplifting to subsidize their ragtag group’s low-income existence in Tokyo. Their routine is derailed when they discover a neighbourhood girl, Yuri, locked out, in need, and displaying symptoms of abuse.

“IT’S CONSUMMATE, FLAWLESS FILMMAKING” - Kevin Maher, Times (UK)

Kayak to Klemtu

Q&A

STEEPING DISCUSSION

WINE TASTING

THURS MAR 14 • 6PM A laugh-out-loud feel-good comedy played out to the sights and sounds of Britain in the 1970s. This is the story about a boy, a girl, and the worst football team in the WORLD! “A MUST SEE... FUNNY AND POIGNANT” - Henry Winter, The Times

Thurs MAR 14 • 9PM

Fri MAR 15 • 6PM

A story that chronicles a year in the life of a middle-class family's maid in the Colonia Roma neighborhood of Mexico City in the early 1970s. Among scenes of Cleo's life with the family, the lives of the characters become more illuminated for the audience.

Wendy Fong is a new engineer working in Canada’s oil and gas industry in Alberta. As she and her newfound coworkers reckon with rumours of impending–and ruthless–layoffs, Wendy is forced to weigh her own ethical and moral compass.

“A DENSELY REALISED, INTIMATE DRAMA” - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

"A FUNNY AND OCCASIONALLY SAD EXPLORATION OF LIFE IN ALBERTA’S OILPATCH” - Eric Volmers, Calgary Herald

Fri MAR 15 • 9PM

Set against the context of the Cold War in 1950s Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia, and Paris, the film depicts an impossible love story in desperate times.

"PASSIONATE, TEMPESTUOUS, HAUNTING AND ASSURED” - Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

CLOSING CLOSING NIGHT NIGHTFILM FILM

SAT MAR 16 • 3PM

SAT MARCH 16 • 6PM

When charming yet troubled Ben Burns returns home to his unsuspecting family one fateful Christmas Eve, his wary mother Holly soon discovers that he is still very much in harm's way. During the 24 hours that follow, Holly must do everything in her power to prevent the family's downfall.

14-year-old Ella is determined to kayak the length of the Inside Passage, along the shores of BC’s Great Bear Rainforest, in order to testify against a proposed pipeline that would see oil tanker traffic through her beloved homeland waters.

“SCORES AS A TRIUMPH FOR CANADIAN INDIGENOUS FILMMAKING.” - Hollywood North Magazine

"AN INTIMATE, INCREDIBLY TENSE DRAMA” - Hollywood Reporter

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

g n i n Ope t Nigh

WE SUPPORT KFF because

RADIO PEOPLE LOVE GREAT MOVIES TOO

THIS MOUNTAIN LIFE • THURS MARCH 7 • 7PM RED CARPET • 6PM • PARAMOUNT THEATRE

OPENING NIGHT MINGLE • 9PM • FORNO ON 5TH

Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight on the official Kamloops Film Festival Red Carpet. Bring friends and family, or strike a solo pose, in front of the KFF backdrop. Immortalization on social media awaits!

After the Opening Night Q&A, head straight to this nearby whiskey bar for some warm, atmospheric upscale elegance. Enjoy a tasting, order a signature cocktail, and settle in for the evening. The kitchen will be open so feel free to order a post-movie meal if you need more than just a nibble.

THANK YOU! For information on volunteering next year, contact us at kffvolunteer@kamloopsfilm.ca

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

20th Annual

DIRECTORS FESTIVAL

o f n I t Ticke

Actors Workshop Theatre

5 one-act plays Directed by Senior Theatre Students

April 10-13, 2019

SINGLE TICKET PRICES:

All films will be screened at the Paramount Theatre (503 Victoria St.).

$11: Adult Admission

Doors will open 45min before the screening time.

$10: Senior (65+) Admission TRU, OLD MAIN, STUDENT STREET | CURTAIN NIGHTLY 7:30 PM

tru.ca/awt

MC124688

TICKETS: 250-377-6100

$5: Student/Child Admission $15 in advance, $20 at the door: The Festival Closing Party

$10 in advance, $15 at the door:

The Festival Closing Party - student

PASS PRICES:

(AVAILABLE EXLUSIVELY ONLINE)

$150: Full Fest Pass (includes a party voucher and a t-shirt)

Symphonic film favourites

$80: 10-Film Pass (includes a party

KSO AT THE MOVIES

voucher) - FILMS MUST BE CHOSEN WHEN PICKING UP PASS

Kelson Group Pops: FRI, MARCH 8, 2019 • 7:30PM Noran Masterworks: SAT, MARCH 9, 2019 • 7:30PM

$40: 5-Film Pass - FILMS MUST BE

Sagebrush Theatre

CHOSEN WHEN PICKING UP PASS KSO AT THE MOVIES

kamloopslive.ca • 250.374.5483

Passes, Single Film Tickets & Closing Party Tickets are available online: www.kamloopsfilmfest.ca.

Single Film Tickets & Closing Party Tickets are available from MOVIEMART (367 St. Paul St.).

Single Film Tickets will be available at the door at the Paramount Theatre (503 Victoria St.) during the KFF. * Fees apply when purchasing Passes or Tickets online or at MOVIEMART (367 St. Paul St.).

NEW THIS YEAR: 10-Film & 5-Film Pass buyers can pick tickets for all different films, all tickets to the same film, or anything in-between. However, if multiple people are coming on the same pass, they must enter the Paramount Theatre at the same time.

Passes and/or tickets bought online can be picked up before the festival, from March 3 to 6 from 6 to 7pm at MOVIEMART (367 St. Paul St.) or in the theatre lobby during the festival.

$15: DarkFest Pass (enjoy BOTH screenings of DarkFest)

PRESENTS

Proud to be a Bronze Sponsor of the 2019 Kamloops Film Festival

in partnership with Actors Workshop Theatre

May 23rd to June 1st, 2019

WWW.CHIMERATHEATRE.COM

1365B Dalhousie Drive Kamloops, BC V2C 5P6 250.374.7467 connectornews.ca Publishing Monthly

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

s ’ A + Q

Q&A’s will be held directly after film screenings.

MARCH 7 AT 9PM THIS MOUNTAIN LIFE

Tania Halik, the mother in the mother/daughter duo that are the subjects of this film will be in attendance for a Q&A along with friend of the festival, Rudy Buttignol, CEO of Knowledge, who were sponsors of the film. Find out from the source how cold things really got.

TANIA HALIK Subject Born in the Czech Republic in 1956 and growing up under the Russian communist occupation Tania found respite from the oppression in the outdoors; rock climbing iconic Czech sandstone towers, competing at the national level nordic skiing, trail running and kayaking. She dreamed of joining what was then Czechoslovakia’s Mountain Rescue Service the Horska Sluzba. She was unfortunately a couple decades ahead of her time as they refused to accept women into the service at that time. Together with her husband, while two months pregnant, they hatched a daring escape by foot from behind the Russian communist controlled Iron Curtain. Their plan worked, (although the hair raising adversity they encountered along the way is a story in itself), and they were able to start a new and unoppressed life and family in the free democratic country of Switzerland. Two years later they came to British Columbia and never looked back. Now after 28 years in Canada; after years ski patrolling, avalanche forecasting, and paramedic work, training 3 avalanche rescue dogs and raising two daughters, she is ready for her biggest challenge yet. A lifetime of skiing, canoeing, mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain biking and all-round adventuring in the mountains has worked to steer her to this first step across the Coast Mountains.

RUDY BUTIGNOL PRODUCER

Supporting BC’s Storytellers

Buttignol was born in Pordenone Italy, and immigrated to Canada at the age of four via Pier 21 in Halifax.

Buttignol attended York University in the Faculty of Fine Arts. Throughout his forty year career, he has been an independent producer, director, writer and editor of documentary and children’s programs, commissioning editor, television programmer, and broadcast executive. Known as the “Canadian broadcasting and documentary guru” and “friend of

the auteur in Canada and abroad”, Buttignol has been an active participant in the development of Canadian cultural policy, as well as the advancement of the funding and broadcasting of documentary film.

MARCH 7 AT 8PM FINDING BIG COUNTRY The woman with many hats; Director, Writer, Executive Producer and subject, Kat Jayme, along with Producer, Michael Tanko Grand, will join us for a Q&A post film. We’ll get to ask her directly what she REALLY thinks of Big Country.

KAT JAYME DIRECTOR/Writer/ executive producer/subject Kathleen Jayme is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker based in Vancouver, BC, who is passionate about telling meaningful and personal stories. Her latest project Finding Big Country has been a resounding success and has energized sports fans both in Vancouver and across North America. It was the winner of the Vancouver International Film Festivals (VIFF) prestigious Audience Choice Award as well as the Must see BC award as voted by the VIFF audience.

She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Film Production Program and also worked at the National Film Board of Canada where she coordinated and oversaw over thirty documentaries, animations, and digital projects through all stages of production. She is a fellow of the 2016 Inspirit Foundation’s Story Money Impact program, the 2017 Hot Docs Documentary Channel Doc Accelerator program, and the 2017 Telus Storyhive Banff World Media Festival program MICHAEL GRAND PRODUCER It was fateful summer night in June 2017 when Michael Tanko Grand found himself at a sparsely attended party at a western themed bar during the Banff World Media Festival. While contemplating his place in this world, and more specifically the film and television industry, he spotted a young woman in a Vancouver Grizzlies Big Country Bryant Reeves jersey.

Her name was Kat. Little did Michael know, but his purpose in life, at least for the next calendar year, was written.

While producing Finding Big Country is obviously the most important thing to know about Michael, there is more to his story. He was the Writer and Story Producer on the 10 part documentary series Abandoned for VICELAND, and the Writer of CBC’s documentary Unbroken: The Snowboard Life of Mark McMorris. Most recently, Michael has been producing comedy content for Kelly&Kelly who produce CBC’s This Is That among other hilarious video and podcast content.

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

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Looking out for you. Looking ahead for you.

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

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MARCH 10 AT 7PM THE DANCING DOGS OF DOMBROVA

MARCH 15 AT 8PM CIRCLE OF STEEL

Douglas Nyback, who stars as Aaron Cotler in the film, will be in town from Toronto to take part in a Q&A. Did they actually shoot in Poland? Was his relationship with actress Katherine Fogler similar to the relationship their characters share? Get answers to these questions and more by sticking around after the film.

First time feature film writer/director/producer, Gillian McKercher, will be on hand for a Q&A to let us know how much of the story is based on her career in the oil/gas industry and to provide insight on film development in Canada.

DOUGLAS NYBACK ACTOR - Aaron Cotler Douglas Nyback is an actor, screenwriter, and producer.

A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, Douglas’ list of credits is extensive. He has recently wrapped two features Skin and The Dancing Dogs of Dombrova as well as recurring guest stars on SyFy’s Incorporated, People of Earth, Carter, and Amazon Prime’s American Gods among many others.

Douglas has written and co-written multiple screenplays and has worked extensively as a script advisor and story editor, most recently on Peter Cousin’s Freedom produced by Production One and starring Cuba Gooding Jr. His most recent feature film as a producer, Nose to Tail, just had its world premiere at the Whistler Film Festival, and its American premier at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. He his thrilled to be coming to Kamloops to screen The Dancing Dogs of Dombrova and support this wonderful and growing film festival.

GILLIAN MCKERCHER WRITER/ DIRECTOR/PRODUCER Gillian is a Calgary‐based filmmaker and an Alberta Foundation For the Arts Young Artist Prize winner. She completed a BSc in Chemical Engineering at the University of Calgary while she practiced filmmaking at the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers. After she worked concurrently in film and engineering, she decided to focus on cinema and has since directed music videos, short documentaries, and interdisciplinary pieces. Her most recent work is the feature film Circle of Steel, which has shown at festivals throughout Canada and the United States, and won an Audience Favourite Award at the 2018 Calgary International Film Festival.

Her experimental film work on Super 8 and 16mm film is often incorporated into her projects, and heavily informs her aesthetic.

ART EXPOSED Regional Exhibition march 8—16 10am—5pm daily

support local artists from across the region and purchase artwork for your home or office.

admission by donation old courthouse cultural centre

7 seymour st. w. kamloops, b.c.

250.372.7323 • admin@kamloopsarts.ca

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kamloopsarts.ca

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

Tastings

Beer Tasting with Red Collar

Mon March 11 at 8pm • Paramount Theatre • 19+ Event Between a close-up look at a world famous artist and a ragtag group of Indigenous athletes searching for lacrosse glory, join us at the theatre for a beer tasting by Red Collar Brewing. Taste for yourself why Red Collar is one of Kamloops’ best known hot spots.

Beer Tasting with Bright Eye Brewing

Tues March 12 at 8pm • Paramount Theatre • 19+ Event On Tuesday night we’re going from French synchronized swimming hilarity to US pop star drama, but in-between Bright Eye Brewing will be treating our patrons to some of their delicious beer. Come find out what one our newest breweries has in store for you.

Wine Tasting with Privato, Monte Creek and Harper’s Trail

Thurs March 14 at 8pm • Paramount Theatre • 19+ Event Three wineries means three times the tasting goodness for you! After a fun and warm-hearted UK comedy, and before the film that is winning every award in sight, you can taste why our local wineries are putting Kamloops on the wine trail map.

DR’S WILLISTON, LOWEY, ROWSELL & ASSOCIATES

NDPORRSVRSWRPHWry FRP ‡ /DQVGRZQH 6W

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

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GOODBYE NORMA JEAN REALNESS & THE JUDY GARLAND DOWNWARD-SPIRAL EXPRESS

Hollywood mythology, pop culture intersections and research rabbit holes* *and how it all connects to Barbra, Judy, Elvis and Kanye West…oh, and the Kamloops Film Festival, of course

BY ALICIA ASHCROFT At the last film festival meeting before I had extensive dental surgery, KFF chair Dušan Magdolen reminded me that my annual essay should be complete by the end of January.

This sounded perfect, as I was going to be at home recovering for two weeks – there couldn’t be a BETTER time to share my nonsensical musings while hopped up on T3’s. (Although, let's be honest, every year I write some ridiculous, meandering 2000 word opus that’s only loosely tied to the film festival. And this year is no different!)

Recovery time can be a drain on the body, but, if you play your content card right, you can cultivate a sumptuous feast for the senses. All you need are blankets, tea, a dog on your lap,

a stack of movies and a WiFi password. In times of illness, films are my go-to pastime, which ultimately sparks a curiosity that leads me down endless pop culture rabbit holes, discovering a world of infinite interconnectedness.

As an empathic, creative, dramatic creature with an over-active imagination, I get nostalgic for other eras. I’m familiar with those “Candle in the Wind” blues, serving goodbye Norma Jean realness when Elton John sings, “I would have liked to know you, but I was just a kid. Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did.”

The tensions between talent, mortality and the mysteries that remain are beyond captivating; which ultimately lead to a historical deep dive that practically requires scuba gear.

Why, just the other day, after one of these research rabbit

holes, I fell into a rather deep funk involving Judy Garland.

Not familiar? Here’s a brief overview. Born Frances Gumm, Judy Garland was practically born on the stage and was raised on film sets. Once the most prolific entertainer of the era, she was often victimized by studio executives and the star-making machine. She was overworked, underpaid, criticized, berated and starved.

To control her weight and handle her workload, she became increasingly reliant on doctor-recommended amphetamines. This addition inevitably worsened her fragile physical and mental state, contributing to her untimely death. What made Garland such a profound performer was her vulnerability and her tenacity. After a 45-year long career on stage and screen, three children, countless performances and a world of struggle, Garland succumbed 12 days after her 47th birthday.

She was found in the bathroom of her London home by her fifth husband, Mickey Dean, whom she had married three months earlier.

I’ve known Judy my whole life.

“Wizard of Oz” was a childhood

classic. What a mesmerizing spectacular: the Technicolor aesthetic, the costumes, the songs, the story, the drama, and above all, Judy Garland as Dorothy. It’s the perfect movie. I wore out the VHS with constant use, forever rewinding to re-watch. My mother could toss me a line from anywhere in the movie, and I would recreate the scene (and play all the characters) in a spectacular solo cabaret.

As a birthday present, I received the official 50th-anniversary commemorative book about the history of Oz. How I feasted on the photographs and the trivia!

Although, this reference text ushered in a new era of discovery, a loss of innocence if you will. Getting a glimpse behind the curtain can really diminish the glow of your favorite movie. (“Wizard of Oz” was a treacherous set, and the makeup and costumes were uncomfortable and dangerous.

The original Tin Man wound up in an iron lung, the Wicked Witch was set on fire, as was her stunt double. The Cowardly Lion’s costume was supposedly 40 pounds of authentic lion fur, and it was difficult to clean, and

as a result, was pungent AF.) Google it, and then find me at the film festival so we can dish in detail.

If that wasn’t enough of a shock, imagine me – eight years old – this lonely, bullied, theatrical small-town old soul poring over this archival masterpiece and seeing a photo of a later years Judy Garland for the first time.

It’s reminiscent of the heartbreak I experienced when I discovered that Sean Connery circa 1959’s “Darby O’ Gill and the Little People” was now 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”

When did he get so...old?

My mother was my old-Hollywood oracle, my pre-Google, if you will. I would flip through her latest copy of People magazine and then interrogate her for more information about all the stars within.

She broke the news about what happened to Judy.

Naturally, this was devastating to me. And you know what? It still is. She was a victim of the industry. The studios colonized her, mined her talents,

controlled her existence and then ostracized her for being difficult to work with as a result.

In this post-Weinstein era, there was so much shock and horror over the treatment of actresses, but that behavior was built into the system. When we think about the treatment that this generation has experienced regarding the #metoo era, all the old Hollywood queens would be like: “Hold my cocktail.”

Judy’s downfall is not unique; there are so many souls that don’t survive the star-making machine. After Garland was fired from the Fred Astaire film “Royal Wedding” in 1950, she didn’t make another film until “A Star is Born” in 1954.

Washed up at 28, and comeback at 32. Only in Hollywood can that happen.

The irony of her cinematic return is that the film mirrored her own addictions, demons and decline in the entertainment industry. The story explores the double-edged allure of fame and the gender-based injustices and sacrifices of cinematic storytelling.

Continued on page 13.

Proud sponsors of the Kamloops Film Festival.

More than just Realtors.

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

s t i f o r P n o N Featured

VOLUNTEER KAMLOOPS

Friday, March 8 before ANTHROPOCENE: THE HUMAN EPOCH at 6pm

MARCH 8 AT 8PM

A WINEING DISCUSSION AT THE TUMBLEWEED LOUNGE

Discussions

After the globally significant and award-winning Canadian feature Anthropocene: The Human Epoch, join the discussion at the Tumbleweed Lounge in The Plaza Hotel. Enjoy a glass of wine and some cheese, while discussing the themes in the film with other KFF attendees.

Back again this year; our Featured Non-Profit events will shine the light on worthy organizations in our community. March 8 Volunteer Kamloops will be in attendance to share information and bring awareness to their important organization and the work they do.

The Kamloops Community Volunteer Services Society, operating as Volunteer Kamloops, is committed to the concept that volunteerism improves the quality of life in the community and, therefore, supports and strengthens volunteerism through promotion, recruitment, education, orientation, and referral services for volunteers and organizations in our community and surrounding areas.

Since 1985, Volunteer Kamloops has recruited and referred volunteers to our members who could be a non-profit organization or anyone taking on a volunteer project in the community.

FOOD POLICY COUNCIL

Saturday, March 9 before EDGE OF THE KNIFE at 5pm

MARCH 13 AT 8PM

MARCH 16 AT 5PM

A BREWING DISCUSSION

A STEEPING DISCUSSION

AT RED COLLAR BREWERY

AT ZACK’S COFFEES TEAS & GIFTS

The Kamloops Food Policy council will be in the lobby before our screening of Edge of the Knife. The themes of hunger in the film align with the work this council does so it’s appropriate that they’ll be able to let our audience know about their far reaching initiatives.

There is discussion and beer to be had. What more does one need to know? After the star-studded drama, Wildlife, pop on over to Red Collar to discuss the themes of the film over a beer and some munchies with KFF Committee and audience members alike.

Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges deliver powerful performances as a mother and son in Ben is Back. We deliver hot beverages and tasty treats for your enjoyment at Zack’s after the film, where we can dissect the feature together as a community of filmgoers.

The Kamloops Food Policy Council is an organization that aims to grow a regenerative food system in Kamloops by building community capacity through programs, partnerships, and policy. Our flagship program is the Gleaning Abundance Program (GAP), where we harvest excess fruit from local trees and distribute it to volunteers, social service agencies, and the tree-owner.

WLD19013

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

Homestay Families Needed for international students studying at TRU! Learn about another culture and share Canadian culture with your student.

Our Homestay Program offers students from around the world an excellent opportunity to develop and practice conversational skills in a friendly, family setting.

CONTACT US homestay@tru.ca | 250-371-5788

tru.ca/hostfamily

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

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

Everyon e’s script is different.

$BSJCPP $PMMFHF "MVNOJ $BTUJOH $BMM! Did you attend 536 Cariboo College between 1970-1990?

Join us for a Charter Alumni Brunch

SVOEBZ June • 10 am Mountain Room, CAC

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T S E F K DAR March 8 and 9

THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT MARCH 8 • 9PM

SUSPIRIA MARCH 9 • 10PM

DarkFest is back for your darkly enjoyment. Partnering with the Drunk in a Graveyard Podcast, we’re looking to turn up the horror with two hit films from the past year’s horror offerings, cool trivia prizes, and a ‘curious’ performance before Suspiria that you won’t want to miss (details below). Come join us in the Dark.

ENJOY BOTH DARKFEST FILMS FOR $15 SEE TICKET INFO ON PAGE 5 FOR MORE DETAILS!

Caravan of Curiosities Burlesque and Sideshow

SAT MARCH 9 • 9:30PM AT THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE PRIOR TO OUR DARKFEST SCREENING OF SUSPIRIA

Before our second DarkFest screening, we’re bringing you something a little (well maybe a lot) different. The Caravan of Curiosities Burlesque & Sideshow will feature horror film star Tristan Risk and Burns the Dragon performing to the music of Suspiria. You won’t want to miss this.

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

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GOODBYE NORMA JEAN REALNESS & THE JUDY GARLAND DOWNWARD-SPIRAL EXPRESS Hollywood mythology, pop culture intersections and research rabbit holes*

*and how it all connects to Barbra, Judy, Elvis and Kanye West…oh, and the Kamloops Film Festival, of course

Continued from page 9.

Not familiar with the “A Star is Born” narrative? Here’s a quick recap: a talented yet hard-drinking producer/actor/rocker falls in love with a struggling waitress/actress/singer. He helps catapult her to stardom while further compromising his career with bad behavior. As her success skyrockets, his decline becomes steeper than ever. Can their love survive the collateral damage of the precious male ego? Can this woman juggle romantic love AND professional success? You’ll have to watch every single version to find out.

Leading up to the anticipated 2018 remake with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, I revisited all three of the films that preceded it, (excluding the 1932 film “What Price Hollywood” – which film purists refer to as being the mother to all four incarnations, although, cine-nerd that I am, I did do my research for context.)

From a modern, feminist perspective, this cautionary tale about the pitfalls of fame hasn’t aged particularly well.

Although, from a Classic Hollywood cinephile approach, each version presents a time capsule for the gossip of the era, and casts self-referential side eyes to the dark, disillusioned side of fame and fortune.

Even though I’m a faithful Judy Garland fan, her (nearly three-hour) version is touted as a Technicolor masterpiece, but it’s also a slog whenever she isn’t onscreen. The 1976 Barbra Streisand version is my personal favorite. And yet, now with all the recent comparisons, it's considered the worst version.

What the heck? When critics lay into this version, it makes me want to pull a Kanye West to their Taylor Swift.

“Yo, Lady Gaga, I’m really happy for you, I’ll let you finish, but Barbra Streisand does one of the best Esther Blodgett’s of all time.

OF ALL TIME!”

Perhaps my allegiance lies with 1976 because it’s the first version I saw and is, therefore, the measuring stick for all others, which led to one of the greatest cinematic disappointments of my life.

Quick backstory here: In the final scene of Barbra’s version, Streisand sings. her. heart. OUT. It’s a goosebump inducing experience. Naturally, I assumed that the 1954 version would finish with Judy bringing the house down with some weathered but gloriously redemptive rendition of some heartbreaking power ballad.

Nope. It ends, (as it does in the 1937 version) with Esther Blodgett’s proclamation to the press: "I'm Mrs. Norman Maine."

Booooooooo.

I'll never forget the ending of this movie because it was devastating in all the wrong ways. You emotionally prepare for musical catharsis but instead witness the heroine abandon her individuality and absorb her husband's name and legacy (after he had been an abusive, controlling monster for a good portion of the film).

By that point, the only thing worse was watching "My Fair Lady" for the first time and experiencing Professor Higgins and his uppity patriarchal swagger. How could anyone believe that any woman would go for that?

Yet, this is par for the course in terms of the standard cinematic romance. All these young, bright, vivacious, slender, creamy dolls paired up with these cranky, leathery old grandfather types. Mmmm, yummy. More for me, please.

By the time that snivelling chucklehead wanders off into the ocean, all you can think is "Esther, you dodged a bullet giiiiiirl."

The character of Norman Maine is a hodgepodge of Hollywood’s

most broken men: John Gilbert...

John Gilbert (who once had an ill-fated affair with Greta Garbo, and – no joke - their celebrity couple name was Gilbo. You can’t even make this stuff up.)

Unemployed silent film actor John Bowers, upon hearing that Gary Cooper was filming somewhere off Santa Catalina, had rented a sixteen-foot yacht and sailed to the island to secure a role. The casting process had already been completed, and John responded by wandering off into the ocean. His body was later found washed up on a Santa Monica beach.

Damn John, that’s a tad dramatic, don’t you think? You’re not even going to return the yacht first?

Bowers, who died in 1936, was like many silent film stars who had failed to cross over into the talkies. The transition into talkies would have been a doozy. One day you’re in vogue, and then you’re suddenly passé. Them’s the breaks, kid.

Bowers’ death made such a splash in the media, that screenwriters rolled this detail, along with other references to Hollywood scandals into the script – and each variation looks into the zeitgeist to properly reflect on the up’s and down’s of the era.

Famously, this role was passed around and passed on a million times over for fears of being associated with the character.

Cary Grant had accepted the role, but his concerns about Garland’s drug use pushed him to abandon the project. Judy championed for Frank Sinatra, who was keen, but was considered box office poison at the time.

(Not being the biggest James Mason fan, I die a little inside when I imagine either Grant or Sinatra in that role. *shakes a fist at the gods*).

Continued on page 16.

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

Films for a Cause have always been a hit with KFF audiences, who have famously shown tremendous support in the past. This year, we’re featuring two worthy organizations who need our help! KFF 2019 is partnering with the Starfish Pack Backpack Program and A Way Home Kamloops to help them gather much-needed supplies for their programs and operations. We look forward to showing these two important organizations how generous our audiences truly are.

CAUS

STARFISH BACKPACK PROGRAM

A WAY HOME

Saturday, March 9 before our 12pm screening of FROZEN (Sing-Along) The Starfish Pack Backpack Program is an important initiative in our community and we encourage our patrons to bring listed items to the theatre before our screening of Frozen Sing-Along so we make sure that all children in Kamloops are fed. Representatives from Feeding the Future will be on hand to collect your donations and to speak to their impactful activities.

NEEDS LIST: Canned soup • Canned pasta • Canned tuna • Macaroni & Cheese • Cash donations are always appreciated

FRIday, March 15 before our 6pm screening of CIRCLE OF STEEL Our second Film for a Cause in the festival will be helping A Way Home Kamloops, who are looking to end youth homelessness in our city. Please bring any of the listed items or cash donations with you to our screening of Circle of Steel and representatives from the organization will be in attendance to receive them.

ABOUT STARFISH BACKPACK PROGRAM: “Feeding the Future” was created to fill the gaps for local kids in need of food in Kamloops, both over the weekends during the school year and through the summer months. This unique initiative is a partnership between the Kamloops Food Bank, United Way and School District #73 that includes the Starfish Backpack program, school snacks, summer food for various programming, and also food programs in rural communities throughout the district.

NEEDS LIST: granola bars • boxed drinks/ juice • individualized packets of oatmeal • canned/boxed soup • pancake mix • trail mix • dried fruit • frozen veggies • peanut butter chocolate • individualized chips • pudding cups • apple juice • fruit cups • any kind of pasta pasta sauce • pop tarts • individualized cheese or peanut butter crackers • mac and cheese beef jerky • individualized fruit snacks • any non-perishable food item • soup • bottled water • big ziplock bags

ABOUT A WAY HOME: A Way Home Kamloops is a collective of 160 members from all sectors, including representation from youth, non-profits, landlords, businesses, students, ministries, and community members. We are implementing Kamloops’ Community plan “A Way Home: A plan to end youth homelessness." This plan has transformed our community towards ending homelessness and provided a model for other communities to adapt to their unique context.

www.FilmThompsonNicola.com www.ThompsonNicolaMovieMap.com

Netflix’s Lost in Space series Filmed in Cache Creek, BC

Sponsor of the Kamloops Film Festival for more than 20 years

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

kissfest.ca

KISS

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 • 12PM

A celebration of the short film format, the KISS competition creates opportunities for local filmmakers to tell stories and experiment with movie magic. The Kamloops Film Society has been encouraging TNRD filmmakers through the KISS Festival for many years. This year, talented local directors will once again experience the excitement of seeing their films on the big screen at the Paramount Theatre. The screening of the 5-minute

(or less) shorts is a FREE event for the whole family, so filmmakers are encouraged to keep the content suitable.

Winners will receive cash prizes that are awarded by the KISS Committee, the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission, Mastermind Studios, Kamloops Arts Council and Joy Factory Films. This event is our way of celebrating the hard work and passion of our regional talent.

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THE

Comedy OF ALL MOTHERS

WCTLIVE.CA

MAR 28 TO APR 6, 2019 | SAGEBRUSH THEATRE

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TRU offers a comprehensive student exchange program through our network of international partnerships. Undergraduate students can study in another country while completing courses towards their TRU degree.

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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

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

GOODBYE NORMA JEAN REALNESS & THE JUDY GARLAND DOWNWARD-SPIRAL EXPRESS Hollywood mythology, pop culture intersections and research rabbit holes*

*and how it all connects to Barbra, Judy, Elvis and Kanye West…oh, and the Kamloops Film Festival, of course

Continued FROM page 13.

Streisand tried to bring Elvis Presley onto the 1976 project. Those close to the King felt that playing John Norman Howard could have possibly saved him from his untimely 1977 death at the age of 42. Close friends and confidantes blamed Colonel Tom Parker, who famously mismanaged the singer, and squandered his potential. The other rumor was that Elvis also didn’t want to play a star in decline and bristled at the idea of being bossed around by Streisand.

Elvis is a whole other rabbit hole (again, let’s discuss at the film fest), but Presley’s looks, and talent, mixed with excessive hubris, mother issues, proximity to sycophants, vices, and sequined jumpsuit – all leading to his subsequent fall from grace is practically Shakespearean. “Macbeth” via Graceland?

How about it? Can someone make that happen, please?

It fits the profile of the standard narratives of the Hollywood mythology. What a story like “A Star is Born” teaches us is that nothing is as it seems, and that nothing ever lasts.

Okay, you can come up for air now, the deep dive is over. Although now that the T3’s have worn off, I picture Dušan reading the first draft and thinking “A Star is Born”? Elvis? KANYE WEST? What does that have to do with the Kamloops Film Festival?”

Oh, I’ll tell you….as soon as I can conjure up a logical conclusion that flies directly from the Judy Garland Downward-Spiral Express to our local film extravaganza.

It all comes back to the stories we tell ourselves, the stories we are attracted to and the stories that bear repeating. Cinema is the human experience in motion. It's a collision of personalities. An unraveling of circumstance.

A road to redemption. A reason to live.

Something to fear. Something to fight for.

Somewhere between the process and the finished product are the intersections of fact, fiction, mythology, comedy, tragedy, and how it all connects the agony, ecstasy and absurdity of being alive.

NEWS | INFORMATION | DIGITAL MARKETING | SEO | DESIGN | SOCIAL

FF 2019 K F O S R O S N PROUD SPO

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE 2019 KFF

An exclusively online news and information site which specializes in digital marketing and advertising. Kamloops Matters is part of the Glacier Media network, giving you the hometown feeling with the head office power.

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

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g n i Clos t h g i N KAYAK TO KLEMTU • MARCH 17 • 6PM CLOSING NIGHT PARTY • THE PLAZA • 8PM

Put a celebratory cap on 10-days of film festivities! Strike a pose on the red carpet. Dance the night away with VIPs, festival attendees, and organizers. (Beats courtesy of Common Sound, so you know this party will be on FIRE). There’s no better way to conclude the festival! Ticket price includes drink tickets, refreshments and access to a delectable spread.

CLOSING PARTY TICKETS ARE: $15 IN ADVANCE, $20 AT THE DOOR OR $10 IN ADVANCE, $15 AT THE DOOR FOR STUDENTS

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KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019

DR. PREETY DESAI

l a i c Spe

! s t n e v E

W: kamloopsperiodontist.com T: 778.471.6001

Thompson Rivers University Aboriginal Education

900 McGill Road, Kamloops, BC V2C0C8 Phone: (250) 828.5227 Fax: (250) 828.5236 http://www.tru.ca/aero.html

Flavours and Flicks

Proud Sponsor of the Kamloops Film Festival ~ ~ MARCH 7-16, 2019 AT THE NOBLE PIG & FORNO ON 5TH

The Noble Pig & Forno on 5th have each prepared a 3-Course menu filled with delicious food options and the perfect wine pairings. Make a night at the movies into a grand affair by stopping for a bite and a drink at either of these local downtown eateries.

Family Party

1Supports2

SAT MARCH 9 • 10AM PRIOR TO OUR SCREENING OF FROZEN SING-ALONG AT THE Kamloops art Gallery & the TNRD LIBRARY

The Kamloops Film Festival Before you sing your heart out at the Disney Frozen Sing-Along megahit, join us across the street for some FREE interactive fun. Make a creative craft, read a storybook, and spend time with your favourite characters courtesy of Kamloops Princess Parties. Refreshments will be provided by David's Tea. This event will be fun| forThe all ages! www.domtar.com Sustainable Paper Company

At TRU you will find small class sizes, personal attention and practical learning experiences in every program – all on a beautiful campus located in the Secwepemc territory of Kamloops, BC.

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE ARTS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND SPONSOR THIS YEAR’S

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL | MARCH 7-16, 2019 DIAMOND

GRANT SUPPORT

GOLD

Faculty of Arts S I LV E R

Kamloops Daybreak

BRONZE

DR. PREETY DESAI

CO M M U N I T Y

DEREK V SMOLUK Notary Corporation

Underhill & Underhill Underhill Geomatics Ltd

Professional Land Surveyors & Geomatics Engineers

“Serving the Community since 1970”

Elspeth McDougall

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. . . s m l i f e h t r ! o t f h e g i m n o C y for the sta Conveniently located down the street from the Paramount Theatre. Stay a night or more during the film festival and receive this special rate. $109.00 PLUS TAX includes Breakfast

www.theplazahotel.ca