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 Burnaby.
This year is all about women with Spotlight on Female Filmmakers. 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 Burnaby?
The Burnaby Public Library is hosting two screenings to celebrate National Canadian Film Day. At 3 p.m. catch Bollywood/Hollywood directed by Deepa Mehta.
Bollywood/Hollywood is the story of a rich South Asian man from Toronto who hires an escort to accompany him to his sister’s wedding after his family pressures him to find a nice Hindu girl to bring to the wedding.
“Naturally, the two fall in love, and just as naturally, complications ensue,” reads an event description.
At 6:30 p.m., see Maudie, based on the true story of Nova Scotia painter Maud Lewis, “who overcame the physical challenge of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to become one of Canada’s best known and most loved folk artists.” The film stars Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke and is directed by Aisling Walsh.
Both films screen at the Tommy Douglas library branch, 7311 Kingsway.
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. No registration is required for the Burnaby screenings.
What if I don’t feel like going out?
If you really can’t make one of the two showings in Burnaby, 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.
