24.5 Annual Kamloops Film Fest-2021

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HUB International proudly supports the 24 th Annual Kamloops Film Festival Good insurance supports you, guides you and empowers you. And so should a good broker.

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Table of Contents

Ticket Info

SCHEDULE..................................................................................... 5 Concession ................................................................................. 5 WELCOME...................................................................................... 7 KFF 2021 COMMITTEE................................................................... 7 MEATBALLS & IVAN REITMAN Q&A................................................. 8 DRIVE-IN FILMS................................................................. 9, 11, 13 INTRO TO FALLS AROUND HER WITH TANTOO CARDINAL ............................................................. 10 Opening Night........................................................................... 10 DARKFEST................................................................................... 12 Films for a cause..................................................................... 14 Online Films............................................................15, 17, 19, 21 KISS ............................................................................................ 16 Featured Non-Profit............................................................... 20 Q&A’s .................................................................................... 23, 24 Online Oscar Watch Party..................................................... 24 Special Events .............................................................25, 27, 28 Filmprov & Pizza Closing Party............................................. 28 Flavours & Flicks .................................................................... 29 Family Film................................................................................ 30 Sponsors................................................................................... 31

DRIVE-IN SINGLE TICKETS

Available Online and at the Paramount Theatre (503 Victoria Street) during open hours.

Couple (1-2 people per car): $25: Non Members • $23: Film Buff & Higher Members Family (3-4 people per car): $35: Non Members • $31: Film Buff & Higher Members Large Family (5-6 people per car): $45: Non Members • $39: Film Buff & Higher Members

DRIVE-IN PASSES

Available Online ONLY, but film picks MUST be made by phone (236-425-3456) or in-person at the Paramount Theatre (503 Victoria Street) during open hours.

$250: 10-Film Pass • $150: 5-Film Pass • $105: 3-Film Pass

ONLINE SINGLE TICKETS Available Online ONLY.

$15 per film.

ONLINE PASSES Available Online ONLY.

$150: Full Pass (All Online Films) • $100: 10-Film Pass $55: 5-Film Pass • $39: 3-Film Pass

DARKFEST PASS

Available Online ONLY. Includes the 1 DarkFest Film at the Drive-In (as available) and 3 DarkFest Films Online. $50 per Pass (up to 6 people per car at the Drive-In) * Fees apply when purchasing Passes or Tickets online. * Drive-In VOUCHERS must be exchanged in advance at the Paramount Theatre (503 Victoria Street) during open hours. A voucher holder will not be allowed entry to a film at the Twin Rivers Drive-In gate without a ticket. * Online Film Vouchers are useable directly online.

For complete ticketing rules visit kamloopsfilmfest.ca/tickets

Special Thanks The Kelson Group • Ron & Rae Fawcett • The City of Kamloops • Dewi Evans • Film Enthusiast Members: Shaun Danco, Oriole Road Animal Hospital, Connie Brim & Alison Hrbinic • Staff: Jan Antons, Sydnee Blackall, Emily Brown, Jessica Buchanan, Destiny Geddes, Brittney Martens, Kendalyn Taylor, Sam Theriault & Bram Walker • Photographers: Peter Olsen, Frank Luca, Mary Putnam, Barbara Zimonick, Sharelle Cassidy & Kathryn Learie • Sarbjit Singh – Theatre Agencies • KFS Board: Tom Friedman, Brian Mitchell, Nathalie Wandler, Murray Dickson, Kevin Martin, Adam Trudel and Terri Anne Wilson • Jon Fulton • Gilkertron Creative graphic design • Linda Komori – Graphic Design • Mark Roberts – Website Design • and all our volunteers!

Proud sponsors of the Kamloops Film Festival.

More than just Realtors.

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

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The Stand Mini-series on CBS All Access and Amazon Prime Video

SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY APRIL 21

SUNDAY APRIL 25

FRIDAY APRIL 30

4:30pm

5pm 9:30pm

6pm 8pm 8:30pm

8pm 8:30pm 8:30pm

MEATBALLS ......................................... 8 Q&A - Ivan Reitman .................. 8 Madison Olds....................................25 Intro with Tantoo Cardinal ..........10 FALLS AROUND HER......................... 9

THURSDAY APRIL 22 7:45pm 8:30pm

Red Carpet ..........................................10 PERCY (Opening Film)...................10

FRIDAY APRIL 23 8pm 8:30pm 10:30pm 11pm

JP Lancaster......................................25 SUPERNOVA ......................................... 9 Film for a Cause .........................14 Patrick Maliha..................................25 OUR FRIEND......................................... 9

SATURDAY APRIL 24 8pm 8:30pm 11pm 11:30pm

Slow No Tempo................................25 FIRST COW............................................ 9 Clinton W. Gray................................ 27 KAJILLIONAIRE....................................11

Online Oscar Watch Party..........24 BLUE NOTE RECORDS: BEYOND THE NOTES ........................11

10:30pm 11pm

MONDAY APRIL 26 8pm 8:30pm

Raiden Taiko Drummers ............. 27 THE FATHER..........................................11 Featured Non-Profit ................20

TUESDAY APRIL 27 8pm 8:30pm

Whirlwind Library Tour................ 27 ANOTHER ROUND..............................11

WEDNESDAY APRIL 28 8pm 8:30pm

Obittersweet: Life Lessons from Obituaries ... 27 MINARI....................................................11

THURSDAY APRIL 29 8pm 8:30pm 11pm

Kamloops Dance Academy....... 27 LAND .......................................................11 KISS ......................................................16

KFF CONCESSION

Q&A - The Curse of Willow Song..22 Kamloops Symphony................... 27 TWO OF US..........................................13 Film for a Cause .........................14 Caravan of Curiosities...................12 VIVARIUM .............................................13

SATURDAY MAY 1 4pm 6pm 7:45pm 8pm 8:30pm 11pm 11:30pm

Q&A - The Climb.................................22 Q&A - Ash............................................22 Family Film.........................................30 Uncle Chris the Clown .................28 WOLFWALKERS.................................13 Film for a Cause .........................14 Jeremy Kneeshaw..........................28 ABE (Closing Film)...........................13

SUNDAY MAY 2 4pm 6pm 8:30pm

Q&A - Death of a Ladies’ Man........24 Filmprov & Pizza Closing Party....................................28 BEST OF FEST.....................................13

FILMS OUTREACH

EVENTS DARKFEST

Concession items can be purchased 12-6pm at the Paramount Theatre each day of the festival. As well, your favourite concession items can be pre-ordered online for the Twin Rivers Drive-In. Pick out your popcorn, drink, and candy (including cotton candy!) and they’ll be waiting for you at the gate when you arrive.

COMBOS:

KFF CONCESSION

Treat Yo Self Combo - $14.31 | 1 Large Popcorn + 1 Bottled Drink + 1 Large Candy Lovers Combo - $17.65 | 1 Large Popcorn + 2 Bottled Drinks + 1 Large Candy Just Friends Combo - $22.74 | 2 Regular Popcorns + 2 Bottled Drinks + 2 Small Candy Wee Combo - $12.04 | 1 Medium Popcorn + 1 Bottled Drink + 1 Small Candy Vegan Combo - $9.64 | 1 Medium Popcorn + 1 Bottled Drink For a full list of concession items visit kamloopsfilmfest.ca/concession

Wake the Fun Up with Cheryl & Rich Film making tip: Don’t forget to white balance.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S WELCOME disadvantages into advantages, programming the best slate of films from BC, Canada, and around the world that we have ever had, and connecting with various artists and organizations from the community for entertaining special events. By utilizing our Twin Rivers Drive-In venue and a new online platform, we’ve given festival goers two safe and exciting new ways to connect with the KFF. As always, we have something for everyone and everything for someone. And this year, we even have popcorn! Pre-order your concession items and they’ll be waiting for you at the gate.

We are so thrilled to be back with our 24.5th Kamloops Film Festival! With the Paramount Theatre closed to the public for more than ten months since the COVID-19 Pandemic began, it has been difficult to share wonderful films with our even more wonderful patrons. So this KFF is extra special.

In the face of shutdowns and unknowns, we had to postpone and reimagine the festival, but it was important to us that we didn’t just bring you a watered-down version of the past.

This event means a lot to us and we didn’t want to lose the excitement that’s inherent with the KFF. So, the KFF Committee Zoom-assembled, generated ideas, and decided to go big! More days, more films, and more events than ever before. We turned

I am extra thankful this year. The KFF truly wouldn’t be possible without so many amazing human beings. First, the KFS Board.

The Kamloops Film Society starts and ends with this wonderful group. The society

WELCOME FROM THE CITY OF KAMLOOPS

wouldn’t be where it is today without their foresight and commitment; The Kelson Group, who have had our backs from day one of theatre operations; The KFF Committee. This has been a difficult year that has taken its tole on many. Asking people to volunteer their time in this climate is difficult. But this group of enthusiastic individuals was up to the challenge, helping champion film in Kamloops during this bleak period. I appreciate them very much; We knew going into this year that it would be difficult for businesses and organizations to sponsor and support the KFF. Times have been tough for many. So I am tremendously thankful to the sponsors, partners, and supporters who were able to come forward, including a few new ones! I am humbled by their commitment to community and culture; The frontline heroes of the KFF are our volunteers. As with committee members

and sponsors, this is a difficult year to be asking someone to step out of their home to help with our event, but these tremendous people are assisting anyway. Thank you, thank you, thank you; and finally, I want to thank you, our patrons. Not only for joining us for KFF 2021, but for your support throughout these difficult times from donations to Facebook likes, we truly appreciate your love for our Society.

During these unprecedented and stressful times, let the KFF help with your escape. Jump on the couch or into the car and let us take you all over the world.

I truly hope you take part and enjoy.

Dušan Magdolen KFS Executive Director

WELCOME FROM OUR MP

WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR On behalf of my colleagues on Council and the citizens of Kamloops, it is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to participants of the 2021 Kamloops Film Festival. This year’s festival will run from April 21-May 2, 2021, with all films showing at the Twin Rivers Drive-in and online.

A warm welcome to all film aficionados, occasional movie goers, sponsors and first time attendees!

Once again, the Kamloops Film Festival Committee has organized a diverse line up of films that is sure to offer everyone an opportunity to experience the genre they love most in the art of filmmaking.

The festival celebrates short films and local filmmakers by providing the opportunity to showcase their work on the big screen. The City is proud to be a sponsor of the festival and, in conjunction with the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission, is pleased to support the visual arts throughout the region.

Kamloops is fortunate that every spring for the past 20+ years, we have been enjoying a Film Festival and each year organizers strive to align a program that will invoke thought, emotion, entertainment and dialogue. The City of Kamloops is a proud sponsor and is grateful for the efforts of the hard working volunteers that consistently deliver this great cultural festival. Enjoy.

Barbara Berger Recreation, Social Development and Culture Manager City of Kamloops

Dear Friends and Visitors: As the Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo, I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending the 24.5th Annual Kamloops Film Festival.

Films, whether documentaries, dramas or comedies do not just entertain us, they help us to understand the world we live in and inform us of worlds we have not yet experienced.

Best wishes to the organizers and participants for a rewarding and inspiring experience.

Whether you enjoy the films this year at the drive-in or online, I hope that you are able to escape from the current challenging times; if only for a short while.

Yours truly, Ken Christian, Mayor City of Kamloops

Sincerely, Cathy McLeod, MP

KFF 2021 COMMITTEE DUŠAN MAGDOLEN

KEVIN MARTIN

EMILY BROWN

JENNIFER HOLMES-MILLER

DIANNE BELL

SHANNON COOPER

ESTHER MILLER

TONY MILLER

ALY COUCH

ANYSSA FORTIE

RUSTY PATERSON

DEREK REIN

DION FORTIE

LAVONNE FORTIE

JANET ROBERTS

JENNA GODDARD

TRISH ROSENAU

NATIONAL CANADIAN FILM DAY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, FILM AT 4:30PM • LIVE Q&A AT 6:15PM NCFD WEBSITE, LINK FROM WWW.KAMLOOPSFILMFEST.CA

MEATBALLS & IVAN REITMAN Q&A IVAN REITMAN Czechoslovakian-born, Canadian-raised Ivan Reitman is one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. An Officer of the Order of Canada, his work on big budget comedy films as a director, producer and writer helped to define the genre through the 1980s and 90s. He is the director/producer of over 75 films which have collectively grossed billions at the box office. His films such as Meatballs, Ghostbusters and Kindergarten Cop are considered classics and continue to influence filmmakers today. In 2010, Reitman was nominated for an Oscar for his work as producer on Up in the Air. In addition to his contributions as a filmmaker, Reitman and his family have supported Canadian cinema through other means including donating the land that is home to the TIFF Bell Lightbox, now appropriately named Reitman Square.

JACK BLUM Jack Blum is the Co-Founder, with Sharon Corder, of REEL CANADA and National Canadian Film Day. He began his professional life as an actor appearing in dozens of Canadian films and television shows, including his iconic tape-on-the-glasses performance as Spaz in Meatballs.

Join the Kamloops Film Festival for the National Canadian Film Day FREE virtual screening of Meatballs (1979), followed by an exclusive live discussion between the film’s director Ivan Reitman, along with cast members Jack Blum (“Spaz”) and Kate Lynch (“Roxanne”) co-presented by REEL CANADA and The Oakville Festivals of Film & Art, and moderated by Jennifer Valentyne.

KATE LYNCH Kate Lynch is an award-winning actress of film, television, and stage, as well as a theatre director, teacher, and playwright. The star of over 65 films and television shows, her portrayal of Roxanne in Ivan Reitman’s Meatballs won her a Genie award.

This ode to summer camp is a true Canadian classic and features Bill Murray in his first starring role as Tripper, a prankster and flirt who can’t help teasing his boss and the counsellors at the nearby rich-kids’ camp. Full of wacky pranks, lively hijinks and a lot of touching moments, Meatballs is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

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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.* Y. T. (Juliana) Lam, B.Sc. O.D.* Dan Derkson, O.D.*

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

DRIVE-IN Opening Film

Percy • Thurs APRIL 22 • 8:30PM Canada Directed by Clark Johnson In English Biography, Drama 120 minutes Rated G

Based on events from a 1998 lawsuit, Percy follows small-town farmer Percy Schmeiser, who challenges a major conglomerate when the company's genetically modified (GMO) canola is discovered in the 70-year-old farmer's crops. As he speaks out against the company's business practices, he realizes he is representing thousands of other disenfranchised farmers around the world fighting the same battle. “[CLARK JOHNSON'S] SEAMLESS, MATURE DIRECTION AND THE PRAIRIE LANDSCAPES ARE JOYS.” - Annie Brodie, What She Said

Drive-In KFF PreView - National Canada Film Day Falls Around Her will be preceded by At Her Shore from Japneet Singh (KFF 3rd Place Winner at KISS 2020)

Drive-In

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Falls Around Her • Weds April 21 • 8:30pm

Supernova • Fri April 23 • 8:30pm

Canada Directed by Darlene Naponse In English, Ojibwa Drama, Thriller 100 minutes Rated PG: coarse language; violence

UK Directed by Harry Macqueen In English Drama, Romance 95 minutes Rated PG: coarse language

Tantoo Cardinal shines as a world-famous Anishinaabe musician who returns to the reserve to rest and recharge -only to discover that fame (and the outside world) are not easily left behind, in writer-director Darlene Naponse's riveting portrait of resilience set among a northern First Nation.

“TANTOO CARDINAL IS ENTHRALLING” - NOW Magazine

Tickets are only $5/car

Sam and Tusker are traveling across England in their old RV to visit friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with dementia two years ago, their time together is the most important thing they have.

“ALIVE WITH THE THINGS THAT MAKE LIFE WORTH LIVING FOR” -NME

ACTRA Awards (2019) – Nominee: Outstanding Performance – Female Toronto International Film Festival (2018) – Nominee: Best Canadian Feature Film

Heartland Film (2021) – Winner: Truly Moving Picture Award • AARP Movies for Grownups Awards (2021) – Winner: Best Grownup Love Story • San Sebastian International Film Festival (2020) – Nominee: Best Film

Drive-In

Drive-In Cathy & Phil Holman DEREK V SMOLUK Notary Corporation

Our Friend • Fri April 23 • 11pm USA Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite In English Drama 124 minutes Rated PG: coarse language

After receiving life-altering news, a couple finds unexpected support from their best friend, who puts his own life on hold and moves into their family home, bringing an impact much greater and more profound than anyone could have imagined.

“BEAUTIFUL. THE FILM THE WORLD NEEDS RIGHT NOW.” - Stephen Saito, Moveable Fest “A TRIO OF TERRIFIC PERFORMANCES.” - Joey Magidson, Hollywood News

First Cow • Sat April 24 • 8:30pm USA Directed by Kelly Reichardt In English Drama, Western 122 minutes Rated PG: violence

A skilled cook has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant also seeking his fortune. Soon the two collaborate on a successful business.

“A BEAUTIFUL, SOUL-AFFIRMING EXPERIENCE” - Charles Bramisco, Birth. Movies. Death

Hollywood Critics Association (2021) - Nominee: Best Adapted Screenplay • Hollywood Critics Association (2020) – Nominee: Best Female Director, Best Indie Film • International Cinephile Society Awards (2021) – Winner: Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay

Intro TO FALLS AROUND HER With Tantoo Cardinal WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21 AT 8:30PM TWIN RIVERS DRIVE-IN As a special treat, Tantoo Cardinal will be providing an introduction to Falls Around Her, which marks the first starring film role in her legendary career.

A celebrated actor, TANTOO CARDINAL has a remarkable record on stage, television, and film.

She has been widely recognized for her contributions to the growth and development of Aboriginal performing arts. Throughout her fifty year career and more than one hundred and twenty roles, she has broken barriers for onscreen representation of Indigenous peoples and has challenged negative stereotypes. Her most famous film roles include multiple Academy Award winner Dances with Wolves (1990) and Academy Award nominee Legends of the Fall (1994).

Most recently, she starred in Stumptown for ABC TV

For more information on Falls Around Her see page 9.

The Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union is a democratic, membership-based organisation. This is the greatest factor in determining the structure of the organisation and how decisions are made.

Opening Night et!

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PERCY

THURSDAY, APRIL 22 AT 7:45PM • TWIN RIVERS DRIVE-IN The 2021 opening night film, Percy, starring Christopher Walken as a Canadian farmer taking on a giant corporation over GMO interference, kicks off our biggest KFF ever on Earth Day! This year, attendees get to DRIVE the red carpet, receive themed gifts, and win prizes for best farmer outfit and best farm vehicle!

Address: 805 TRU Way Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8 Email: info@trusu.ca Phone: 250-828-5289 Fax: 250-852-6350

Drive-In

Drive-In “Serving the Community since 1970”

Elspeth McDougall

Kajillionaire will be preceded by Tomatoes from Todd Sullivan (Special Jury Prize - Best Sequel at KISS 2020)

Kajillionaire • Sat April 24 • 11:30pm USA Directed by Miranda July In English Crime, Drama 104 minutes Rated PG: coarse & sexual language

Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes • Sun April 25 • 9:30pm

Con-artists Theresa (Debra Winger) and Robert (Richard Jenkins) have spent 26 years training their only daughter, Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood), to swindle, scam, and steal at every opportunity. During a desperate, hastily conceived heist, they charm a stranger (Gina Rodriguez) into joining their next scam, only to have their entire world turned upside down.

“WONDERFULLY UNPREDICTABLE” - Los Angeles Times

Switzerland Directed by Sophie Huber In English Documentary, History, Music 85 minutes Rated PG: coarse language

A revelatory, thrilling and emotional journey behind the scenes of Blue Note Records, the pioneering label that gave voice to some of the finest jazz artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

“DAMN-NEAR IMMACULATE” - The Guardian

GLAAD Media Awards (2021) – Nominee: Outstanding Film – Limited Release • Indiewire Cirtics’ Poll (2020) – Nominee: Best Screenplay • Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards (2021) – Winner Tom Poe Award for Best LGBT Film

FOCAL International Awards (2019) – Nominee: Best Use of Footage in a Music Production • Pan African Film Festival (2019) – Winner: Documentary • Richmond International Film Festival (2019) – Winner: 2019 Tribute Award – Outstanding Achievement in a Film

Drive-In

Drive-In

The Father will be preceded by Letters Home (KAC Youth Prize Winner at KISS 2020)

The Father • Mon April 26 • 8:30pm UK | France Directed by Florian Zeller In English Drama 97 minutes Rated PG: violence; coarse language

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JORDAN NICHOLSON

VIDEO MARKETING

A man refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. As he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.

“ANTHONY HOPKINS IS STUNNING. FLORIAN ZELLER MAKES HIS AUSPICIOUS DEBUT AS A FEATURE-FILM DIRECTOR.” – Owen Gleiberman, Variety

Another Round will be preceded by The Economist from Mbongeni Mngomezulu (KFS 1st Place Winner at KISS 2020)

Another round • Tues April 27 • 8:30pm Denmark | Sweden | Netherlands Directed by Thomas Vinterberg In Danish and Swedish (with English subtitles) Comedy, Drama 117 minutes Rated PG: sexually suggestive scene; coarse language

Four friends, all high school teachers, test a theory that they will improve their lives by maintaining a constant level of alcohol in their blood.

“MADS MIKKELSEN’S BEST PERFORMANCE IN YEARS” - Eric Kohn, Indiewire “A HEADY, VIBRANT AND FUNNY FILM” - Clarisse Loughrey, The Independent

Nominated for 6 Academy Awards (2021) including Best Motion Picture of the Year Nominated for 4 Golden Globes (2021) including Best Motion Picture - Drama

Academy Awards (2021) - Nominee: Best International Feature Film, Best Achievement in Directing • Golden Globes (2021) – Nominee: Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language • Danish Film Awards (2021) – Winner: Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Film

Drive-In

Drive-In THOMPSON RIVERS

appraisals

Minari will be preceded by Le Frame from Mike Erickson (Joy Factory 2nd Place & TNRD Prize Winner at KISS 2020)

Minari • Weds April 28 • 8:30pm USA Directed by Lee Isaac Chung In Korean and English Drama 115 minutes Rated G

A Korean family starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas.

“A STAGGERINGLY POWERFUL STORY OF THE AMERICAN DREAM” - Indiewire “A STUNNINGLY INTIMATE FAMILY PORTRAIT UNIVERSAL IN TENDERNESS” - AP

Nominated for 6 Academy Awards (2021) including Best Motion Picture of the Year • Golden Globes (2021) – Winner: Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language • Screen Actors Guild Awards (2021) – Nominee: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Land • Thurs April 29 • 8:30pm USA Directed by Robin Wright In English Drama 89 minutes Rated PG: violence

A local hunter brings a grieving lawyer back from the brink of death after she retreats to the harsh wilderness of the Rockies.

“IMPRESSIVE DEBUT FILM FROM ROBIN WRIGHT” - Leonard Martin, leonardmartin.com “VISUALLY STRIKING AND DEEPLY AFFECTIVE TALE” - Rene Sanchez, Cine Sin Fronteras

Palm Springs International Film Festival (2021) - Winner: Directors to Watch • AARP Movies for Grownups Awards (2021) - Winner: Best Supporting Actor, Nominee: Best Actress

Plus!

Don’t miss a Live Q&A with the Writer/Director of The Curse of Willow Song, Karen Lam. More info on page 22.

DRIVE-IN

ONLINE

VIVARIUM FRI APRIL 30 • 11PM

COME TO DADDY

ONLINE

ONLINE

THE CURSE OF WILLOW SONG

VIOLATION

THE CARAVAN OF CURIOSITIES Friday, April 30 at 8pm • Twin Rivers Drive-In

The Caravan of Curiosities are a Vancouver-based circus/ sideshow collective with members ranging across Canada – with plans to soon expand to New Zealand in late 2021/ Early 2022. They pride themselves on bringing weird and wonderful spectacles to both private events and their own productions. Founded in 2015, they have performed across Canada and in the Western USA, including at DarkFest 2019 & 2020, delighting and thrilling audiences in equal measure. caravanofcuriosities.com

DARKFEST CO-PRESENTERS Drunk in a Graveyard is a Kamloops based horror collective made up of Robin, Rigby and Scotty - three best friends who started a website (2012), podcast (2017) and YouTube channel (2018) to talk about all things horror but with an inebriated and comedic edge. Voted Best Podcast in Kamloops by KamloopsBC Now in 2020, viewers will recognize Robin & Scotty from previous DarkFests (2018-2020) and many other spooky events with the Kamloops Film Society. Unfortunately, you may find them online, everywhere. drunkinagraveyard.com

Drive-In

Drive-In

DARKFEST

LOGO TYPE

Vivarium will be preceded by Double Creature Feature from Tyler Hall

Two of Us • fri April 30 • 8:30pm

Vivarium • Fri April 30 • 11pm DESIGNS

France | Luxembourg | Belgium Directed by Filippo Meneghetti In French (with English subtitles) Drama, Romance 99 minutes Rated PG: coarse language

Pensioners Nina and Madeleine have hidden their deep and passionate love for many decades, but their bond is put to the test when they are suddenly unable to move freely between each other's apartments.

“A MOVING TRIBUTE TO LOVE” - Variety

Golden Globes, USA (2021) – Nominee: Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language • Angers European First Film Festival (2020) – Winner: French Feature Films • Dublin International Film Festival (2020) – Winner: Best Actress

Ireland | Belgium | Denmark | Canada Directed by Lorcan Finnegan In English Comedy, Horror, Mystery 97 minutes Rated PG: coarse language; sexually suggestive scenes; nudity

A young couple is thinking about buying their starter home. And to this end, they visit a real estate agency where they are received by a strange sales agent, who accompanies them to a new, mysterious, peculiar housing development to show them a single-family home. There they get trapped in a surreal, maze-like nightmare.

“A NERVE-JANGLING, FINELY CRAFTED THRILLER” - Stephen Dalton, The Hollywood Reporter

Cannes Film Festival - Winner: Gan Foundation Support for Distribution, Nominee: Critics' Week Grand Prize • L'Etrange Festival - Winner: Best Feature Film • Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival - Winner: Best Actress, Nominee: Best Motion Picture

DRIVE-IN Family Film

Wolfwalkers will be preceded by Out of Bounds from Jacob Blair & Matteo Caccaci (Special Jury Prize - Best PSA & Audience Choice Winner at KISS 2020)

Wolfwalkers • Sat may 1 • 8:30PM Ireland | UK | France Directed by Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart Animation, Adventure, Family In English Rated PG: violence

In a time of superstition and magic, when wolves are seen as demonic and nature an evil to be tamed, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn comes to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last pack. But when Robyn saves a wild native girl, Mebh, their friendship leads her to discover the world of the Wolfwalkers.

“IT’S GLORIOUS, GORGEOUS, AND MORE THAN A LITTLE PROFOUND” - New York Magazine Academy Awards, USA (2021) – Nominee: Best Animated Feature Film • Golden Globes, USA (2021) – Nominee: Best Motion Picture – Animated • BAFTA Awards (2021) – Nominee: Best Animated Featured Film • Chicago Film Critics Association Awards (2020) – Winner: Best Animated Film

Drive-In

Drive-In

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Closing Film Abe • Sat May 1 • 11:30pm USA | BRAZIL Directed by Fernando Grostein Andrade In English Comedy, Drama 85 minutes Rated PG: coarse language

KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL » MARCH 3-12, 2016

Best of Fest

Abe is a 12-year-old boy from Brooklyn who cooks to unite his half Israeli and half Palestinian family, but everything goes wrong.

“A SIMPLE DELIGHT” - Slug Magazine “AN APPETIZING FUSION” - The Hollywood Reporter

Best of Fest • Sun May 2 • 8:30pm As a bonus for the 2021 Festival, one of the most popular films from the Twin Rivers Drive-In lineup will be brought back on the final day of the festival for a Best of Fest screening!

Holidays 365 Film Festival (2020) – Winner: Grand Prize Jury Award • Washington Jewish Film Festival (2019) – Winner: Best Narrative • Zlin Film Festival (2019) – Nominee: Best Feature Film for Youth

Proud supp

Films for a Cause A WAY HOME

FRIDAY, APRIL 23 AT 7:45PM • TWIN RIVERS DRIVE-IN We are encouraging our attendees at the Twin Rivers Drive-In screening of Supernova to help the local A Way Home Kamloops, by bringing some much-needed items or cash donations for this worthwhile Kamloops organization.

WISH LIST: 10 new vacuum cleaners • Grocery store gift cards • Gift cards for stores providing bedding and housewares A Way Home Kamloops is a leader and innovator in preventing and ending youth homelessness. They are a charitable non-profit that provides housing and support services to youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The organization provides a range of wraparound supports like prevention, housing, employment, education & support.

KAMLOOPS FOOD BANK

FRIDAY, APRIL 30 AT 7:45PM • TWIN RIVERS DRIVE-IN Before our screening of Two of Us, the Kamloops Foodbank will be in attendance collecting items and cash donations.

Please donate what you can to help a worthwhile cause in our community.

TOP TEN NEEDED ITEMS: Baby Food • Beans • Canned Fruit • Canned Pasta Canned Vegetables • Formula • Peanut Butter • Rice • Soup • Tuna The Kamloops Food Bank’s vision is a hunger-free community. They expanded their food recovery program to include all perishable items donated by every grocery retailer in Kamloops and will have collected 2 million pounds by year end. They tripled the number of elementary age children who receive backpacks full of food every weekend and distributed a record amount of food to their 7,000 clients, 9 regional food banks in addition to the 52 community meal making agencies they serve.

KAMLOOPS & DISTRICT SPCA

SATURDAY, MAY 1 AT 7:45PM • TWIN RIVERS DRIVE-IN

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Help the local SPCA gather some much-needed items for their far-reaching operations. Bring an item to our screening of Wolfwalkers or make a cash donation!

NEEDS: ANIMAL CARE SUPPLIES: Puzzle toys for dogs & cats • Cat wet canned food (pate style) • Dog wet canned food • Dog treats • Cat treats (Temptations) • Yesterday News cat litter • Pine shavings for small animals • Chew toys for small animals • CLEANING SUPPLIES: HE laundry detergent • Dryer sheets • Paper towel • Toilet Paper • Kleenex • Large size garbage bags (74L to 90L) • Tall size garbage bags (36L to 45L) • OFFICE SUPPLIES: Printer paper (letter size) • Scotch tape and Packing tape • Correction tapes (white out) • White-board markers • OTHER: Gift cards (Grocery stores, pet stores…etc.)

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The BC SPCA Kamloops Community Animal Centre is one of 44 BC SPCA locations across the province serving sick, neglected, abused and homeless animals. Whether you are looking to adopt a new furry friend into your family or would like to know more about how you can make a difference for animals in our community, they are here to MARCH 5 » 3PM M help. The BC SPCAIisL a not-for-profit organization which relies primarily on community F THE LADY IN THE VAN donations to help animals in need.

Our film for a cause this year is the whimsical British film, The Lady in the Van. Based on a true story and starring

Online

Family Film 100% Wolf

KFF Online Platinum sponsor:

Australia | Belgium Directed by Alexs Stadermann In English Animation, Adventure, Comedy 96 minutes Rated G

The story of 100% Wolf centers on Freddy Lupin, the heir to a proud family line of werewolves.

Desperate to become a werewolf himself, Freddy is in for a shock when on his 13th birthday his first “transwolfation” goes awry, turning him into a ferocious … poodle. Just when Freddy thinks life can’t get any worse, he’s groomed against his will, chased into the streets and thrown into dog prison. Can Freddy and his new streetwise friend, Batty, escape? Who is the sinister man following his every move? Despite his pink and fluffy exterior, can Freddy prove he’s still 100% wolf?

“BONE-AFIDE AUSSIE ANIMATION TREAT” - Andrew F. Peirce, The Curb

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BC Film Ash Canada Directed by Andrew Huculiak In English Drama 104 minutes Rated 14A: theme of sexual abuse involving minors

Beanpole A small town news reporter is accused of unspeakable crimes while he follows a massive forest fire that threatens his community.

“AS PROFOUND AND INSPIRING AS IT IS DISTURBING” - Philippe Petit, Man on Wire

Russia Directed by Kantemir Balagov In Russian (with English subtitles) Drama, War 130 minutes Not Yet Rated

1945, Leningrad. WWII has devastated the city, demolishing its buildings and leaving its citizens in tatters, physically and mentally. Two young women search for meaning and hope in the struggle to rebuild their lives amongst the ruins.

“ACHINGLY BEAUTIFUL” - David Ehrlich, Indiewire

Woodstock Film Festival (2019) – Winner: Best Cinematography • Vancouver Film Critics Circle (2019) – Nominee: Best Actor in a Canadian Film, Best Supporting Actress in a Canadian Film • Los Cabos International Film Festival (2019) – Nominee: Best Film

Cannes Film Festival (2019) - Winner: FIPRESCI Prize, Best Director • Golden Eagle Awards, Russia (2020) - Winner: Best Actress • Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards (2020) - Winner: Best Foreign Film • Online Film Critics Society Awards (2020) - Winner: Best Non-U.S. Release

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Better Days

The Climb

China | Hong Kong Directed by Derek Tsang In Mandarin, English Crime, Drama, Family 135 minutes Rated PG: theme of bullying; violence; coarse language

A bullied teenage girl forms an unlikely friendship with a mysterious young man who protects her from her assailants, all while she copes with the pressures of her final examinations.

“GRIPPING, SUPERBLY PERFORMED MELODRAMA” - Jessica Kang, Variety

Academy Awards, USA (2021) – Nominee: Best International Feature Film • Academy Award of Beijing Film Academy (2020) – Winner: Best Actor/Actress • China Film Director’s Guild Awards (2020) – Winner: Best Actress, Best Director from Hong Kong or Taiwan

USA Directed by Michael Angelo Covino In English and French Comedy, Drama 98 minutes Rated 14A: coarse language

The Climb is about a tumultuous but enduring relationship between two men across many years of laughter, heartbreak and rage. It is also the story of real-life best friends who turn their profound connection into a rich, humane and frequently uproarious film about the boundaries (or lack thereof) in all close friendships.

“A BRILLIANT REINVENTION OF THE BUDDY COMEDY” - IndieWire

Cannes Film Festival (2019) – Winner: Un Certain Regard – Jury Coup de Coeur • Cannes Film Festival (2019) – Nominee: Golden Camera, Un Certain Regard Award • National Board of Review, USA (2021) – Winner: NBR Award, Top Ten Independent Films

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THEATRE

KAMLOOPS INDEPENDENT SHORT SHORTS (KISS) FEST

THURSDAY, APRIL 29 AT 11PM • TWIN RIVERS DRIVE-IN Filmmakers from the TNRD and KFS patrons will get to see local films on the big screen…AT A DRIVE-IN! At $5 per car, this event is a very affordable, unique, and truly local opportunity!

The Filmmakers will be rewarded with prizes and the audience will be rewarded with entertainment. Win-win-win! kamloopsfilmfest.ca/kiss

MUSIC IMPROV

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VARIETY

FEStival Experience Local Kamloops Talent

DEVON MORE | MOTHER SUN | THE FREUDIAN SLIPS | CHRIS BOSE ZORBLAX, DESTROYER OF WORLDS | KAMLOOPS BURLESQUE | SHENANIGANS CVETOZAR VUTEV & CURTIS HOWELL | JYELLE VOGEL | JESSICA BUCHANAN & CO. DAN ONDANG & ANDREW ROBERTSON | ACME WORLD HEADQUARTERS Also Featuring

Nightly Live Music | Bonus Events & Conversations Free Saturday Family Matinée ...for all your dental needs!

BUMP INTO YOUR FRIENDS AND MAKE NEW ONES IN OUR VIRTUAL PAVILION THEATRE LOBBY ON OPENING AND CLOSING NIGHTS!

250.374.2615 smilekamloops.com

Live! Online | May 5th - 15th, 2021 Tickets at KAMLOOPS LIVE! BOX OFFICE | kamloopslive.ca www.remergencefestival.ca

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DARKFEST Come to Daddy

Collective Romania | Luxembourg | Germany Directed by Alexander Nanau In Romanian, English Documentary, Drama 109 minutes Rated PG: coarse language; violence

Director Alexander Nanau follows a crack team of investigators at the Romanian newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor as they try to uncover a vast health-care fraud that enriched moguls and politicians and led to the deaths of innocent citizens.

“A GRIPPING EXPOSÉ OF INSTITUTIONAL INJUSTICE” - Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times

Academy Awards, USA (2021) – Nominee: Best International Feature Film, Best Documentary Feature • BAFTA Awards (2021) – Nominee: Best Documentary • National Board of Review, USA (2021) – Winner: Top Five Foreign Language Films • Vancouver Film Critics Circle (2021) – Winner: Best Documentary

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Ireland | Canada | New Zealand | USA Directed by Ant Timpson In English Comedy, Horror, Mystery 96 minutes Rated 14A: violence; coarse language; nudity

A man in his thirties travels to a remote cabin to reconnect with his estranged father.

ProudANDSponsor “A TWISTED BLEND ~ OF COMEDY HORROR” - Caroline Cao, Slash Film “BOUNDLESSLY DERANGED” - Matt Donato, Dread Central

Toronto After Dark Film Festival (2019) – Winner: Best Director, Best Male Actor in a Leading Role • Leo Awards (2020) – Winner: Best Supporting Performance, Best Costume Design in a Motion Picture • Fright Meter Awards (2020) – Nominee: Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor

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BC Film

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The Cuban

DARKFEST The Curse of Willow Song

Canada Directed by Segio Navarretta In English Drama 109 minutes Rated PG: coarse language; sexually suggestive scene

When a naive pre-med student named Mina gets her first job in a nursing home, an unexpected friendship with Luis, an elderly Cuban musician, reignites her love of music and changes her life forever.

“THE CUBAN PULLS TOGETHER MUSIC, ROMANCE, LOSS, AND MEMBORY INTO AN EMOTIONAL TALE THAT SPANS CULTURES AND GENERATIONS.” - RogerEbert.com

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Canada Directed by Karen Lam In English 90 minutes Not Yet Rated

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A young Asian woman is released from prison and must chose between her dangerous new life on the streets, her former gang life, and the nightmares of her haunted mind.

“AN INSTANT HORROR CLASSIC” - electric47

DaVinci Film Festival (2020) –Winner: Feature Film • Whistler Film Festival (2019) – Winner: Best Cinematography for a Borsos Film • Forest City Film Festival (2020) – Winner: Best Feature Film

Vancouver International Film Festival (2020) - Winner: Best BC Film • Vancouver International Women in Film Festival (2021) - Winner: Best Editing in a Feature Film • Leo Awards (2020) Winner: Best Direction in a Motion Picture, Best Cinematography in a Motion Picture

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Death of a Ladies’ Man

Falling

Canada | Ireland Directed by Matt Bissonnette In English Drama 100 minutes Not Yet Rated

Inspired by the work of Leonard Cohen, and set to some of his most beloved music, Death of a Ladies' Man tells the story of a carousing college professor whose life takes a series of unimaginable turns, and all the old stories are given a new twist, when he begins to have surreal hallucinations and learns he may not be long for this world.

“BYRNE GIVES US ONE OF HIS BEST PERFORMANCES IN YEARS” - NOW Toronto “A LIKEABLE AND MELODIC DRAMEDY” - Globe and Mail

Canada | UK | Denmark Directed by Viggo Mortensen In English, Spanish Drama 112 minutes Rated 14A: coarse language

John Peterson lives with his partner Eric and their adopted daughter in Southern California. When he is visited by his aging father Willis from Los Angeles who is searching for a place to retire, their two very different worlds collide.

“A MASTERFUL FAMILY DRAMA, TAKING A COMPASSIONATE VIEW OF A FATHER WHOSE FAULTS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE” - The Hollywood Reporter

CinEuphoria Awards (2021) – Winner: Best Supporting Actor (Sverrir Gudnason) – International Competition, Best Supporting Actor (Lance Henriksen) – International Competition • Directors Guild of Canada (2020) – Winner: Outstanding Achievement in Picture Editing • San Sebastian International Film Festival (2020) – Winner: Best Film

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KFF Online Platinum sponsor:

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La Belle éPoque

Lucky Grandma

France | Belgium Directed by Nicolas Bedos In French, English, German Comedy, Drama, Fantasy 115 minutes Rated 14A: sexually suggestive scenes

A couple in crisis. He, disillusioned, sees his life upset the day an entrepreneur offers him to plunge back into the time of his choice.

“WITTY, SEXY AND ORIGINAL” - The Hollywood Reporter

USA Directed by Sasie Sealy In English, Mandarin, Cantonese Comedy, Drama 87 minutes Not Yet Rated

Set in New York City's Chinatown, an ornery, chain-smoking Chinese grandma goes all in at the casino, landing herself on the wrong side of luck - and in the middle of a gang war.

“OUTRAGEOUSLY FUNNY AND UNQUESTIONABLY COOL” - Slashfilm

Cesar Awards, France (2020) - Winner: Best Production Design, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay • Canadian Society of Cinematographers Awards (2020) - Nominee: Best Cinematography in Theatrical Feature • Palm Springs International Film Festival (2020) - Winner: Directors to Watch

Alliance of Women Film Journalists (2021) – Nominee: Actress Defying Age and Ageism • International Film Festival & Awards Macao (2019) – Nominee: Best Film • Napa Valley Film Festival (2019) – Winner: Best Narrative Feature

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Military Wives

The Mole Agent

UK Directed by Peter Cattaneo In English Comedy, Drama, Musical 112 minutes Rated PG: coarse & sexual language

Inspired by global phenomenon of military wives choirs, the story celebrates a band of misfit women who form a choir on a military base. As unexpected bonds of friendship flourish, music and laughter transform their lives, helping each of them overcome their fears for loved ones in combat.

“THE FEEL GOOD MOVIE OF THE YEAR” - Chicago Sun-Times

Chile | Netherlands | Spain | Germany | USA Directed by Maite Alberdi In Spanish (with English subtitles) Documentary 84 minutes Not Yet Rated

When a family becomes concerned about their mother’s well-being in a retirement home, private investigator Romulo hires Sergio, an 83 year-old man who becomes a new resident–and a mole inside the home, who struggles to balance his assignment with becoming increasingly involved in the lives of several residents.

“THE MOST HEARTWARMING SPY MOVIE EVER MADE” - Eric Kohn, Indiewire

Heartland Film (2020) – Winner: Truly Moving Picture Award • Guild of Music Supervisors Awards (2021) – Nominee: Best Music Supervision for Films Budgeted Under 10 Million Dollars

Academy Awards (2021) - Nominee: Best Documentary Feature • Sundance Film Festival (2020) Nominee: World Cinema – Documentary • National Board of Review (2021) - Winner: Top Five Foreign Language Films

Online

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My Salinger Year

Nadia Butterfly

Canada | Ireland Directed by Philippe Falardeau In English Drama 101 minutes Rated PG: coarse language

In New York City's late nineties, a young aspiring writer lands a day-job at J.D. Salinger's literary agency. While her eccentric and old-fashioned boss tasks her to process Salinger's voluminous fan mail, she struggles to find her own voice.

“A TALE FULL OF CHARM & INTELLIGENCE” - The Arts Desk “A CAREER HIGH FOR SIGOURNEY WEAVER” - The UK Times

La Roche-sur-Yon International Film Festival (2020) – Nominee: Competition Internationale

Canada Directed by Pascal Plante In French and English Drama 107 minutes Not Yet Rated

Nadia, an Olympic swimmer in her twenties, faces the challenges of her imminent retirement.

“A SUBDUED AND SUBTLY POWERFUL LOOK AT THE UNEXPECTED PERILS OF DRY LAND.” - Steve Pond, TheWrap “FILMMAKING OF LEAN PRECISION” - Wendy Ide, Screen International

Vancouver International Film Festival (2020) – Winner: Best Canadian Feature Film • Quebec City International Film Festival (2020) – Nominee: Official Competition: Grand Jury Prize • Americana Film Fest (2021) – Nominee: Audience Award

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RADIO PEOPLE LOVE GREAT MOVIES TOO

KAMLOOPS ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

MONDAY, APRIL 26 AT 8:30PM • TWIN RIVERS DRIVE-IN Before our screening of The Father at the Twin Rivers Drive-In, we will be featuring The Alzheimer’s Society of Kamloops, connecting our audience with the work of this wonderful organization.

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The Mission of the Alzheimer’s Society is to ensure people affected by dementia are not alone, by educating and mobilizing a broader community of care around them, and supporting valuable research into the disease and people living with it.

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KFF Online Platinum sponsor:

Online

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Ordinary Love

SHIVA BABY

UK An extraordinary look at the lives of a middle-aged Directed by couple in the midst of the wife's breast cancer Lisa Barros D’Sa & diagnosis.

Glenn Leyburn In English “WARM, BELIEVABLE AND BRAVE PERFORMANCES Drama, Romance FROM BOTH” - Cate Marquis, AWFJ Women on Film 92 minutes Rated PG: sexually suggestive scene; nudity

USA | Canada Directed by Emma Seligman In English Comedy 77 minutes Not Yet Rated

At a Jewish funeral service with her parents, a college student runs into her sugar daddy.

“AN INSTANT COMING-OF-AGE CLASSIC” - Refinery 29 “GETS FUNNIER WITH EVERY NEW COMPLICATION” - The A.V. Club

Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards (2019) – Nominee: Best Irish Film • Irish Film and Television Awards (2020) – Winner: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Film), Best Film • Irish Film and Television Awards (2020) – Nominee: Best Actor in a Lead Role (Film), Best Director (Film), Best Script (Film) Best Makeup & Hair

Adelaide Film Festival (2020) – Winner: Best Feature • L.A. Outfest (2020) – Winner: Outstanding Screenwriting in a U.S. Feature • Toronto International Film Festival (2020) – Nominee: Best Canadian Feature Film

Online

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Sound of Metal

Stray

USA Directed by Darius Marder In English, American Sign Language, French Drama, Music 120 minutes Rated 14A: coarse language

A heavy-metal drummer's life is thrown into freefall when he begins to lose his hearing.

“RIZ AHMED IS INTIMATE AND EPIC” - Rolling Stone “A MESMERIZING DEBUT FROM WRITER-DIRECTOR DARIUS MARDER” - IndieWire

Turkey Directed by Elizabeth Lo In English Documentary 72 minutes Not Yet Rated

The world of Zeytin, a stray dog living life on the streets of Istanbul.

“THE ULTIMATE LOVE LETTER TO DOGS AND A MULTIFACETED MORAL INQUIRY INTO HUMANITY” - Variety “CAPTIVATING AND IMMERSIVE” - Film Magazine

Nominated for 6 Academy Awards (2021) including Best Motion Picture of the Year • Golden Globes (2021) – Nominee: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama) • BAFTA Awards (2021) – Nominee: Best Leading Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Sound, Best Editing

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (2020) - Winner: Best Documentary • Film Independent Spirit Awards (2021) - Nominee: Truer Than Fiction Award • Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards (2020) - Nominee: Best First Documentary Feature

Online

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DARKFEST Violation Canada Directed by Dusty Mancinelli, Madeleine Sims-Fewer In English Drama, Horror 107 minutes Not Yet Rated

When the Storm Fades With her marriage about to implode, Miriam returns to her hometown to seek solace in the comfort of her younger sister and brother-in-law. But one evening a tiny slip in judgement leads to a catastrophic betrayal, leaving Miriam shocked, reeling, and furious. Believing her only recourse is to exact revenge, Miriam takes extreme action, but the price of retribution is high, and she is not prepared for the toll it takes as she begins to emotionally and psychologically unravel.

“IT HAUNTS YOUR WAKING DREAMS” - Screen International

Vancouver International Film Festival - Winner: Emerging Canadian Director • Calgary International Film Festival - Winner: Jury Award - Emerging Canadian Artist

Canada Directed by Sean Devlin In English, Filipino Comedy, Drama 80 minutes Rated PG: coarse language

A well-intentioned, young Canadian couple help a family in the Philippines recover from the 2013 Super Typhoon Haiyan.

“UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNFORGETTABLE” - The Globe and Mail “BEAUTIFUL, BREATHTAKING, HILARIOUS” - Vice

Vancouver Film Critics Circle (2018) – Winner: Best Supporting Actor in a Canadian Film, Best Supporting Actress in a Canadian Film • Vancouver Film Critics Circle (2018) – Nominee: Best British Columbia Film • Liverpool International Film Festival (2018) – Winner: Best Director

Lovers

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the Arts Award Winning Community Newspaper

CELEBRATING

30 YEARS +

IN KAMLOOPS

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

1365B Dalhousie Drive | 250-374-7467 Ph: 250-374-2727 Fax: 250-374-8744 Email : derek@kamloopsnotary.ca

Proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the Kamloops Film Festival

Ph: 250-374-2727 Fax: 250-374-8744 Email : derek@kamloopsno

Q&A’s

ASH

The KFF presents a Live Q&A with the Writer/Director/ Producer/Star of the The Climb, Michael Covino. This is your chance to get your questions about this Comedy/ Drama answered.

Join us for a Live Q&A with the Writer/Director/Producer of Ash, Andrew Huculiak. Ash was shot in our region so has many local connections. Let’s find them out together!

SATURDAY, MAY 1 AT 4PM • VIRTUALLY

THE CURSE OF WILLOW SONG

FRIDAY, APRIL 30 AT 6PM • VIRTUALLY Join us for a Live Q&A with the Writer/Director of the DarkFest film, The Curse of Willow Song, Karen Lam. This will be your chance to find out about the making of the film and to ask your own questions.

KAREN LAM has worked full-time in the film and television industry since 2000.

Starting her career as a producer and entertainment lawyer, Karen has produced five feature films, eight short films and three television series. Her first short film as a writer/director (The Cabinet) won the NSI Drama Prize in 2006. She has since written/directed seven short films, a music video, Very Bad Men (2012) a true-crime documentary series for Investigation Discovery (US), a web series Mythos (2015) created for TELUS, and three feature films -Stained (2010), Evangeline (2013) and The Curse of Willow Song.

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THE CLIMB

SATURDAY, MAY 1 AT 6PM • VIRTUALLY

Michael Covino is a filmmaker and actor from New York. He produced Hunter Gatherer, which won a Special Jury Prize at SXSW and was nominated for the Cassavetes Award in 2017. Other feature credits as a producer include Kicks, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was released

by Focus World in 2016, and Keep in Touch, which he co-wrote.

In 2016 he was named to Moviemaker Magazine’s “25 Screenwriters to Watch” list. As an actor, he recently performed in Paul Greengrass’ News of the World for Universal. His feature directorial debut, The Climb, premiered in Un Certain Regard and won the Coup de Coeur Award at the 2019 Cannes film festival, where Sony Pictures Classics acquired the worldwide distribution rights. The Climb went on to play Telluride, Toronto, London, San Sebastian, Sundance, SXSW, and Deauville, where it won the Jury Prize.

ANDREW HUCULIAK is a multi-talented artist known not only as the animated drummer of We Are The City, a celebrated Canadian experimental rock band, but also as the award-winning director of Violent, his debut feature film, which won 19 awards across the international film festival circuit and The Hollywood Reporter lauded as "hurling a brick for Canadian newcomers". His challenging second film, Ash, starring Tim Guinee and Chelah Horsdal, was filmed amidst devastating forest fires in his home province of British Columbia and is an empathetic exploration of mental illness and the edges of humanity. Through his work Andrew explores themes of spirituality, existentialism, empathy and disaster.

Q&A’s continued on page 24

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE KAMLOOPS FILM FESTIVAL

DEREK V SMOLUK Notary Corporation

THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO PLANT THE SEEDS OF SUSTAINABLE NEWS www.sunpeaksnews.com

Q&A’s Continued DEATH OF A LADIES’ MAN

SUNDAY, MAY 2 AT 4PM • TWIN RIVERS DRIVE-IN Our final Live Q&A of KFF 2021 features the Writer/Director of Death of a Ladies Man, Matthew Bissonnette. Grab a comfy seat and bring your questions for this enlightening discussion.

MATTHEW BISSONNETTE was born and raised in Montreal, where he studied English and Film at Concordia University.

He then studied law at Queen’s University, was called to the Ontario bar, but retired two weeks later to write and work in movies. Bissonnette is also a Find Director’s Lab Fellow. He has written and directed four feature films: Looking For Leonard (2002), Who Loves The Sun (2006), Passenger Side (2010) and Death Of A Ladies Man (2020). Between movies he directs advertisements.

His novel, Smash Your Head On The Punk Rock, was published in 2008. He lives in Los Angeles.

ONLINE OSCAR WATCH PARTY SUNDAY, APRIL 25 AT 5PM • VIRTUALLY Join the KFF crew for a fun virtual watch party of the biggest awards show in the world: The Oscars!

Pick the winners in advance for your chance to win a fabulous prize, then join our live feed and follow along with the evening. Let’s judge outfits, nominations, speeches, and everything in-between.

A virtually social way to enjoy the event!

Photo taken before befo Covid-19 pandemic.

Please follow tthe latest public health order and socia social distancing guidelines.

Professional. Accurate. Responsible.

Join our award winning* ing* newscast daily in highh definition Fairchild TV 1 : 7pm , 11:30pm 1:30pm : : m , 11:30pm Talentvision 7 35pm : : Fairchild TV 2 7 30pm , 11pm

www.fairchildtv.com | ww www.talentvisiontv.com

*Fairchild TV and Talentvision news & current affairs team has won the Jack Webster Awards Best Reporting – Chinese Language Award 15 times since 1995

Special Events AT THE TWIN RIVERS DRIVE-IN

MADISON OLDS

Thing, chose "3'S a Crowd" for their Fall 2020 worldwide digital campaign.

"Sorry", a duet with Nashville artist, Josh Ronen, is now out and her album and other surprise projects are on their way.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21 AT 8PM

JP LANCASTER

In 2019, Madison released her debut album Blue, opened stages for Willie Nelson, Kacey Musgraves, Neon Dreams, Scott Hellman & more. With six new singles last year she was the recent winner of Bell Media's "Future Star" radio program and "Best Part of Me" made top 30 on several Mediabase/Billboard charts including #22 on Billboard's Emerging Canadian Artist chart. Her top three releases generated over 1M streams on Spotify alone, while TikTok amassed 440K followers, 13M likes and raised 100k for her boyfriend's stemcell treatments. Additionally, UK's iconic fashion & lifestyle brand, Pretty Little

JP writes cynical pop songs for the defeated utopian idealists.

He began performing and touring, recording albums, and promoting shows when he was 16. Now at 37, he’s still doing much of the same.

He’s releasing his debut LP on May 28th, which is a culmination of his life spent in music. JP also runs Factotum, a label and promotion outfit that he has operated since 2017.

Joining JP for the performance: Liam Befurt - drums, vocals Mallory Johnson - bass, vocals Natalie Sky - keys, vocals

FRIDAY, APRIL 23 AT 8PM

PATRICK MALIHA FRIDAY, APRIL 23 AT 10:30PM

Stand-up Comedian/Writer Patrick Maliha has had comedy specials on CTV, CBC and The Comedy Network. He’s been voted Vancouver’s Favourite Stand-Up Comedian in the Georgia Straight and the West Ender several years in a row, holds the world record for most impressions under a minute and is a writer for the top-rated Netflix show, Mystery Science Theatre 3000. Currently, Patrick lives in Vancouver in a lovely neighbourhood.

SLOW NO TEMPO SATURDAY, APRIL 24 AT 8PM

A cappella quartet. Vocal Group. Vocal Band. Whichever name you prefer, Slow No Tempo is four guys making music with just their voices. The quartet formed

in the fall of 2018 and sings a wide variety of styles of music; from rock to sea shanties to jazz to barbershop and everything in between. Each song is sung with their beautiful blend of voices, and presented with their unique brand of humour. Slow No Tempo has wowed audiences at everything from large gala events to busking at the Farmer’s Market.

Every year they pick a local charity as the beneficiary for their Singing Valentine fundraiser. Slow No Tempo is a prime example of what can happen when you fund music education initiatives: Each member is a product of their school music programs, and 3 of the 4 of singers initially met in their youth at the Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music. Learn more about the quartet at slownotempo.ca.

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CLINTON W. GRAY SATURDAY, APRIL 24 AT 11PM

For over 20 years, Clinton has been blending magic, music and mayhem into high-energy, interactive comedy shows around the world. A ten-time international award-winning comedy magician, his performances have been described as a “roller-coaster ride of antics, that cause audiences to be belly-laughing one moment and speechless with amazement the next.”

(Edmonton Journal)

RAIDEN TAIKO DRUMMERS

MONDAY, APRIL 26 AT 8PM Raiden Taiko is an amateur Japanese drum ensemble from Kamloops. The group was formed in 2004 under the

umbrella of the Kamloops Japanese Canadian Association.

Traditional Taiko has been played at religious ceremonies and festivals for centuries. It was first introduced to North America (California) in the 1960’s and is now a popular performing art enjoyed around the world.

WHIRLWIND LIBRARY TOUR

TUESDAY, APRIL 27 AT 8PM Catherine Schmidt, Coordinator of Adult Services for the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library gives us a whirlwind tour through the free offerings of our local public libraries. Learn how to access the library’s physical and digital film & TV collections and hear about upcoming events that are sure to pique the interest of any cinephile.

OBITTERSWEET:

LIFE LESSONS FROM OBITUARIES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28 AT 8PM

Kamloops author Tamara Macpherson Vukusic started a weekly tradition of reading obits in her early 20’s. For almost three decades she has coveted the lessons found nestled in these life stories. Written before the pandemic, Obittersweet: Life Lessons from Obituaries is released into the world as obituaries fill an unprecedented number of newspaper pages. They have grown in both number and word count, often replacing the words spoken when people were permitted to gathered to grieve, remember and pay tribute.

KAMLOOPS DANCE ACADEMY THURSDAY, APRIL 29 AT 8PM

Kamloops Dance Academy was established in 1985 and is an examination studio accredited with the National Association of Teachers of

Dancing in England.

The studio offers classes in several disciplines and attends several workshops and conventions throughout the year such as GSP and Street Groove, as well as classes at Harbour Dance, and a very limited number of competitions.

KAMLOOPS SYMPHONY

FRIDAY, APRIL 30 AT 8PM Any movie buff knows that music can make or break a film. Ahead of your drive-in experience, the Kamloops Symphony will shine a light on some well-known movie tunes. In small configurations, musicians from the Kamloops Symphony will perform various beloved hits from the big screen, including Schindler’s List, Westside Story and more.

UNCLE CHRIS THE CLOWN

SATURDAY, MAY 1 AT 8PM Hi my name is Chris but you all know me better as “Uncle Chris the Clown”.

I have been clowning around in Kamloops and all over the province for over 20 years now! I have done thousands of children’s birthday parties and have been at hundreds of fairs and large events throughout the Interior. Even last year when Covid hit us hard, I still remained Super-Busy doing On-Line and On-Lawn Parties for all of the kids who now couldn’t have a “normal” birthday party. The good thing about being a clown is that people “want” you when times are good and “need” you when times are bad! So even though we don’t know how long we will be dealing with this Global Pandemic I can promise you this…. This Clown will continue doing what he loves best, and that’s putting smiles and laughter on people’s faces young and old! I have as much fun entertaining people as they do watching

me and I consider myself blessed to be able to put happiness in people’s lives especially at times like this!

Keep on Smiling, Uncle Chris the Clown :0)

JEREMY KNEESHAW

SATURDAY, MAY 1 AT 11PM A songwriter, and Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc band member, Jeremy became a full time musician in 2015. From early beginnings in piano at age 2, Kneeshaw is an established multi-instrumentalist - playing Guitar, Piano, Drums, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo, Accordion and more. Jeremy has played at venues of all sizes throughout western Canada, with bands ranging in genre from funk to country. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kneeshaw has been working on a fourth album and developing a recording studio.

Closing KFF Party SUNDAY, MAY 2 AT 6PM • VIRTUALLY • TICKETS: $5 A ticket gets you: ▶ 1 Large Pizza (Picked up from Pizza King on May 2 between 3 and 6:30pm) and ▶ Access to a LIVE film-themed improv show from the Some People Improv Troupe.

Let’s close out the BIGGEST Kamloops Film Festival in KFS history in true COVID fashion. Grab a delicious pizza (at a HUGE discount), find the butt groove in your favourite chair, and enjoy some LIVE Improv entertainment from some of the best improvinators in town!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT KAMLOOPSFILMFEST.CA

SOME PEOPLE IMPROV TROUPE A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... there was a group of people and these people are known as Some People. This talented group of improvisors will bring the laughs, entertainment and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Featuring an all-star cast of Morgan Benedict, Greg Brown, Jessica Buchanan, Shannon Cooper and Des Geddes.

So hold onto your butts and yippee ki yay for a delightful evening of movie themed improv.

FLAVOURS & FLICKS RETURNS FOR KFF 2021!

Contact any of our restaurant partners and order off the special festival take-out menu.

Take your goodies to the drive-in or bring them home for a night of delicious eats and KFF ONLINE.

SATURDAY, MAY 1 AT 7:45PM TWIN RIVERS DRIVE-IN Join us for a fun-filled evening of family entertainment at our screening of Wolfwalkers at the Twin Rivers Drive-In. ▶ Pre-make and bring your wolf mask.

Each wolf mask wins a prize! ▶ Dress in your warmest PJ’s and win a prize for Comfiest Family! ▶ Learn how to make balloon animals with Uncle Chris the Clown. Plus more!

FAMILY FILM

PLATINUM

GRANT FUNDING

DIAMOND

GOLD

jn

JORDAN NICHOLSON

VIDEO MARKETING

S I LV E R

/ Kamloops

Connector

BRONZE

CO M M U N I T Y

Cathy & Phil Holman Elspeth McDougall

SUPPORTER

DR. PREETY DESAI

“Serving the Community since 1970”

Did you know

$.87 cents of every dollar played goes back into the province to enhance communities through creative programs and exhibitions

BCLC is a proud sponsor of The Kamloops Film Festival Online