Possible Worlds - 2007 Canadian Film Festival
November 11th 2007 21:29
It’s time for the second Canadian Film Festival at The Chauvel Cinema, Sydney starting on the 29th November and ending on the 5th December 2007. Possible Worlds is the only annual festival outside of Canada which is dedicated exclusively to Canadian cinema. A selection of this year’s feature films will be touring to Melbourne (ACMI), Canberra (Greater Union Manuka), Adelaide (Mercury Cinema) and Auckland, New Zealand (Academy Cinema).
Last year’s festival premiere coincided with the reopening and revamping of Sydney’s historic Chauvel Cinema in Paddington. Again this year the festival is being held at The Chauvel where the blend of its distinctive architecture and the richness of the festival merge perfectly.
Possible Worlds gives Australians an opportunity to delve into a country and a culture with whom we have some commonalities, yet somehow it feels fresh and invigorating. Australian audiences have the opportunity to sample new films by Canadian filmmakers such as Matt Bissonnette (Looking for Leonard) and director & screenwriter Chaz Thorne (Just Buried, Poor Boy's Game).
'Australia and Canada have a lot in common, both historically and culturally,” says artistic director Mathieu Ravier. “Both countries strive to express their national identity through their cinema, often in spite of American cultural dominance. Canada’s fresh and independent outlook on the world speaks to all Australians. Possible Worlds is a chance to discover the rich diversity of Canadian films, a cinema both strangely familiar yet refreshingly different. Canadian cinema is enjoying a surge in popularity right now. From witty comedies to thought-provoking drama, from political documentaries to horror shorts, the vibrant program is sure to engage Australian audiences. There’s something exciting in the line-up for all to enjoy.”
Each year the Festival welcomes distinguished filmmakers, producers and actors from Canada. Last year’s guests included writer-director Louise Archambault (Familia), screenwriter-producer Michael Sparaga (Sidekick), and Kino filmmakers Eza Paventi, Jules Saulnier, Marina Eva, Ianic Mathieu and Kim Nguyen. Additionally, a full program of discussions, seminars and workshops involving visiting filmmakers, industry professionals and critics will accompany the screenings.
As well as welcoming director Matt Bissonnette and screenwriter Chaz Thorne (Just Buried, Poor Boy's Game), other contributors include producer Corey Marr (Who Loves The Sun), actress Christine Horne (The Stone Angel), director &, director Robin Schlaht (To Be Romeo & Juliet) and producer Sarah Timmins (The Tracey Fragments).
The festival begins with the Australian premiere of Matt Bissonnette’s award winning Who Loves The Sun which is one of the films I have my eye on, but to be honest (and I’m not getting paid to say this), I wish I could see them all. Just to give you a brief synopsis on the opening film, Who Loves The Sun; it chronicles three once inseparable friends who are reunited five years after a traumatic incident drove them apart. This is an insight in human reactions such as jealousy, forgiveness and the bravery to confront a painful past. It stars Lukas Haas (Brick), Adam Scott (Knocked Up) and Molly Parker (TV’s Deadwood).
Another film that caught my attention is Weirdsville. Three close friends, Royce (Wes Bently) and Dexter’s (Scott Speedman) favourite hobby is to simply hang around in their small town of Weedsville and get high. It's a pleasant, idyllic existence until Royce's girlfriend unexpectedly overdoses and dies. Rather than report the incident to the police, they decide to bury her at an abandoned movie theatre. This turns out to be a particularly foolish plan worsened when Satanists decide to hold a ritual right where the grave is. From watching the trailer, it looks like a witty, quirky and unconventional film loaded with drug-fuelled mayhem.
Other films being shown include Toi, Manufactured Landscapes, A Night Of Horror and Everything's Gone Green. The festival will end on the 5th December with their Kino Kabaret night. This night is dedicated to the screenings of short films shot during the festival which aims to become the primary platform for Sydney's independent filmmakers. These monthly screenings provide filmmakers of all levels and experience with the chance to introduce their films to an audience outside of the selection-based world of film festivals. Their motto is 'do well with nothing; do even better with a little, and do it right now!' Its first occurrence was in Montreal, then Paris, Hamburg, Vienna, Manchester, Berlin, Adelaide... and now Sydney. This gives you an idea of how fast the concept is growing and its ability. For this night, you can make a film or come along and support the ones that do. It’s meant to be celebration so either way, it will be fun.
Lastly, if you feel like being involved in the festival fever, you can be a volunteer and get to see films for free. It’s a pretty appealing idea if you have the time. If you’re already booked for this year but would like to do it another time, you can sign up for next year.
I hope you get a chance to see and experience a part of this cinematic event. I’m going to attend at least one film (and hopefully more, but I guess I have to be realistic) and will be reviewing them here. As you might be able to tell, I’m looking forward to it.
Here are a few basic details:
Dates: November 29 to December 5, 2007
Venue: Chauvel Cinema, corner Oxford Street and Oatley Road, Paddington, NSW 2021
Number of screenings: 17
Tickets: $15.50, full-time students/concessions: $12.50, pensioners & seniors (over 60) $9.00
Passes: 4 films for $44
Opening Night: $30, concessions: $25 (pre-sales only)
Bookings: online at www.chauvelcinema.net.au or in person at the box-office
Website: www.possibleworlds.net.au
Organisers: The Festivalists, www.thefestivalists.com
Classification: All films (unless otherwise stated) are restricted to persons over 18 years of age.
Here are the trailers for Who Loves The Sun and Weirdsville:
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Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Lilla
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I love Canadian films and think the name of this festival is apt.
My only regret is that it will not make it to Brisbane (but then it may well be too cultured for this lot up here yet)...
My only hope?
That it gains much momentum and recognition and makes it to Brisbane next time... or that I have moved to Melbourne or Adeliade by then, instead *chuckle* (I'm afraid I couldn't go back to Sydney having left there some 20 years ago now);
so until Brisbane catches on, or I relocate, I hope you enjoy them all... particularly Wierdsville - it looks quirky enough to be really memorable ad I'll keep an eye out for these titles on SBS.
Lilla ...
PS Is that Tats Toi? (I loved that film)...
Comment by KylieW
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Sounds like some good movies will be playing. I'm interested in seeing Who Loves the Sun.
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Comment by Tracy
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Tracy
Comment by Tracy
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Good to see you. Yes, you’re right the title is apt, I didn’t really think of that before.
Yes, it’s a pity it’s not going up to Brisbane, hopefully next year...or you get a chance to see it elsewhere. It could be because it’s a relatively new Festival that it’s not able to make it to all the states in Australia. But as you said, there’s always a good chance they will be on SBS.
Thanks for popping in (like your new blog tag),
Tracy
PS It’s not Tais-Toi, but I also really liked that film.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Hope you're well.
I just re-checked the website and it is coming to Melbourne, here's some info for you:
MELBOURNE
ACMI Cinemas, Australian Centre for the Moving Image
Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne
4 DECEMBER 2007
7:15pm - Manufactured Landscapes
9:15pm - The Tracey Fragments ( q&a with producer Sarah Timmins)
6 DECEMBER 2007
6:30pm - The Stone Angel ( q&a with actress Christine Horne)
9:15pm - Who Loves The Sun ( q&a with director Matt Bissonnette & producer Corey Marr)
So you might get a chance to see Who Loves the Sun afterall.
Feel free to pop back and let me know what you think if you get a chance,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
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I remember you saying last year that CRAZY was really good and I aimed to see it but didn't and haven't...what are your other favourites?
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
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Yes, it does. Hope you get a chance to catch one somewhere,
Byeee
Comment by Cibbuano
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Some of my other favourites: Brain Candy (from Kids in the Hall), Gaz Bar Blues, Cube, Hard Core Logo.
Comment by Tracy
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Thanks for the others you mentioned.
Tracy
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I ran out of time so I will be back to read the full post. Great to see Canadian films getting worldwide exposure. As you can see some Canadian actors can get around, meaning they are in huge blockbuster films but always come back home to do the independent thing, truly Canadian.
Comment by Tracy
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Glad to help. It's a great Festival, one I always look forward to seeing and writing about.
Tracy
Comment by Cibbuano
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My review
Comment by Tracy
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I want to see that too, I'll hop over to yours and have a look,
Tracy