After last year’s successful blend of the arts, Powell River Film Festival will once again present an arts mosaic, celebrating some of the best of the visual arts community, quilters, and musicians as well as community groups to create a lively atmosphere during three days of films, February 16 to 19, 2012.
“We’ve looked at a lot of films,” said Jan Padgett, festival director, “and we are getting close to finalizing the program.”
The festival opens on Thursday, February 16 at Evergreen Theatre with a gala reception and the Swedish film Pure, directed by Lisa Langseth, “who is definitely a talent to watch,” said Padgett. Langseth’s multi-layered screenplay includes soaring orchestral pieces (from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach and Jules Massenet) counterpointed by loud urban pop culture, just as the depiction of sophisticated city living opposes the portrait of a limited life in the rough suburbs.
A love story with a road trip to Nova Scotia will close the festival on Sunday, February 19 with Cloudburst, by Canadian filmmaker Thom Fitzgerald. “Here is a genuine crowd-pleaser,” said Padgett. “It’s got laughs, it’s got tears, it’s got gorgeous Maritime scenery, but most of all, it has a radiant performance by Olympia Dukakis as Stella, one of the most memorable female lead characters in a long time.”
In between these two dramas will be a rich selection of documentary films and dramas. “There will be something for everyone on Friday and Saturday—thoughtful, challenging, and entertaining,” she said. “We will be updating the website with more information about the films as they are confirmed.”
For a great gift idea, early bird passes are now on sale at Breakwater Books and Coffee, and online at the festival website www.prfilmfestival.ca. An information table at Banff Mountain Film Festival, January 6 and 7 at Max Cameron Theatre, will be the last chance to purchase early bird passes.
On February 19 the 24-Hour Contest, open to everyone, and Film Camp Presents will be at Patricia Theatre. More information will be posted on a regular basis on the festival’s website, and is available through calling 604.485.0325.
