What’s happening?
Celebrate Canadian achievement on the big screen on National Canadian Film Day, Wednesday, April 18. The annual celebration shines a light on films about the Canadian experience made by Canadians, for Canadians. Everyone is encouraged to take part in one of the more than 700 free screenings planned across the country, including New Westminster.
This year is all about women with Spotlight on Female Filmmakers, and Reel Canada, the non-profit organization that runs National Canadian Film Day, has curated a 40-film “sampler” for event organizers to choose from. Featured filmmakers and screenwriters include Deepa Mehta (Water, Bollywood/Hollywood), Sandy Wilson (My American Cousin), Karen Walton (Ginger Snaps) and Mina Shum (Double Happiness).
What’s planned for New Westminster?
For the second year in a row, the New West Film Fest is teaming up with National Canadian Film Day. This year, they’ve chosen The Breadwinner, the story of a young girl growing up under Taliban rule in Afghanistan in 2001.
“When her father is wrongfully arrested, Parvana cuts off her hair and dresses like a boy in order to be able to get a job and help to support her family. Working alongside her friend Shauzia, Parvana discovers a new world of freedom and danger,” reads a press release.
The film is based on a novel by Deborah Ellis and was adapted for film by Canadian screenwriter Anita Doron. It was directed by Nora Twomey.
The New West Film Fest Folks have organized two screenings for April 18, the first at 4 p.m. and a second at 7 p.m. Both screenings are taking place at Landmark Cinemas, 800 Carnarvon St.
Why should I take part?
This is a great opportunity to expand your cinematic repertoire. What do you think of when you think of Canadian film? It’s more than just movies about American cousins or cross-country journeys of self-discovery.
Details please.
All National Canadian Film Day screenings are free. You do have to register to guarantee a seat. Click here to sign up.
What if I don’t feel like going out?
If you really can’t make one of the two showings in New West, tune in at home. The folks at Reel Canada have arranged with networks including APTN, Corus, The Movie Network, Hollywood Suite, Family, OUTtv and Super Channel to broadcast Canadian movies all day long.
Find the full broadcast schedule at canadianfilmday.ca/see-a-film/broadcast-schedule.
Anything else?
Yes. Canadian movies are magical. So plan to go see a movie, maybe even two. It’ll be worth it.
“Film – more than any other medium – has the power to capture the soul of a nation, and when we only watch movies from somewhere else, we lose a part of ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with loving Hollywood films, but they’re no substitute for the connection you can feel when you watch something from your own backyard,” reads the release.
For more info go to canadianfilmday.ca.
