Powell River Film Festival is underway. Hundreds gathered for the reception at Dwight Hall before making their way up to the Patricia Theatre for the gala opening of A Royal Affair. The festival will screen all films at the Patricia throughout the days and evenings until Sunday, February 24.
The Arts Mosaic, events and refreshments are held at Dwight Hall, opening at 4:30 pm tonight through Friday until the evening films begin at 7 pm, as well as from noon on Saturday. Local businesses have sponsored events and donated refreshments. Tonight’s event offers music by Del Riviera together with appetizers. A cash bar will be open.
The Arts Mosaic is a fun opportunity to view arts and crafts and rub shoulders with local and visiting filmmakers. Transportation is available each evening for the trip up the hill to the Patricia, starting with the award-winning film Amour.
Thursday night celebrates the passion and commitment of filmmakers to make a change with two films, Reflections: Art for an Oil Free Coast, and Chasing Ice. Local artists Megan Dulcie Dill and April White will display some of their paintings inspired during their time in the Great Bear Rainforest. The book Canada’s Raincoast at Risk: Art for an Oil-Free Coast will be available, with proceeds from sales going to Powell River’s Friends of Film Society and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation. Brian Falconer, who accompanied many of the artists to the Great Bear Rainforest, will be in attendance to discuss the film.
Friday night promises to be lively with the Stinging Nettles to set the mood. Ian MacKenzie, producer of Velcrow Ripper’s provocative Occupy Love, will be onsite to discuss the film during the questions and answers period.
The final reception on Saturday begins at 6 pm with food available. Dustin Hoffman’s Quartet is a wonderful way to wrap up the festival. For anybody who misses the evening screening, a daytime showing of the film will take place at 11 am on Sunday.
Participants in the Adventures in Film Camp and the 24-hour contest winners will have their work screened starting at 1 pm on Sunday. This is always a fun way to end the festival, with audience interaction encouraged. Plus, admission is free.
Pass holders will have reserved seating held until 15 minutes before the film starts. After that, seats will be opened up to rush tickets. Organizers suggest purchasing tickets early to avoid being disappointed.
There is ample street parking, and the parking lots beside Townsite Brewing Inc. and the Old Courthouse Inn can also be used.
All ticket sales are now at the Patricia box office. For more information, readers can visit the festival's website.
