The Edmonton International Film Festival kicks off Thursday and once again Global Edmonton will have you covered when it comes to film reviews.
Todd James has compiled a number of reviews of films you can catch at this year’s festival, which features more than 150 films from Alberta, Canada and around the world.
The 10-day festival features 40 feature-length films and over 75 short films. This year marks the first time EIFF is an Oscar-qualifying festival.
READ MORE: Edmonton International Film Festival selected as Oscar-qualifying festival
For more information on the films and schedule, you can visit the EIFF’s website.
James will conduct interviews throughout EIFF with organizers and those who have films featured in the festival. James’ reviews can be read below:
Heavyweight Paint – USA
(Opening night gala Thursday, Sept. 29 7 p.m. Director: Jeff Martini. Producer: Antwane Owens & Tim Okamura in attendance)
Four Brooklyn-based artists including Edmonton’s own Tim Okamura struggle to bring their talents together in one collaborative show on the sport of boxing in this feature-length documentary. Following the difficulties of each artist as they struggle to make a name for themselves in the ultra competitive New York art world, it’s an intimate portrait of four uniquely connected artists as they face family issues, racial prejudice and even Mother Nature.
Watch below: Todd James speaks with the director of Heavyweight Paint, Jeff Martini and star Tim Okamura
Heavens Floor – Canada
(Friday, Sept. 30 6:30 p.m. Director: Lori Stoll. Q&A to follow)
A gut-wrenching story of clashing cultures and discovery. Julia, an LA photographer played by Clea Duvall, on an expedition to the arctic, is rescued by Malaya, an eleven-year-old orphaned Inuit girl. Julia is touched by Malaya’s tragic life and her courage and at the behest of her dying grandmother agrees to allow Malaya to return with her to Los Angeles, a decision that strains her already fractious marriage. Heaven’s Floor features breathtaking cinematography and a captivating performance from Katie May Dunford as Malaya.
Watch below: Todd James speaks to the director of Heavens Floor
Weirdos – Canada
(Friday Sept. 30 9 p.m.)
From Hard Core Logo director Bruce Macdonald, Weirdos made its debut at TIFF. It’s a coming of age road trip set in 1976. Teenaged Kit decides to travel with Alice, a smitten friend not quite aware of Kit’s motives, on a trip to Sydney, Nova Scotia to visit his estranged and eccentric mother played by Molly Parker. Along the way they’re joined by the apparition of Andy Warhol as the two discover truths about themselves and their struggling parents. Solid performances from a cast that includes Allen Hawco and Cathy Jones in this comedic drama.
Dark Harvest – Canada
(Saturday, Oct. 1 7 p.m. Director & star: James Hutson. Q&A to follow)
A timely film set on the eve of the legalization of marijuana, James Hutson directs and stars as Carter, a man in search of the killer of his friend, a brutally murdered pot grower. Cheech Marin plays his mentor in this down and dirty story as Carter teams up with an ailing detective and number one suspect in the murder to find the real killer. Their paths cross dirty cops – including one played by Hugh Dillon – drug dealers and vengeful killers. There’s plenty of action and twists in this gritty street drama.
Bugs – Austria
(Sunday, Oct. 2 11:30 p.m.)
Follow a team of researchers from Nordic Food Lab as they travel the world searching for insects that can be devoured by an ever-growing population. The numbers are staggering; by the year 2050, the planet will have to somehow increase food production by 70 per cent. These chefs and researchers have been foraging the world looking for consumable bugs and talking to the people who eat them. Though often referred to as the next super food, there is much skepticism as to the role insects can play in feeding the world and how corporate greed plays into the equation. A fascinating exploration into the environmental, economical and gastric influence of bugs in the food chain.
First Round Down – Canada
(Sunday, Oct. 2 8 p.m.)
Tim Tucker is a former junior hockey star whose career was shortened by a hit to the knees. This hometown hero played by Orphan Black’s Dylan Bruce returns home to take care of his brother and makes ends meet delivering pizza. But Tim has a past that’s about to catch up to him when his services as a hit man are required. It’s pure Canadiana with a gangster twist as Tim has to face past loves and loyalties. Filmed entirely in Hamilton, it’s an action comedy romance that keeps its stick on the ice.
A Man Called Ove – Sweden
(Monday, Oct. 3 6:30 p.m.)
From Sweden, a delightful comedy drama about Ove, a recently widowed 59-year-old who rules his condo association with an iron fist until he’s deposed as president. Ove isn’t about to keep quiet about what’s going on in his neighbourhood but begins to soften when new neighbours crack his grumpy facade. Based on the best selling novel, the story is told in the present and past and with a complex and likeable performance from Rolf Laasgard as Ove begins to face the death of his wife, his own thoughts of suicide and a changing world.
Pushing Dead – USA
(Monday, Oct. 3 7 p.m.)
A dark comedy about life with HIV. James Roday plays Dan, he’s been HIV positive for 22 years and his life has been on hold since his diagnosis. Struggling from paycheque to paycheque with occasional stints as a slam poet, Dan reassess his life when his insurance provider halts payment on the drugs that keep him alive. Quirky characters populate Dan’s world including Danny Glover as his part time boss, recently estranged from his wife and Robin Weigert is a highlight as his roommate who’s developed a disturbing relationship with a stuffed animal. It’s a tricky topic to play for comedy but there’s plenty of humanity along with the laughs.
Have a Baby – USA
(Tuesday, Oct. 4 1:30 p.m.)
This documentary follows several couples so desperate to have a baby that they, along with hundreds of others, enter an annual contest put on by Las Vegas doctor Geoffrey Sher. His clinic offers a prize of a free round of invitro fertilization with no guarantee of pregnancy to the winning applicant. Exploring the parents forced to take such drastic measures, the fertility business, as well as the pressures of society on couples and individuals to reproduce, Oscar nominated director Amanda Micheli presents a dramatic and comical journey as couples count on the votes of strangers to win this bizarre contest and deal with the pressure to have a baby.
Watch below: Todd James profiles “Have a Baby,” a documentary that tells the story of an unusual contest that gives one winning couple a free round of IVF.
Left on Purpose – USA
(Wednesday, Oct. 5 1:30 p.m.)
Mayer Vishner was part of the anti war agitators known as Yippies ( Youth International Party) alongside Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin and others. Vishner was often seen as the brains of the radical movement. Director Justin Schein wanted to catch up with Mayer and began a four-year relationship with the former activist turned gardener and recluse. Ravaged by alcohol abuse and depression, Schein unwittingly becomes deeply involved in Mayer’s life and his plan to commit suicide. Fascinating, comical and deeply disturbing.
A Fat Wreck – USA
(Wednesday, Oct. 5 9 p.m. Director: Shaun Colon & Greg Pratt. Q&A to follow)
There’s always a host of music-based films at EIFF and this year is no exception with this documentary of Fat Wreck Chords and its founder Fat Mike of the legendary punk band NOFX. Along with his ex wife, sometimes portrayed here as animated puppets, they tell the story of this influential music label that claims “they’ve been ruining punk rock for 25 years” with some 157 studio albums under its belt. It’s a punkumentary not to be missed.
Underfire – USA
(Thursday, Oct. 6 1:30 p.m.)
A unique perspective of war is offered in this astounding documentary of the life of soldier and photographer Tony Vaccaro. As a 21-year-old with a passion and flare for photography, Vaccaro enlisted in the U.S. Army, taking on the dual role of soldier and photographer for the Army Signal Corp. Trusted by his fellows, Vaccaro snapped some 8,000 pictures during his 272 days as an infantryman for the 83rd division with a perspective arguably unmatched by any other photo bug. Strictly against any staged photographs, a practice universally accepted by other photojournalists of the time, it’s as real an experience of war as can be offered from a man who was there in two very different capacities. Vaccaro tells his own story and the stories behind the gripping photographs.
Face 2 Face – USA
(Thursday, Oct.6 6:30 p.m. Q&A with director Matt Toronto & producer Ian Michaels to follow)
Shot as two teenagers discuss their adolescent life online, this innovative film captures the imagination and angst of their digital world. At first the gimmick seems contrived but the story draws the viewer in as Teel and Madison rekindle a childhood friendship and begin to reveal dark secrets about themselves. Much is left to the imagination; heightening the intrigue.
Lost in the White City – USA
(Friday, Oct. 7 9 p.m. Director Gil Kofman. Q&A to follow)
Two American art students try to rekindle a flagging romance on a trip to Tel Aviv in this drama that simmers with sexual tension, violence and danger. Avi, a former soldier for the Israeli Army, comes between Kyle and Eva as the couple drifts apart amidst the chaos, drugs and decadence of this artistically charged city. Kyle, played by Thomas Dekker, is sexually awakened by Avi while Eva, played by Haley Bennet, most recently seen in The Magnificent Seven, meets a man who introduces her to a more sophisticated life philosophy. The sumptuous cinematography hints at the menace around every corner in this dark and dangerous romance.
Prison Dogs – USA
(Saturday, Oct. 8. Noon)
The program Puppies Behind Bars is the brainchild of dog expert Gloria Gilbert Stoga. It’s a program of second chances for inmates of New York’s Fishkill State Correctional Facility. This documentary from Emmy award winner Geeta Gandbhir and Perri Peltz follows three long-term inmates in the program as they attempt to complete their task of training puppies to become service dogs for disabled veterans. Stoga is a taskmaster and this is not a program to be taken lightly and not all will succeed but to those who complete the program the rewards are immeasurable for the prisoners and the veterans.
Forbidden Shore – Canada
(Saturday, Oct. 8 4 p.m. Director: Ron Chapman. Q&A to follow)
Writer, director and musician Ron Chapman, whose film The Poet of Havana closed last year’s EIFF, continues his love affair with the music and people of Cuba. As the island nation’s political isolation loosens, Chapman explores the rich musical history of Cuba. Various artists tell their personal stories and share their musical vision as well as the history of a country awash with talent and its own unique sound. The effects of the U.S. ban, communism and Castro all contribute to a country that’s people were born into a uniquely musical, if isolated world.
Folk Hero and The Funny Guy – USA
(Closing night gala Saturday, Oct. 8 7 p.m. Director: Jeff Grace. Producer: Ryan Aldrich. Q&A to follow)
The title sums up the plot nicely as Jason, a successful folk singer played by Wyatt Russell, taps his old friend Paul, a comedian played by Alex Karpovsky, to join him on the road as his opening act. Jason and Paul’s lives have taken radically divergent paths, Paul’s comedy career is languishing as he makes ends meet at a job he loathes, while his comedic chops wither. Jason, though, is in the fast lane and plans a small tour to jump-start his friend’s career. His motives may not be pure, though, when another down-on-her-luck singer joins the duo and soon they’re rivals for her attention. It’s an atypical buddy road movie thanks to a strong script and direction from EIFF alumni Jeff Grace (It’s a Disaster) and this talented cast.
Comments