A still from the documentary Meet Beau Dick.
The 2017 Vancouver International Film Festival starts in just two days. That means hundreds of films from all over the world are coming to Vancouver theatres Sept 28-Oct 13. And there’s a special spotlight on B.C.-made work, too.
The Sea to Sky programming stream documentaries, full-length features, discussions and more from the creative nexus that is British Columbia. Here’s a look at some of what’s on offer.
Hollow in the Land—Vertical Entertainment bought the U.S. distribution rights for this thriller, which stars Jared Abrahamson (Hello Destroyer) and Dianna Agron (CSI: NY, Veronica Mars). In it, Agron plays a sister searches for her missing brother (Abrahamson), who is a suspect in a trailer park murder. It’s the debut feature by Vancouver writer/director Scooter Corkle.
Meditation Park—Vancouver director Mina Shum (Double Happiness) is back with another exploration of family and culture. In Meditation Park, the VIFF’s Opening Night Gala Film, a wife “embarks on some unintentionally comic sleuthing” when she finds a woman’s thong in her husband’s pocket. A “richly detailed, emotionally rewarding and unmistakably Vancouver story” according to the VIFF website.
A scene from Mina Shum’s Meditation Park.
Meet Beau Dick: Maker of Monsters—This documentary shines a light on one of B.C.’s most accomplished artists, Beau Dick. The late Kwakwaka’wakw artist, who passed away earlier this year, was celebrated for the power of his carvings of wooden masks. The documentary covers Dick’s life and art, as well as the times and places that helped shape him.
Once There Was a Winter—”To cut right to the point this film was nerve-racking,” writes Vancouver Sun reviewer Dana Gee. The VIFF presents the world premiere of the film, which is also a thriller involving trailers (very big this year, apparently), along with a battle between siblings (two brothers).
Shut Up and Say Something—Spoken-word artist Shane Koyczan came to international attention when he delivered an inspiring performance at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Olympics. Shut Up and Say Something is not just a portrait of the writer; it follows Koyczan as he finally meets his estranged father.
For a complete schedule, showtimes and more, visit viff.org.
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