Philomena, starring Dame Judi Dench, is the jewel in the crown for the 2014 Powell River Film Festival.
It is the story of Martin Sixsmith, a battle-scarred and cynical journalist, who reluctantly takes on Philomena’s story. Dench plays a woman who is searching for the son she was forced to give up as an unmarried Irish teenager nearly 50 years ago. Sixsmith (played by Steve Coogan) and Philomena make up the ultimate odd couple on a road movie from the Irish convent to Washington, DC, and back again. Her innocence, faith and general good nature are in contrast to Sixsmith who refers to a human interest story as a tale about weak-minded vulnerable people. It is the chemistry between the two lead characters that provides the film’s spark. Based on a true story, the film explores class, faith and relationships, and is a prism of the changing social norms over 50 years.
Philomena has received four Oscar nominations and will be screened at 8 pm Saturday, February 15 at the Patricia Theatre. Sponsored by Tempco, Saturday is a gala night, meaning there will be music, appetizers, beer and wine at the Patricia, beginning at 7 pm.
Also showing on Saturday is the acclaimed documentary, When I Walk, by filmmaker Jason DaSilva who graduated from Emily Carr University in Vancouver. He was only 25 when he fell on the beach during a family vacation and couldn’t get up. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a devastating and relentless disease which removed his ability to walk and blurred his vision. Prior to the onset of MS Jason had directed short documentaries around the world, and so it was natural that he would turn to film to chronicle his inevitable descent. But true to the Powell River Film Festival’s aim to tailor this year’s offerings to celebrate Valentine’s Day, there is also an unexpected love story.
When I Walk premiered at Sundance Film Festival, and was named most popular Canadian documentary at Vancouver International Film Festival in October. Jason’s mother, Marianne D’Souza, and brother, Leigh DaSilva, both of whom are featured in the film, will be at the screening to answer questions.
Pass holders receive automatic entry into every film (as long as they arrive 15 minutes in advance of the film) and the galas. Individual tickets range from $10 for matinees, $12 for evening performances and $18 for the galas on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Seniors and students pay $8 for matinees and $10 in the evening. Anyone over 60 receives the seniors’ discount. Everyone must also purchase a $5 festival membership, which means the films do not have to be rated, saving the festival society both time and money. Individual tickets and memberships are available at Creative Rift, Breakwater Books and the Patricia, as well as online. Information on all the films, the schedule, and even tickets to the dinner and film combo on Valentine’s Day are available on the website.
