| Whistler Film Festival attendance nearly doubles... |
| Written by Katherine Brodsky |
| Tuesday, 08 December 2009 17:58 |
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The 2009 Whistler Film Festival, which wrapped up Sunday night, clearly has no way to go but UP. With the unique attraction of being to ski in between screens and panels, combined with the intimate nature of the festival, WFF has been a raising star on the Festival circuit with a total attendance, including its industry Forum, of over 10,929 people (a 46% increase over 2009), a 88% increase in attendance at screenings, and a record 33 feature premieres this year. www.firstweekendclub.ca - Canada's Ticket to Great Films |
| SUCK wins People's Choice Award! |
| Written by Katherine Brodsky |
| Tuesday, 08 December 2009 17:54 |
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Cadillac People’s Choice Award was presented to SUCK at this year's Whistler Film Festival, once again proving that vampires draw blood at the box office too. Congratulations to the gang behind it and in front of the lens! www.firstweekendclub.ca - Canada's Ticket to Great Films |
| Next Year in Whistler! |
| Written by Katherine Brodsky |
| Monday, 07 December 2009 15:16 |
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Next year marks a very special number for the Whistler Film Festival. It is the 10th Annual Whistler Film Festival Anniversary. No doubt there will be plenty of celebrating. Even more than usual, I mean. Mark the date now: December 1-5, 2010. |
| Winners at Whistler |
| Written by Katherine Brodsky |
| Monday, 07 December 2009 15:14 |
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Les Signes Vitaux (Vital Signs) won the Borsos Competition at Whistler Film Festival as announced at Sunday's brunch. The award was presented by Ivan Reitman, Niv Fichman and Jessica Pare who made up the Jury. Best Documentary was awarded to two films - Pax America and Last Train Home; Best Mountain Culture is Mount St. Elias; Best Short Film is La Vie Commence; Move Out Clean wins MPPIA Short Film Award; Garbage Day wins Pitch Fest West. Les Signes Vitaux (Vital Signs), directed by Sophie Deraspe has won the $15,000 Borsos Competition for Best New Canadian Feature Film, presented by the Directors Guild of Canada BC District Council and supported by Telefilm Canada at the ninth annual Whistler Film Festival. The film, which is from Quebec and had its English Canadian premiere at the fest, is about a young woman who returns home to deal with the aftermath of her grandmother¹s death. In presenting the award, Borsos Jury President Ivan Reitman said the beautiful, assured film demonstrates remarkable work by a consummate filmmaker. The award for the Best Actor in the Borsos Competition went to Woody Harrelson of Defendor and Best Actress went to Marie-Helene Bellavance from Les Signes Vitaux (Vital Signs). |
| The Trotsky |
| Written by Katherine Brodsky |
| Monday, 07 December 2009 15:09 |
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Here are more thoughts on The Trotsky. I¹m glad to have finally been able to see it since I¹ve missed it at TIFF and whenever I would ask for a favourite Canadian movie at TIFF, ³The Trotsky² seemed to come up. So here goes... Basically Jacob Tierney¹s film is a teen comedy (aimed at adults more, I think) about a character named Leon Bronstein, who believes that he is the reincarnation of Trotsky (their birth names are the same). First, he organizes a strike at his dad¹s factory, then after his dad banishes him to a public school, he decides to transform the student into a real union, often with rather humorous results. As I mentioned, at first I could not relate to this arrogant character, but the beauty of the movie is that as others began to follow the character and care for him, so did I. Actor Jay Baruchel is great in this respect since his character really had huge vulnerability at times and I felt it, despite my original resistance. I grew to care for the character. And it might be hormones, but I did feel quite emotional at certain points, despite this being a ³radical comedy². I do think it¹s worth seeing and it poses some interesting questions. For example: Apathy, or boredom? |
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