Juliette Harrisson Aug 4, 2017
With spoilers, Juliette revisits the book series that means the most to her: Robin Hobb's Real Of The Elderlings...
Many of us have a particular series (whether it's books, films, graphic novels or a TV show) that we follow over a number of years and that comes to mean more to us than most fiction, the characters growing with us and changing as we change. For me, that series is Robin Hobb’s Realm Of The Elderlings books, which I started reading nearly 20 years ago, in 1998 (the first book was published in 1995) and which has just come to a possibly-final conclusion with the publication of the latest book, Assassin’s Fate. This series has had a huge impact on me and, I think, many others, so what I want to offer here is a fairly personal reflection on the highs and lows of the whole series, and...
With spoilers, Juliette revisits the book series that means the most to her: Robin Hobb's Real Of The Elderlings...
Many of us have a particular series (whether it's books, films, graphic novels or a TV show) that we follow over a number of years and that comes to mean more to us than most fiction, the characters growing with us and changing as we change. For me, that series is Robin Hobb’s Realm Of The Elderlings books, which I started reading nearly 20 years ago, in 1998 (the first book was published in 1995) and which has just come to a possibly-final conclusion with the publication of the latest book, Assassin’s Fate. This series has had a huge impact on me and, I think, many others, so what I want to offer here is a fairly personal reflection on the highs and lows of the whole series, and...
- 6/25/2017
- Den of Geek
Juliette Harrisson Jul 4, 2017
Thinking of tackling Robin Hobbs' Realm Of The Elderlings series? Juliette talks you through it...
Since this article is aimed at those who may not have read all of these books, spoilers will be kept to an absolute minimum – though a discussion of the overall development of a long-running series will inevitably involve some indication of where the early books are heading.
See related Willy Wonka: new movie will not adapt any of the books, origin beats confirmed
Robin Hobb’s Realm Of The Elderlings series is an epic fantasy saga currently comprising sixteen books. It tells a continuous, chronological story that starts in the first book, Assassin’s Apprentice, and reaches a conclusion (whether it is a final conclusion remains to be seen) in the most recent, Assassin’s Fate. However, unlike some other long-running fantasy sagas, this series is sub-divided into four trilogies and a quartet,...
Thinking of tackling Robin Hobbs' Realm Of The Elderlings series? Juliette talks you through it...
Since this article is aimed at those who may not have read all of these books, spoilers will be kept to an absolute minimum – though a discussion of the overall development of a long-running series will inevitably involve some indication of where the early books are heading.
See related Willy Wonka: new movie will not adapt any of the books, origin beats confirmed
Robin Hobb’s Realm Of The Elderlings series is an epic fantasy saga currently comprising sixteen books. It tells a continuous, chronological story that starts in the first book, Assassin’s Apprentice, and reaches a conclusion (whether it is a final conclusion remains to be seen) in the most recent, Assassin’s Fate. However, unlike some other long-running fantasy sagas, this series is sub-divided into four trilogies and a quartet,...
- 6/23/2017
- Den of Geek
WikiLeaks founder to judge films at the 21st Raindance Film Festival; 2013 line-up unveiled.Scroll down for full line-up of films
Julian Assange has joined the jury of the 21st Raindance Film Festival (Sept 25 - Oct 6), a London-based event that celebrates independent film in the UK and around the world.
The appointment is a controversial one. The Australian editor-in-chief and founder of WikiLeaks took refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning about sexual assault allegations.
It is understood that he fears Sweden would extradite him to the Us, where he believes he is wanted in relation to WikiLeaks’ disclosure of a significant amount of classified Us military and diplomatic documents.
Commenting on Assange’s appointment, Raindance founder Elliot Grove said: “Every year Raindance invites interesting people to join our jury. In the past we have had musicians like Mick Jones, Marky Ramone and [link...
Julian Assange has joined the jury of the 21st Raindance Film Festival (Sept 25 - Oct 6), a London-based event that celebrates independent film in the UK and around the world.
The appointment is a controversial one. The Australian editor-in-chief and founder of WikiLeaks took refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London in June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning about sexual assault allegations.
It is understood that he fears Sweden would extradite him to the Us, where he believes he is wanted in relation to WikiLeaks’ disclosure of a significant amount of classified Us military and diplomatic documents.
Commenting on Assange’s appointment, Raindance founder Elliot Grove said: “Every year Raindance invites interesting people to join our jury. In the past we have had musicians like Mick Jones, Marky Ramone and [link...
- 9/3/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
This buzzed-about Canadian drama had its world premiere as part of the Whistler Film Festival this past November. Now we've got the world premiere of the film's very first trailer to share with you.
Mad Ship follows the quixotic depression-era story of a Scandinavian immigrant who, upon the death of his beloved wife, decides to build a huge boat and sail out of the Prairie’s dust-bowl. Behind the camera is first-time director David Mortin and stars Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Gil Bellows, Line Verndal, Gage Munroe, Martha Burns, Lane Styles, Aidan Devine and Rachel Blanchard.
The preview makes its television debut tonight on Et Canada but we've got it exclusively for you online here at Cineplex.com. Check out the first official trailer, courtesy of D Films, from the Manitoba-based story after the cut!
Mad Ship follows the quixotic depression-era story of a Scandinavian immigrant who, upon the death of his beloved wife, decides to build a huge boat and sail out of the Prairie’s dust-bowl. Behind the camera is first-time director David Mortin and stars Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Gil Bellows, Line Verndal, Gage Munroe, Martha Burns, Lane Styles, Aidan Devine and Rachel Blanchard.
The preview makes its television debut tonight on Et Canada but we've got it exclusively for you online here at Cineplex.com. Check out the first official trailer, courtesy of D Films, from the Manitoba-based story after the cut!
- 3/12/2013
- by Emma Badame
- Cineplex
The 12th annual Whistler Film Festival , attracted more A-list talent and more deal-makers than previous years. The respected British stage and film actor Daniel Radcliffe discussed his upcoming films (Kill Your Darlings, The F Word, Horns) and return to London’s west stage during a special Spotlight on Daniel Radcliffe hosted by George Stroumboulopoulos.
Actor and screenwriter Rashida Jones was recognized for her talents in front and behind the camera with Wff’s Trailblazer Award For Acting and Scriptwriting. Writer and actor Will McCormack was also in attendance for the screening of Celeste and Jesse Forever, which he co-wrote and acts in. Both Jones and McCormack, who were among Variety’S 10 Screenwriter To Watch class in 2011, also received Variety’S One To Watch honor, which was announced at the festival.
Variety’s Steven Gaydos presented Melissa Rosenberg with the publication’s Billion Dollar Screenwriter Award for her impressive accomplishments with the Twilight Saga films. Five out of Variety’S 10 Screenwriters To Watch were in Whistler to receive recognition: Katie Dippold (The Heat); Patrick Aison (Wunderkind); Reid Carolin (Magic Mike); Scott Rothman (Draft Day); and Ted Melfi (St Vincent De Van Nuys).
Other stars gracing the Wff red carpet included James Cromwell (Still), Gil Bellows (Mad Ship), Rachelle Lefevre (Borsos juror and actress in Omerta which screened at Wff), musician Bruce Cockburn (featured in Bruce Cockburn Pacing The Cage), Kristanna Loken (Love Orchard), Caroline Dhavernas (Mars Et Avril), Helen Shaver (Borsos juror), Liane Balaban (Borsos juror), Katherine Isabelle (American Mary), and Emily Hampshire (My Awkward Sexual Adventure).
The Wff Audience Award went Sean Garrity’s My Awkward Sexual Adventure, which was one of eight contenders in the Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature. The Wff Audience Award runner up went to Hit ‘N Strum, Kirk Caouette’s charming Vancouver street movie which was presented in the new Discoveries program. The Wff Audience Award is a non-cash prize presented to the highest-rated film as voted by the audience.
“This year marks yet another milestone for us. We have been embraced by China, adopted by Variety, and partnered with Bell Media, and we surpassed all expectations in terms of our targets. We have 12 years of experience behind us, and we have several promising initiatives on the horizon,” commented Wff Founder and Executive Director Shauna Hardy Mishaw. “Not only have we become a desired place for filmmakers to present their films, we have become an essential place for the industry to meet and do business with both established and emerging filmmakers, and that is what makes Whistler a filmmakers’ festival. I can honestly say with my hand on my heart that this was the best fest yet!”
The Wff Programming Team under the direction of Director of Programming Paul Gratton assembled a program that was broader and more eclectic than in years past. New strands included American Indies, Discoveries, Late Night TerrorFest and Gkids Animation Showcase. Certain films from these strands, such as Vancouver-made American Mary, the French animated film The Painting, It'S A Disaster and Bruce Cockbrun Pacing The Cage created major buzz and word-of-mouth amongst festival-goers. Canadian films were prominently featured throughout the fest with a number of World Premieres such as Mad Ship, the closing night film The Sheepdogs Have At It and the World Documentary winner Status Quo?. Over all, the festival had something for everyone.
"In what was hoped to be a transformative year for Wff, audiences and critics alike seem to have responded extremely well to such innovations as repeat screenings, press and industry screenings, new programming strands and the very successful China Canada Gateway for Film Script Competition,” says Paul Gratton, Wff’s Director of Programming. “Business was done, audiences were enthusiastic and the many celebrities that graced our presence, from Daniel Radcliffe and Rashida Jones to Bruce Cockburn and James Cromwell, all gave us very positive feedback on the warm Whistler welcome they received. We are all looking forward to building on this year’s momentum and an even greater Wff in 2013.”
Whistler Film Festival screenings were organized in 9 categories: Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature; World Documentary; World Now; Mountain Culture; and ShortWork as well as the newly added American Indies; Discoveries, Late Night TerrorFest and Gkids Animation Showcase. Five Special Presentation screenings and a Programmer’s Surprise, Samsara, rounded out this year’s diverse lineup.
Several of the feature films were at or near capacity and included Still, My Awkward Sexual Adventure, Bruce Cockburn Pacing The Cage, Love, Marilyn, Bird Co Media, Anna Karenina, American Mary, The Movie Out Here, Karakara, Hit ’N Strum, The Mountain Runners, and Few Words. Total attendance, including industry insiders, was at 9,964 attendees, a 20% increase over 2011 (8,270 in 2011), including 556 delegates (a 10% increase compared to 506 in 2011). Box office was up 37% over 2011.
The Whistler Film Festival celebrated its 12th edition as one of Canada's leading festivals from November 28 to December 2. It showcased 78 films consisting of 44 features and 34 shorts on five screens in four theatres over five amazing days including 6 World Premieres, 1 North American Premiere, 8 Canadian Premieres, 5 English Canadian Premieres, 15 Western Canadian Premieres, 4 British Columbian Premieres, and 3 Whistler Premieres. 51 percent of the films presented were Canadian. Films from 18 countries were screened: Canada, UK, USA, France, China, India, Iran, Japan, Netherlands, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Vietnam, Slovakia, Colombia, Poland, Palestine and Australia.
The Festival continued to support cinematic excellence and awarded up to $31,500 in cash prizes and commissions. Picture Day, by first time feature director Kate Melville, won the coveted $15,000 Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature. The$1,000 Canadian ShortWork Award went to Requiem For Romance, directed by Jonathan Ng. The $500 ShortWork Student Award went to Plating by Sfu student Jon Thomas. The Mppia Short Film Award was won by Jon Ornoy for True Love Waits. Presented by Mppia and British Columbia Film + Media, the award consists of a $15,000 cash award plus up to $100,000 in production services.
Whistler Film Festival announced three Canadian film projects that will move into development with Chinese production financing. There were several other deal discussions that began at the Festival both with China and other international investors.
With a focus on the changing media landscape and designed to facilitate international alliances and financial partnerships, the Whistler Summit, Wff’s industry forum, focused on filmmaking in the digital age presenting 15 interactive sessions that addressed a range of issues affecting the film, television and digital media industry. Sessions were complimented by networking opportunities including one-on-one meetings, roundtable information sessions and receptions.
Overall, the industry Summit was at 82% capacity. In addition to the scheduled meetings that took place during the Summit, there was again a notable increase in unscheduled meetings that took place outside of scheduled blocks proving the festival remains an important place for the industry to meet and do business. Industry guests came from the USA and Canada to participate, and delegate representation was from the USA, China, UK, Norway, Japan, Korea and Canada.
A team of 143 volunteers contributed over 1500 hours of time to support the festival’s success.
For information, go to whistlerfilmfestival.com
The Whistler Film Festival is supported by Telefilm Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Tourism Whistler, and is sponsored by Bell Media, Variety, the Directors Guild of Canada - British Columbia, American Airlines, Sorel, Kokanee, Zoom Audio Visual Networks, Christie Digital, Glacier Media Group, Whistler Blackcomb and the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler.
The Whistler Film Festival Society (Wffs) is a cultural charitable organization dedicated to furthering the art of film by providing programs that focus on the discovery, development and promotion of new talent culminating with a must attend festival for artists, the industry and audiences in Whistler. Wffs produces one of Canada’s leading film festivals and plays a leadership role in offering professional and project development programs for filmmakers.
Whistler is Canada’s premier, year-round destination located in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, and just two hours north of Vancouver. Consistently ranked the number one mountain resort in North America, Whistler features two majestic mountains, epic skiing and snowboarding conditions, four championship golf courses, more than 200 shops, 90 restaurants and bars, accommodations galore, hiking trails, spas and arguably the best mountain bike park in the world. In short, Whistler has everything you will ever need to have the time of your life - and so much more.
Actor and screenwriter Rashida Jones was recognized for her talents in front and behind the camera with Wff’s Trailblazer Award For Acting and Scriptwriting. Writer and actor Will McCormack was also in attendance for the screening of Celeste and Jesse Forever, which he co-wrote and acts in. Both Jones and McCormack, who were among Variety’S 10 Screenwriter To Watch class in 2011, also received Variety’S One To Watch honor, which was announced at the festival.
Variety’s Steven Gaydos presented Melissa Rosenberg with the publication’s Billion Dollar Screenwriter Award for her impressive accomplishments with the Twilight Saga films. Five out of Variety’S 10 Screenwriters To Watch were in Whistler to receive recognition: Katie Dippold (The Heat); Patrick Aison (Wunderkind); Reid Carolin (Magic Mike); Scott Rothman (Draft Day); and Ted Melfi (St Vincent De Van Nuys).
Other stars gracing the Wff red carpet included James Cromwell (Still), Gil Bellows (Mad Ship), Rachelle Lefevre (Borsos juror and actress in Omerta which screened at Wff), musician Bruce Cockburn (featured in Bruce Cockburn Pacing The Cage), Kristanna Loken (Love Orchard), Caroline Dhavernas (Mars Et Avril), Helen Shaver (Borsos juror), Liane Balaban (Borsos juror), Katherine Isabelle (American Mary), and Emily Hampshire (My Awkward Sexual Adventure).
The Wff Audience Award went Sean Garrity’s My Awkward Sexual Adventure, which was one of eight contenders in the Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature. The Wff Audience Award runner up went to Hit ‘N Strum, Kirk Caouette’s charming Vancouver street movie which was presented in the new Discoveries program. The Wff Audience Award is a non-cash prize presented to the highest-rated film as voted by the audience.
“This year marks yet another milestone for us. We have been embraced by China, adopted by Variety, and partnered with Bell Media, and we surpassed all expectations in terms of our targets. We have 12 years of experience behind us, and we have several promising initiatives on the horizon,” commented Wff Founder and Executive Director Shauna Hardy Mishaw. “Not only have we become a desired place for filmmakers to present their films, we have become an essential place for the industry to meet and do business with both established and emerging filmmakers, and that is what makes Whistler a filmmakers’ festival. I can honestly say with my hand on my heart that this was the best fest yet!”
The Wff Programming Team under the direction of Director of Programming Paul Gratton assembled a program that was broader and more eclectic than in years past. New strands included American Indies, Discoveries, Late Night TerrorFest and Gkids Animation Showcase. Certain films from these strands, such as Vancouver-made American Mary, the French animated film The Painting, It'S A Disaster and Bruce Cockbrun Pacing The Cage created major buzz and word-of-mouth amongst festival-goers. Canadian films were prominently featured throughout the fest with a number of World Premieres such as Mad Ship, the closing night film The Sheepdogs Have At It and the World Documentary winner Status Quo?. Over all, the festival had something for everyone.
"In what was hoped to be a transformative year for Wff, audiences and critics alike seem to have responded extremely well to such innovations as repeat screenings, press and industry screenings, new programming strands and the very successful China Canada Gateway for Film Script Competition,” says Paul Gratton, Wff’s Director of Programming. “Business was done, audiences were enthusiastic and the many celebrities that graced our presence, from Daniel Radcliffe and Rashida Jones to Bruce Cockburn and James Cromwell, all gave us very positive feedback on the warm Whistler welcome they received. We are all looking forward to building on this year’s momentum and an even greater Wff in 2013.”
Whistler Film Festival screenings were organized in 9 categories: Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature; World Documentary; World Now; Mountain Culture; and ShortWork as well as the newly added American Indies; Discoveries, Late Night TerrorFest and Gkids Animation Showcase. Five Special Presentation screenings and a Programmer’s Surprise, Samsara, rounded out this year’s diverse lineup.
Several of the feature films were at or near capacity and included Still, My Awkward Sexual Adventure, Bruce Cockburn Pacing The Cage, Love, Marilyn, Bird Co Media, Anna Karenina, American Mary, The Movie Out Here, Karakara, Hit ’N Strum, The Mountain Runners, and Few Words. Total attendance, including industry insiders, was at 9,964 attendees, a 20% increase over 2011 (8,270 in 2011), including 556 delegates (a 10% increase compared to 506 in 2011). Box office was up 37% over 2011.
The Whistler Film Festival celebrated its 12th edition as one of Canada's leading festivals from November 28 to December 2. It showcased 78 films consisting of 44 features and 34 shorts on five screens in four theatres over five amazing days including 6 World Premieres, 1 North American Premiere, 8 Canadian Premieres, 5 English Canadian Premieres, 15 Western Canadian Premieres, 4 British Columbian Premieres, and 3 Whistler Premieres. 51 percent of the films presented were Canadian. Films from 18 countries were screened: Canada, UK, USA, France, China, India, Iran, Japan, Netherlands, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Vietnam, Slovakia, Colombia, Poland, Palestine and Australia.
The Festival continued to support cinematic excellence and awarded up to $31,500 in cash prizes and commissions. Picture Day, by first time feature director Kate Melville, won the coveted $15,000 Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature. The$1,000 Canadian ShortWork Award went to Requiem For Romance, directed by Jonathan Ng. The $500 ShortWork Student Award went to Plating by Sfu student Jon Thomas. The Mppia Short Film Award was won by Jon Ornoy for True Love Waits. Presented by Mppia and British Columbia Film + Media, the award consists of a $15,000 cash award plus up to $100,000 in production services.
Whistler Film Festival announced three Canadian film projects that will move into development with Chinese production financing. There were several other deal discussions that began at the Festival both with China and other international investors.
With a focus on the changing media landscape and designed to facilitate international alliances and financial partnerships, the Whistler Summit, Wff’s industry forum, focused on filmmaking in the digital age presenting 15 interactive sessions that addressed a range of issues affecting the film, television and digital media industry. Sessions were complimented by networking opportunities including one-on-one meetings, roundtable information sessions and receptions.
Overall, the industry Summit was at 82% capacity. In addition to the scheduled meetings that took place during the Summit, there was again a notable increase in unscheduled meetings that took place outside of scheduled blocks proving the festival remains an important place for the industry to meet and do business. Industry guests came from the USA and Canada to participate, and delegate representation was from the USA, China, UK, Norway, Japan, Korea and Canada.
A team of 143 volunteers contributed over 1500 hours of time to support the festival’s success.
For information, go to whistlerfilmfestival.com
The Whistler Film Festival is supported by Telefilm Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Tourism Whistler, and is sponsored by Bell Media, Variety, the Directors Guild of Canada - British Columbia, American Airlines, Sorel, Kokanee, Zoom Audio Visual Networks, Christie Digital, Glacier Media Group, Whistler Blackcomb and the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler.
The Whistler Film Festival Society (Wffs) is a cultural charitable organization dedicated to furthering the art of film by providing programs that focus on the discovery, development and promotion of new talent culminating with a must attend festival for artists, the industry and audiences in Whistler. Wffs produces one of Canada’s leading film festivals and plays a leadership role in offering professional and project development programs for filmmakers.
Whistler is Canada’s premier, year-round destination located in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, and just two hours north of Vancouver. Consistently ranked the number one mountain resort in North America, Whistler features two majestic mountains, epic skiing and snowboarding conditions, four championship golf courses, more than 200 shops, 90 restaurants and bars, accommodations galore, hiking trails, spas and arguably the best mountain bike park in the world. In short, Whistler has everything you will ever need to have the time of your life - and so much more.
- 12/6/2012
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Mad Ship is loosely based on the depression-era true story of a Scandinavian immigrant who, upon the death of his beloved wife, decided to build a huge boat and sail out of the Prairie’s dust-bowl. A captivating tale that has long caught the eye of many a storyteller, it's first-time director David Mortin who has taken up the challenge to bring the unusual, quixotic Canadian tale to the big screen
Shot in Manitoba, the film stars Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Gil Bellows, Line Verndal, Gage Munroe, Martha Burns, Lane Styles, Aidan Devine and Rachel Blanchard. Premiering November 30 at the Whistler Film Festival, the film is set for a limited release in early 2013.
Check out the first official poster from the film after the cut, just in time for its festival debut...
Shot in Manitoba, the film stars Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Gil Bellows, Line Verndal, Gage Munroe, Martha Burns, Lane Styles, Aidan Devine and Rachel Blanchard. Premiering November 30 at the Whistler Film Festival, the film is set for a limited release in early 2013.
Check out the first official poster from the film after the cut, just in time for its festival debut...
- 11/21/2012
- by Emma Badame
- Cineplex
Whistler Film Festival Offers Sneak Peek of 2012 Film and Summit Programming Early Bird Industry Registration, Festival Passes and Accommodation Now Available. The countdown has begun! The 12th annual Whistler Film Festival returns November 28 to December 2, 2012 and the Festival is proud to offer a sneak peek of the first wave of confirmed films as well highlights from its industry program designed to foster innovation, connections and deals. Set in North America’s premiere mountain resort, the Whistler Film Festival combines an esteemed international film competition with a concentrated screen-based industry Summit organized to address the ever-evolving landscape crossing borders and platforms in the digital age. The Festival hosts filmmaking luminaries for an intimate five-day program of screenings, tributes, industry initiatives and special events. Up to 90 innovative and original films from Canada and around the world will be presented. Recognized by filmmakers and film lovers alike as one of Canada’s most important showcases for film, the Festival is a place where artists are celebrated, audiences are inspired, new ideas are discussed, and business opportunities are solidified.
"This year's Whistler Film Festival program will prove to be an exciting and eclectic mix of traditional quality festival fare, sprinkled with a large sampling of the unusual, the unexpected and the just plain entertaining," comments Paul Gratton, Wff’s Director of Programming. "From the sublime to the outrageous, the films at Wff this year will offer something for everyone, with more than a few surprises along the way. The Summit will complement our film programming by addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the industry this year." The Whistler Film Festival is pleased to announce the first round of confirmed titles. Leading off the charge in this year's Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature are two world premieres, named in honor of legendary Canadian filmmaker Phillip Borsos. The Mad Ship, a first feature from Winnipeg based filmmaker David Morton, presents some of the most breathtaking shots of the prairies ever committed to film, and tells the true story of a Scandinavian immigrant caught in the Depression-era dustbowl where drought destroyed the farming hopes of a generation of would-be Prairie settlers. Having lost everything, he embarks on the Sisyphean task of building a boat in the middle of nowhere, far from any body of water. The Mad Ship features performances by Gil Bellows, Martha Burns and Aidan Devine, with Nikolaj Lie Kass in the lead. Sean Garrity's pulse-pounding thriller Blood Pressure about an unhappy wife who starts receiving anonymous notes enticing her to perform certain inexplicable acts of voyeurism directed towards a mysterious young man. Michelle Giroux, Tatiana Maslany and Jonas Chernick are featured. Another Borsos contender returns Garrity and Chernick with My Awkward Sexual Adventure, undoubtedly the funniest Canadian sex comedy ever made. A nerd is dumped by his true love for being a lousy lover. When he attempts to drown his sorrows, a Toronto stripper played by Emily Hampshire takes pity on him and teaches him the ropes, so to speak. Also featured in the Borsos Competition is Michael McGowan's moving new film, Still, featuring unforgettable performances by James Cromwell and Genevieve Bujold, who play an aging couple that lead the fight against diminished faculties by attempting to build their own dream house, despite objections from family members and the Maritime municipality in which they live. A film that will have everyone talking is the English Canadian premiere of Martin Laroch’s faux documentary Fair Sex (Les Manèges Humains), featuring a courageous, unforgettable performance by Marie-Evelyne Lessard, who plays an African-Québecoise making a documentary on her summer job with itinerant country fair workers. What starts out as a light-hearted treatise on how to lock up a ferris wheel at night, soon transforms itself into something far more substantial, as a shocking reveal at the halfway mark leads to the most human, extended sex scene between a young woman with a very particular request and an older man in his 40s who reluctantly agrees to her proposal. This is one movie that will not leave you indifferent.
Other titles confirmed for Whistler include Mountain Culture entry The Mountain Runners, an engrossing docudrama about the first mountain footrace held in Bellingham, Washington in 1911 directed by Todd Warger and Brian Young. Two other American indie films, both featuring the charismatic Julia Stiles as part of talented ensemble casts who is confirmed to attend this year’s fest, will have their BC premieres at Whistler. It's a Disaster is a dark comedy about four couples who get together for Sunday brunch regularly, only on this particular occasion, a 'dirty' bomb has gone off in downtown San Francisco, forcing them to seal up their windows, and try to carry on as usual, with David Cross and America Ferrara. Also starring Ms. Stiles is Dan Mirvisch's first feature Between Us (David Harbour, Taye Diggs and Melissa George) about two couples who get together after years of estrangement to patch up old differences, only to find that some broken things can't be mended. Taking place during the 2012 Whistler Film Festival, the Whistler Summit features three concentrated days of business programmes and networking where industry can delve into the ever-evolving convergence of the art, technology and commerce of cinema. Wondering about digital platforms and distribution, how to break into the China market, the latest trends in Visual FX, or the business of made for TV movies? Offering in-depth conversations, lively debates, and critical insight into a broad range of issues vital to the international and domestic film communities that address crossing borders and platforms in the digital age, Whistler is the place to be, to connect and to deal. New for 2012 is the China Canada Gateway for Film® Script Competition, a dynamic pitching competition designed to stimulate international financing for Canadian feature film projects by introducing experienced Canadian writer/producer teams to Chinese studios with up to $15 million on the table for three selected projects. “This year’s festival marks our 12th edition and we have some major developments which will reinforce Whistler’s reputation as being an important place to experience fresh films and connect with industry leaders,” says Whistler Film Festival Society Executive Director Shauna Hardy Mishaw. “Prepare to be inspired; our lineup this year promises to exceed expectations.” The Festival’s online box office is now open for early bird industry registration, festival passes and ticket packages until October 31st. Best accommodation rates are also available starting from $79* per night until November 8th. The Festival lineup and film schedule will be available online on November 1st. Individual film and special event tickets go on sale on online November 1st (until December 2nd). The Festival Box Office opens November 1st for phone sales and on November 22nd for walk-in sales. For information, go to www.whistlerfilmfestival.com The Whistler Film Festival is supported by Telefilm Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Tourism Whistler, and is sponsored by Bell Media, Variety, the Directors Guild of Canada - British Columbia, American Airlines, Sorel, Kokanee and the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler. About the Whistler Film Festival Society The Whistler Film Festival Society (Wffs) is a charitable cultural organization dedicated to furthering the art of film by providing programs that focus on the discovery, development and promotion of new talent culminating with a must attend festival for artists, the industry and audiences in Whistler. Wffs produces one of Canada's leading film festivals and plays a leadership role in offering project development programs and opportunities for filmmakers. About Whistler Located in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, and just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is Canada’s premier, year-round destination. Consistently ranked the number one mountain resort in North America, Whistler features two majestic mountains, epic skiing and snowboarding conditions, four championship golf courses, more than 200 shops, 90 restaurants and bars, accommodations galore, hiking trails, spas and arguably the best mountain bike park in the world. In short, Whistler has everything you will ever need to have the time of your life - and so much more.
"This year's Whistler Film Festival program will prove to be an exciting and eclectic mix of traditional quality festival fare, sprinkled with a large sampling of the unusual, the unexpected and the just plain entertaining," comments Paul Gratton, Wff’s Director of Programming. "From the sublime to the outrageous, the films at Wff this year will offer something for everyone, with more than a few surprises along the way. The Summit will complement our film programming by addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the industry this year." The Whistler Film Festival is pleased to announce the first round of confirmed titles. Leading off the charge in this year's Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature are two world premieres, named in honor of legendary Canadian filmmaker Phillip Borsos. The Mad Ship, a first feature from Winnipeg based filmmaker David Morton, presents some of the most breathtaking shots of the prairies ever committed to film, and tells the true story of a Scandinavian immigrant caught in the Depression-era dustbowl where drought destroyed the farming hopes of a generation of would-be Prairie settlers. Having lost everything, he embarks on the Sisyphean task of building a boat in the middle of nowhere, far from any body of water. The Mad Ship features performances by Gil Bellows, Martha Burns and Aidan Devine, with Nikolaj Lie Kass in the lead. Sean Garrity's pulse-pounding thriller Blood Pressure about an unhappy wife who starts receiving anonymous notes enticing her to perform certain inexplicable acts of voyeurism directed towards a mysterious young man. Michelle Giroux, Tatiana Maslany and Jonas Chernick are featured. Another Borsos contender returns Garrity and Chernick with My Awkward Sexual Adventure, undoubtedly the funniest Canadian sex comedy ever made. A nerd is dumped by his true love for being a lousy lover. When he attempts to drown his sorrows, a Toronto stripper played by Emily Hampshire takes pity on him and teaches him the ropes, so to speak. Also featured in the Borsos Competition is Michael McGowan's moving new film, Still, featuring unforgettable performances by James Cromwell and Genevieve Bujold, who play an aging couple that lead the fight against diminished faculties by attempting to build their own dream house, despite objections from family members and the Maritime municipality in which they live. A film that will have everyone talking is the English Canadian premiere of Martin Laroch’s faux documentary Fair Sex (Les Manèges Humains), featuring a courageous, unforgettable performance by Marie-Evelyne Lessard, who plays an African-Québecoise making a documentary on her summer job with itinerant country fair workers. What starts out as a light-hearted treatise on how to lock up a ferris wheel at night, soon transforms itself into something far more substantial, as a shocking reveal at the halfway mark leads to the most human, extended sex scene between a young woman with a very particular request and an older man in his 40s who reluctantly agrees to her proposal. This is one movie that will not leave you indifferent.
Other titles confirmed for Whistler include Mountain Culture entry The Mountain Runners, an engrossing docudrama about the first mountain footrace held in Bellingham, Washington in 1911 directed by Todd Warger and Brian Young. Two other American indie films, both featuring the charismatic Julia Stiles as part of talented ensemble casts who is confirmed to attend this year’s fest, will have their BC premieres at Whistler. It's a Disaster is a dark comedy about four couples who get together for Sunday brunch regularly, only on this particular occasion, a 'dirty' bomb has gone off in downtown San Francisco, forcing them to seal up their windows, and try to carry on as usual, with David Cross and America Ferrara. Also starring Ms. Stiles is Dan Mirvisch's first feature Between Us (David Harbour, Taye Diggs and Melissa George) about two couples who get together after years of estrangement to patch up old differences, only to find that some broken things can't be mended. Taking place during the 2012 Whistler Film Festival, the Whistler Summit features three concentrated days of business programmes and networking where industry can delve into the ever-evolving convergence of the art, technology and commerce of cinema. Wondering about digital platforms and distribution, how to break into the China market, the latest trends in Visual FX, or the business of made for TV movies? Offering in-depth conversations, lively debates, and critical insight into a broad range of issues vital to the international and domestic film communities that address crossing borders and platforms in the digital age, Whistler is the place to be, to connect and to deal. New for 2012 is the China Canada Gateway for Film® Script Competition, a dynamic pitching competition designed to stimulate international financing for Canadian feature film projects by introducing experienced Canadian writer/producer teams to Chinese studios with up to $15 million on the table for three selected projects. “This year’s festival marks our 12th edition and we have some major developments which will reinforce Whistler’s reputation as being an important place to experience fresh films and connect with industry leaders,” says Whistler Film Festival Society Executive Director Shauna Hardy Mishaw. “Prepare to be inspired; our lineup this year promises to exceed expectations.” The Festival’s online box office is now open for early bird industry registration, festival passes and ticket packages until October 31st. Best accommodation rates are also available starting from $79* per night until November 8th. The Festival lineup and film schedule will be available online on November 1st. Individual film and special event tickets go on sale on online November 1st (until December 2nd). The Festival Box Office opens November 1st for phone sales and on November 22nd for walk-in sales. For information, go to www.whistlerfilmfestival.com The Whistler Film Festival is supported by Telefilm Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Tourism Whistler, and is sponsored by Bell Media, Variety, the Directors Guild of Canada - British Columbia, American Airlines, Sorel, Kokanee and the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler. About the Whistler Film Festival Society The Whistler Film Festival Society (Wffs) is a charitable cultural organization dedicated to furthering the art of film by providing programs that focus on the discovery, development and promotion of new talent culminating with a must attend festival for artists, the industry and audiences in Whistler. Wffs produces one of Canada's leading film festivals and plays a leadership role in offering project development programs and opportunities for filmmakers. About Whistler Located in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, and just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is Canada’s premier, year-round destination. Consistently ranked the number one mountain resort in North America, Whistler features two majestic mountains, epic skiing and snowboarding conditions, four championship golf courses, more than 200 shops, 90 restaurants and bars, accommodations galore, hiking trails, spas and arguably the best mountain bike park in the world. In short, Whistler has everything you will ever need to have the time of your life - and so much more.
- 9/11/2012
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
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