Arts & Culture Editor: Kara Passey Contact: artsculture@themanitoban.com / 474.6529
Arts & Culture
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How to watch a WNDX film A guide to Winnipeg’s Festival of Film and Video Art Michelle Saromo, volunteer staff
“T
o be clear, you will not see Hollywood-style dramas here,” warns Cecilia Araneda, president and co-founder of WNDX, Winnipeg’s Festival of Film and Video Art. The disclaimer is almost a given— it’s a festival of independent experimental films and moving art, after all—but still a necessary reminder. The festival doesn’t host the type of indie films that one watches just for the sake of referencing their obscurity. They celebrate honest, artistic works of expression that would not typically be lauded in the mainstream. Myself being one of many who feels vulnerable to meeting the expectations of the dominant culture, viewing some of these works provided some uncommon insight. In order to embrace the
festival experience, there are some key things you’ll need to remember: Keep an open mind You’ll get the most out of your experience if you come into it with few expectations. Talking from my
experience, I went into Thompson by Mike Maryniuk thinking there would be panoramic views of an open road moving towards the northern
Manitoba landscape – perhaps a And for that matter, don’t worry on its reality is not easy. This is just mainstream assumption. Instead, I if it makes you feel uncomfortable. one of the many films in the festival was surprised to find myself being The creation of art is an intimate pro- that encourage the viewer to expose lulled into a trance while look- cess that requires great passion and themselves to the unfamiliar. ing out of a car window at endless honest—things that are rarely found rows of trees, blurring and merging in prominent blockbusters—so the Don’t expect to “get it” together. It was as if Maryniuk were occasional feeling of discomfort just At least not right away – or in my the driver and I, merely comes with the territory. The works case, ever. I’m no cinematography his passenger. showcased in WNDX diverge from expert, nor do I claim to be a film It was an unexpected, the cinematic comfort zone. critic. I can’t confidently declare one but welcome experience. For instance, Dan Browne’s film as being better than another; but Another thing to keep in memento mori reflects on the concept perhaps I don’t need to. mind is that most of these of death through a series of flashing, WNDX is a celebration of indefilms are non-linear; they fleeting images of the world—images pendent thinkers who breach the typically have no set plot, of childhood, families, people, natu- cultural norms of cinema. The fesno clear beginning or end. ral as well as man-made surroundings, tival encourages the audience to These aren’t full-length and religious icons—occasionally immerse themselves in these picfeature films catered to the accompanied by rhythmic drumming tures and take some pieces home public interest – these are and a sound bite of a narrator dis- with them. These films aren’t seeking snippets of various artists’ cussing death in front of an audience. for approval or understanding, but perspectives of their world The images seem to mimic the lack of merely appreciation. being shared with the public. clarity we have about the concept. WNDX runs from September Death is commonly viewed as an 26 to 30. For more informaDon’t be afraid unsettling subject that everyone faces tion, visit www.wndx.org. at some point, and having to meditate
Childhood experiences with mental illness Shelagh Carter talks about her film, Passionflower David Krause, volunteer staff
M
ental illness is a difficult topic for anyone to deal with, especially if it involves a loved one. You don’t know what to do or say - you just know something is wrong. Filmmaker and U of M Theatre Professor Shelagh Carter wrote and directed Passionflower, a Manitoba produced film, based on her childhood experiences dealing with her mother’s mental illness. The Manitoban caught up with Carter the evening of her return from TIFF where she screened Passionflower and secured Canadian distribution with Multiple Media. The Manitoban: What inspired you to write Passionflower?
this, and I saw the situation of the Shelagh Carter: family – I didn’t feel so alone about It’s my childhood and it was time it. There were actually some people to tell the story. I met a producer who behind me that started to laugh and was very interested in [the story] and I got mad, because I felt they were she felt that if I told [it], it would be laughing at my mom. That’s when I done and would set me free. knew I really loved my mother and Of course, there are some ele- I was beginning to see that it was an ments that have been fictionalized, illness and it wasn’t her. but I’d say it’s 85 to 95 per cent from that time when I was a little girl. It’s M: Visually, what films were you also about a family [who] is caught inspired by? up in a predicament with mental illness in the 1960s and [doesn’t know] SC: I really want truth on the screen. what to do. I really want people to feel they are I was sitting in The Women Under actually looking at a situation, it isn’t the Influence with Gina Rowlands, cinema vérité, but I hope it’s truthful. and the women on the screen was Therefore you don’t “see” any acting. my mom—to me—and when I saw
M: How did you keep performances natural with the actors? SC: I worked really hard when we were casting to get the right chemistry. I’ve been teaching acting for a number of years now and I’m not coming to the film inexperienced. I’ve made short films [that] have been invaluable in preparing me. M: How was your film received at TIFF? SC: It was last year when my film qualified. I can tell you it got right down to the wire and I actually had a personal call from one of the artistic directors. He was lovely
about [explaining the outcome] as they don’t have to take the time to call you. At TIFF this year we were signed with a Canadian Distribution Company, Multiple Media, and they really understand the film. Through word of mouth, the film has been requested at a couple other festivals and we are waiting to see if it makes it to programming. It was Manitobamade and we had terrific support from the funders, [Manitoba Film and Music, as well as Telefilm]. Passionflower is screening at The Winnipeg Film Group’s Cinematheque on Sunday, September 30 and Thursday, October 4.
A physical experience Review: Catharsis by Douglas Smith Emily Franz-Lien
O
n Friday, Sept. 14 aceartinc. launched a powerful new exhibit, Catharsis, by Douglas Smith. Catharsis is a series of black and white panoramic drawings that explore ideas related to the rapid changes of our environment and the angst surrounding it. I entered the gallery on a quiet weekday afternoon. Aceartinc. is located on McDermot Avenue in an old historical building, so visiting the gallery is an experience in itself. While walking up the creaky
wooden stairs to the gallery you I was seeing – fields of wheat? a non-linear storyline inspired by for acrylic painting at the Winnipeg feel transported back in time. Soldiers marching? I stepped closer his life in the Canadian prairies Art Gallery. A detailed bio analysis Once inside I felt my eyes dart- but the mystery was not revealed. and the Netherlands. It was cre- of his pieces can be found on his ing back and forth trying to deci- The perspective changes and new ated between 2007 and 2010, and website, douglassmith.ca. pher each drawing. The drawings details are shown though the mean- rendered with graphite on paper. In a short video biography, are large and quite abstract so I ing gives way more slowly. Douglas Smith is a graduate of Smith explains that he refrains made sure to take my time. From a According to the artist’s website, the University of Manitoba Fine from using anything digital in his distance, each piece seems straight- Catharsis was intended as a physi- Arts diploma program. His art has art. He prefers to use what he calls forward – a landscape, a portrait. A cal experience, a visual sensation, been displayed at exhibitions in a “hand felt touch.” To him, art is closer view reveals the molecular not an intellectual exercise – and Manitoba, the United States, and almost like magic, making him feel structure is hundreds of graphic that’s just what it is. The drawings Europe. Smith has been the recipi- part of whatever he is drawing. symbols. will surround and overwhelm, and ent of many grants in Manitoba. In Catharsis is a free exhibition After scanning the first piece there is much to take in. addition to working in his studio, will run in aceartinc. until Oct. 19. in the gallery I was not sure what Smith describes his artwork as he is currently a sessional instructor