This Magazine's Film Club: March 2006 Archives

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March 30, 2006

March 31, 2006

THIS Magazine's Film Club

Show your support for Film Club and subscribe to THIS Magazine: http://www.thismagazine.ca/subscribe/.

1st Rule of Film Club: Tell Everyone About Film Club!

Please forward to your friends, acquaintances and just about anyone else you can think of. Show your support of our national cinema by checking out a Canadian film.

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Film Club Newsletter - March 31, 2006

1. Opening - SIX FIGURES (Toronto)
2. Festivals & Special Events
3. Now Playing
4. Coming Soon

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1. Opening

a) SIX FIGURES
March 31, 2006 - Toronto

Warner (JR Bourne) and Claire (Caroline Cave) are a happily married couple with two kids and rewarding careers. Warner is the new director of a not-for-profit organization and Claire is employed at an art gallery. Preferring to work doing what they love, money has rarely been a primary motivator for them but recently, it seems, money is all they can talk about. In a boomtown like Calgary where everyone seems to have more than them, Warner and Claire are tired of getting by with less.

In an overheated real-estate market, they spend more than they anticipated on a house just as Warner's probationary period at work has been extended. The timing could not be worse and as pressure to keep up with family, job and financial obligations mounts, the stress begins to take its toll on Warner. But is it enough to trigger a murderous rage? When Claire is viciously attacked, Warner emerges as the prime suspect. Based on the novel by Fred Leebron and directed by David Christensen.

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2. Festivals & Special Events

a) Okanagan Film Festival, Kelowna
March 26th to April 2nd, 2006
Kelowna Community Theatre and The Paramount Theatre in Kelowna, BC.
http://www.okanaganfilmfestival.com/index2.html

Events begin at the Kelowna Community Theatre on Sunday, March 26th from 5:30pm. The Festival moves to the Paramount Theatre on Thursday, March 30th!

SPECIAL PREVIEW at the Kelowna Community Theatre at 3pm on Saturday, March 25th.

The UPDATED 2006 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE is now up... keep checking the website for updates.

The Canadian Cinematic Premiere of the full uncut internationally acclaimed documentary IN SEARCH OF MOZART has been confirmed to open on the 26th!

There will be Special Edition DVD copies available for purchase at $30 (RRP of $40). Reserve your copy now by contacting david@okanaganfilmfestival.com.

b) Cinéfranco, Toronto
March 31st to April 9th, 2006
Royal Cinema (all films with English subtitles)
http://www.cinefranco.com

Highlights of the 9th Cinefranco are a Homage to Jacques Villeret, one of France's most highly respected and deeply cherished actors and 'Spotlight on Morocco.'

Cinéfranco pays tribute to the celebrated and much-loved Jacques Villeret by presenting two of his classic films: the hilarious 'The Dinner Game' and the lyrical 'Children of the Marshland.' The great gift of cinema is that it captures dazzling talent and allows us to savour it after the actor has left us. So, also presented is Villeret's last films: the comedies 'L'Antidote' and 'Iznogoud' and the provocative 'Grey Souls.'

Under the banner 'Spotlight on Morocco,' the festival will explore the country's new cinema with challenging films such as Daoud Aoulad-Syad's 'Tarfaya' (director attending) and Yasmine Kassari's 'The Sleeping Child,' and go on wild adventures with Bourlem Guerdjou's 'Zaïna, Rider of the Atlas.'

As always, the latest work of some of France's best loved stars, such as Carole Bouquet, Thierry Lhermitte, Sandrine Kiberlain, Romain Duris and Charles Aznavour, as well as the country's most interesting directors, including Yves Angelo ('Grey Souls,' director attending), Jacques Audiard's multiple award-winning 'The Beat That My Heart Skipped,' Luc Picard ('The Audition,' director attending), Brigitte Rouan ('Housewarming'), Bernard Rapp ('An Innocent Little Game'), and Jean-Jacques Zilbermann ('Bad Spelling'), will be on view.

For more information, visit http://www.cinefranco.com.

The box office is located at the Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor St. West and is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-6pm, or call 416-967-1528.

c) CANADA SCREENS Series Turns to Spirituality & Media Activism, Vancouver
April 2nd, 2006
http://canadascreens.firstweekendclub.ca

On April 2nd, First Weekend Club's CANADA SCREENS program will feature Vancouver filmmaker Velcrow Ripper's SCAREDSACRED, which has taken home the Genie award for Best Documentary at this year's ceremony.

In a world teetering on the edge of self-destruction, award-winning filmmaker Velcrow Ripper sets out on a unique pilgrimage. Visiting the 'Ground Zeros' of the planet, he asks if it's possible to find hope in the darkest moments of human history. Ripper travels to the minefields of Camboida; war-torn Afghanistan; the toxic wasteland of Bhopal; post 9/11 New York; Bosnia; Hiroshima; Israel and Palestine. This powerful documentary captures his five-year odyssey to discover if humanity can transform the 'scared' into the 'sacred.' In each place, he unearths unforgettable stories of survival, resilience and recovery. SCAREDSACRED deftly weaves together stunning footage with haunting memories, inspirational stories, and an evocative soundscape. Featuring an engaging, first-person narrative, this film is an exquisite search for meaning in times of turmoil, a luminous gift to a world in shadows.

Following the screening, audience members will have an opportunity to view a panel on MEDIA ACTIVISM and hear from award-winning filmmaker Velcrow Ripper and other notable media activists.

The Canada Screens program is a monthly series of high quality Canadian film screenings showcasing feature films and documentaries including the best of the past and present. In addition to the screenings, the program brings the audience closer to the talent behind the films, such as writers, actors and directors through special post-movie conversations and panels.

All screenings are held at the Vancity Theatre at the Vancouver International Film Centre (1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver), at noon, on the first Sunday of each month.

Season passes are still available for First Weekend Club members. Three films are remaining in the season and include SCAREDSACRED, A SIMPLE CURVE and ITS ALL GONE TONG. A three film pass can be purchased for $15.00. Individual tickets may also be purchased for $8.00 per film event. To reserve your tickets call 604-453-4840.

d) RES 10 Celebrates Ten New International Talents
Friday, April 14th, 2006
The Drake Hotel Underground, 1150 Queen Street West, Toronto
http://www.resfest.ca

Each year, RES Magazine selects ten creative souls who are poised to achieve greatness and profiles them in their magazine/DVD. This year's group of talented directors, musicians and designers is Dougal Wilson, Takagi Masakatsu, Martin de Thurah, Flourescent Hill, Eclectic Method, Impactist, Ghislain Poirier, Marina Zurkow, Nash Edgerton and Keita Takahashi. To celebrate their work, RES Canada is pleased to present a special Screening + Party to take place at the Drake Hotel Underground on Friday, April 14th.

Doors will open at 8PM and they will be commencing a screening of works from the RES 10 at 9PM. The screening will also include a special presentation of "Never Like The First Time," a startling animated documentary on four very different individuals' first sexual experiences. Directed by Jonas Odell, the short has screened at numerous international festivals and recently won best short film honors at the Berlin Film Festival. Following the screening will be an evening of music hosted by none other than Montreal's Ghislain Poirier, along with DJ Vitaminsforyou. It promises to be a fun night and they are hoping all of you can make it out to see some great new work, have some drinks and discover why Montrealers have been packing Ghislain's weekly "Bounce Le Gros" parties for over a year.

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3. Now Playing

FILM CIRCUIT: Visit the new website at http://www.filmcircuit.ca/ to see which Canadian films are playing near you.

You can also check out http://www.cinemaclock.com/ to see what other films may be playing in your town.

a) Beowulf & Grendel
Various
http://www.beowulf-movie.com

b) Niagara Motel
MB, ON
http://www.niagaramotelthemovie.com

c) These Girls
Various
http://thesegirlsthemovie.com/

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4. Coming Soon

If you know of any upcoming film festivals or events happening across the country, please be sure to email the details to filmclub@thismagazine.ca.

a) Fetching Cody
April - Toronto
http://www.cheapanddirty.ca/

b) Images Festival, Toronto
April 13th to April 22nd, 2006
http://www.imagesfestival.com/

c) ReelWorld Film Festival, Toronto
April 19th to April 23rd, 2006
http://www.reelworld.ca

d) Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children
April 21st to April 30th, 2006
http://www.e.bell.ca/filmfest/sprockets

e) Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival, Toronto
April 28th to May 7th, 2006
http://www.hotdocs.ca

f) Digifest, Toronto
May 10th to May 14th, 2006
http://www.dx.org/digifest

g) North by Northeast Music & Film Conference and Festival, Toronto
June 8th to June 10th, 2006
http://www.nxne.com

h) Canadian Film Centre's Worldwide Short Film Festival, Toronto
June 13th to June 18th, 2006
http://www.worldwideshortfilmfest.com

i) Splice This! Super 8 Festival, Toronto
June 16th to June 18th, 2006
http://www.splicethis.com/home.php

j) The Crew
8pm MT, Tuesdays, August 15th, 2006 to September 18th, 2006
Access Television
http://www.accesstv.ca/

The various technical positions that make up a film production unit are the focus of THE CREW, a six-part series that provides a rare view of the inside workings of a professional shoot. Director Michael Douse (himself an experienced industry professional) was given unprecedented insider access to many of the hottest shows shooting in British Columbia, and his insider’s look at the workings of the film crew provides invaluable information to anyone interested in breaking into the film industry.

The half-hour series will premiere on Access and continue for six weeks. Each episode is made up of three stand-alone segments designed to investigate one particular department within the film crew. From costumes to construction to camera, all the major players on the crew are covered in this innovative documentary series.

In each episode, THE CREW features technicians in the milieu of a film set as they perform their jobs. Skills required, job demands, hierarchy and the creative aspects of each position are all touched upon. Professionals unveil the tools necessary to make an informed career choice: how to get started, where to get experience, and the personal pros and cons of a career in “The Biz”.

THE CREW is a production of Lakeland Productions. Produced in association with SCN, Access, and Canadian Learning Television, with assistance from the Canadian Independent Film and Video Fund and is distributed by Filmwest.

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ATTENTION Academy Members and Canadian Film Enthusiasts: Check out http://www.aflick.ca/ for regular updates of Canadian Film Listings, and to get links to official film websites and distributor sites! Information will be updated on a weekly basis. Note that listings are subject to change at any time.

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Visit the award-winning Northern Stars® website, devoted to Canadian actors and actresses, directors and films: http://www.northernstars.ca/nowplaying_2.html.

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Submitted by a Film Club Subscriber: Visit the Motion Picture Bureau (http://www.mpb.ca), a small film production company based in Toronto. The website includes essays, links and films that might be of interest to cinephiles in Canada and around the world!

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Please let us know about any other Canadian screenings going on anywhere and everywhere and we will do our best to include the details in our postings.

Film Club is a member of MyMediaBiz.com (http://mymediabiz.com), Canada's only multi-tiered, multi-purpose entertainment portal dedicated to promoting and enhancing interactivity in the Canadian media industry.

If you would like to volunteer or subscribe to THIS Magazine's Film Club newsletter, please send an email to filmclub@thismagazine.ca.

Remember...1st Rule of Film Club: Tell Everyone About Film Club!

Forty years and still going strong, THIS Magazine is one of Canada's longest-publishing alternative journals. Founded by a gang of school activists in 1966, and originally called This Magazine Is About Schools, the modern-day THIS focuses on Canadian politics, literature and culture but, in keeping with its radical roots, never pulls punches. Subversive, edgy and smart, THIS is the real alternative to that. Visit THIS Magazine's new-and-improved website http://www.thismagazine.ca!

Posted by annette FC at 11:54 PM

March 24, 2006

THIS Magazine's Film Club

Show your support for Film Club and subscribe to THIS Magazine: http://www.thismagazine.ca/subscribe/.

1st Rule of Film Club: Tell Everyone About Film Club!

Please forward to your friends, acquaintances and just about anyone else you can think of. Show your support of our national cinema by checking out a Canadian film.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Film Club Newsletter - March 24, 2006

1. Opening - NIAGARA MOTEL, LOOKING FOR ANGELINA & THESE GIRLS
2. Festivals & Special Events
3. Now Playing
4. Coming Soon

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1. Opening

a) NIAGARA MOTEL - Vancouver, Winnipeg & Toronto
March 24th, 2006
http://www.niagaramotelthemovie.com

In NIAGARA MOTEL, a group of struggling individuals cross paths at a low-rent motel in the tourist Mecca of Niagara Falls. They are not tourists and they are all, for various reasons, at crisis points in their lives. The main characters are: a knockout waitress being recruited to star in low budget porn videos, a young couple with criminal pasts struggling to recover their child from social services, and a middle class husband and wife whose marriage is disintegrating. The story also includes the woeful drunken motel manager, a prostitute working to support two children, a small time hustler, an underachieving staple salesman, the Serbian owner of the motel, his physics studying daughter, and a social worker with a Christian bias.

The needs of these people, their obvious failings and the unlucky conditions of their lives make them so vulnerable that they careen from the disturbing to the hilarious in a breathless instant. In this story, tragedy waltzes with unpredictable comedy in an intense dance of life.

Directed by Gary Yates and starring an ensemble cast that includes Wendy Crewson, Peter Keleghan and Kevin Pollak.

b) LOOKING FOR ANGELINA
March 24th, 2006 - Toronto
http://www.lookingforangelina.com

LOOKING FOR ANGELINA is based on the true story of Angelina Napolitano, whose murder conviction in Sault Ste. Marie caused an uproar around the globe in the early 1900s. It was one of the greatest stories of the 20th century. On Easter Sunday in 1911, Angelina Napolitano, a 28-year-old Italian immigrant and mother of four, killed her abusive husband Pietro Napolitano (Alvaro D'Antonio) with an axe as he lay asleep in their bedroom in Sault Ste. Marie's "Little Italy". After a three-hour trial, represented by a lawyer (Keith Knight) who was given only hours to prepare, Napolitano was sentenced to hang. The story was picked up by an American reporter (Norma Dell'Agnese) and soon the signatures of hundreds of thousands of petitioners from around the world arrived at the office of Canada's Justice Minister (Andrew Gillies) demanding her release. The global media frenzy surrounding the events of Napolitano's trial and the discrimination that it highlighted in Canada's legal syste!
m are the subjects of the film. Following the "script" of the original trial, courtroom scenes were shot - most remarkably - in real time with multiple cameras on the original site.

This period piece film is in half English and half Italian (authentic Neapolitan dialect) with English subtitles. It was written by Alessandra Piccione and Frank Canino and marks the first time the story of Angelina Napolitano is being told on screen. Shot in only 14 days with a limited budget and with the assistance of 300 volunteer extras in the City of Sault Ste Marie. The soundtrack, composed by Angelo Oddi, is performed by world-renowned virtuoso musicians Quartetto Gelato and also includes a haunting "Sanctus" sung by the infamous St.Michael's Boy's Choir. The superb ensemble cast, many of whom learned a new language (Neapolitan) to authentically portray their characters, also includes Gerry Mendicino (My Big Fat Greek Wedding); Dom Fiore (The Recruit, Bonnano: A Godfather's Story); Matt Gordon (Shall We Dance); and Salvatore Antonio (The Gospel of John).

c) THESE GIRLS
March 24th, 2006 - Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa & Halifax
http://thesegirlsthemovie.com/

Based on the humorously edgy play by Vivienne Laxdal, THESE GIRLS is the story of three teenage girls who, in turn, seduce and then attempt to share Keith (David Boreanaz), an older married man. It is a tale of innocence, jealousy and friendship told as a provocative coming-of-age story.

When Keira (Caroline Dhavernas) and Lisa (Holly Lewis) discover that their best friend Glory (Amanda Walsh) is sleeping with Keith Clark (Boreanaz), they both, in their own ways, go about seducing him as well. When each discovers that the other is involved with Keith, their friendship is put to the test. However, rather than squabble over him and run the risk of all losing out, they decide to make a pact and share him. At first, Keith puts up resistance to the plan, but soon finds out that he has very little to say in the matter. He takes it like a man and caves in.

Their scheme works out well for a while, but eventually all good things must come to an end. On a fateful night, a desperate and sexually exhausted Keith sets in motion his escape plan and everything comes crashing down.

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2. Festivals & Special Events

a) Canadian Filmmakers Festival, Toronto
March 23rd to March 26th, 2006
http://www.canfilmfest.ca

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Tickets are available from March 24th to March 26th and can be purchased at the Cineplex Odeon Carlton Cinemas (20 Carlton St.).

Plus...

i. Writers on Writing: A Screenplay Workshop
Saturday, March 25, 2006
12pm - 2pm
Wren Room, 3rd floor, the Delta Chelsea (33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto)

The discussion will be led by industry professionals who will give participants their proven techniques on screenplay writing. Panelists include: director/writer Michael Mabbott (TIFF's Best Canadian First Feature Award winner and Genie Award nominated film THE LIFE AND HARD TIMES OF GUY TERRIFICO); Willem Wennekers, writer of SEDUCED BY A THIEF and WEIRDSVILLE and contributor to National Lampoon On-line; writer/director, Eugene Garcia (Telefilm Canada Public Choice Award winner for BURNT EDEN); writer/director/producer Anita Doron (THE END OF SILENCE, ELLIOT SMELLIOT) and writer/editor Michael Sparaga (SIDEKICK).

Panel discussions and workshops are open to the public and admission is free. However, space is limited. To reserve a spot please email panel@canfilmfest.ca.

b) Les Nomades: 3rd Toronto International French Short Film Festival
March 23rd to March 25th, 2006
http://www.lesnomades.org

This unique Festival will present nine short film programs, featuring 88 Francophone documentaries, animations, fiction and experimental films by filmmakers from 19 different cultural backgrounds. All films are subtitled in English. Please visit the website for more information.

March 23, 7 pm & 9 pm - Innis College, 2 Sussex Avenue
March 24, 7 pm, 9 pm, 11 pm & 12:00 am - NFB Cinema, 150 John Street
March 25, 5 pm, 7 pm & 11 pm - NFB Cinema,150 John Street
$10 General & $8 Students. Tickets at the door.

c) Okanagan Film Festival, Kelowna
March 26th to April 2nd, 2006
Kelowna Community Theatre and The Paramount Theatre in Kelowna, BC.
http://www.okanaganfilmfestival.com/index2.html

Events begin at the Kelowna Community Theatre on Sunday, March 26th from 5:30pm. The Festival moves to the Paramount Theatre on Thursday, March 30th!

SPECIAL PREVIEW at the Kelowna Community Theatre at 3pm on Saturday, March 25th.

The UPDATED 2006 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE is now up... keep checking the website for updates.

The Canadian Cinematic Premiere of the full uncut internationally acclaimed documentary IN SEARCH OF MOZART has been confirmed to open on the 26th!

There will be Special Edition DVD copies available for purchase at $30 (RRP of $40). Reserve your copy now by contacting david@okanaganfilmfestival.com.

d) Cinéfranco, Toronto
March 31st to April 9th, 2006
Royal Cinema (all films with English subtitles)
http://www.cinefranco.com

Highlights of the 9th Cinefranco are a Homage to Jacques Villeret, one of France's most highly respected and deeply cherished actors and 'Spotlight on Morocco.'

For more information, visit http://www.cinefranco.com.

The box office is located at the Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor St. West and is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-6pm, or call 416-967-1528.

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3. Now Playing

FILM CIRCUIT: Visit the new website at http://www.filmcircuit.ca/ to see which Canadian films are playing near you.

You can also check out http://www.cinemaclock.com/ to see what other films may be playing in your town.

a) Beowulf & Grendel
Various
http://www.beowulf-movie.com

b) Fetching Cody
BC
http://www.cheapanddirty.ca/

c) The Last Trapper
ON
http://www.lederniertrappeur.com

d) Lucid
BC, MB
http://www.lucidthemovie.com