We’re coming up on some film festivals in BC, and not just in Vancouver (though there’s plenty going on there). The Canada International Film Festival will take place on April 11th and 12th at the Edgewater Casino in Vancouver. It will not only showcase some of the best independent films from all over the world, but also host events like a Filmmaker and Screenwriter Networking Party and, of course, its own awards ceremony. You can find out more here. (And check out how affordable the tickets and passes are.)
One of the award winning films being honoured at the CIFF is The Paddler, by Carey Missler and DCD Productions, which has earned the Award of Excellence in the Documentary Feature Competition category. It tells the story of Kelowna resident Bob Purdy and his struggle to draw attention to the need to protect BC’s environment.
The Paddler will also be showcased at World Community Film Festival Kelowna, taking place Thursday through Saturday, March 12th to 15th, at UBC Okanagan, Ki low Na Friendship Centre and at Okanagan College (KLO Campus). This festival will feature 30 documentary films from all over. Speaking of affordability, admission is free, but they’ll be accepting donations that’ll go to several good causes: The festival itself, Ki-low-na Friendship Centre and Inn from the Cold, which serves people who are experiencing, or are at risk of homelessness. Read the (draft) schedule here.
Finally, have a look at the trailer for The Paddler — if you haven’t seen at first hand what a special place BC is, this gives you some little hint of it.