SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2008
FILM FEST CHEAT SHEET
As the sun sets earlier, so does our patience for shallow-end summer blockbusters. Good thing the Vancouver International Film Festival starts next week. Here is a must-see list—straight from the insiders.
3 Women
Three
generations of Iranian women explore questions of cultural identity and
their country’s heritage in this realist drama, which Variety called, “A compelling sociological portrait.”
Dunya & Desie
The
Netherlands selection for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, this
film touches on issues of family and fitting in, giving an honest
perspective of the teenage experience far from Disney’s High School Musical hallways.
Growing Op
A
satirical snapshot of one frustrated young man stuck in a suburban
existence by which mom and pop make their living selling home-grown
marijuana. Sound familiar?
Happy-Go-Lucky
Mike Leigh, director of the Oscar nominated Vera Drake,
takes a few of that film’s actors and trades crime drama for spirited
comedy. Lead Sally Hawkins landed the best actress prize at this year’s
Berlin Film Festival for her portrayal of Poppy, a primary school
teacher and eternal optimist.
I've Loved You So Long
As
a woman released from prison trying to rebuild her relationship with
her estranged sister and regain her place in society, Kirstin Scott
Thomas supplies a praise-worthy performance.
Maman Est Chez Le Coiffeur
This
'60s period piece from Canadian Léa Pool provides a poignant and poetic
portrait of three young children as they struggle with abandonment in
their own unique ways.
Mothers & Daughters
A
comedic drama from Vancouver director Carl Bessai that explores the
complicated dynamics between three mother/daughter pairs. Making it
even more interesting—the film is improvised.
Rachel Getting Married
Anne Hathaway stars as a self-destructive force of nature who returns home to wreak havoc on her sister’s wedding in Philadelphia director Jonathan Demme’s latest.
The film festival runs September 25 to October 10, 2008. Order tickets and see schedules at www.viff.org
