As part of province-wide Spirit Festival celebrations, the 10th anniversary Powell River Film Festival is shaping up to be a feast of arts and culture. A great lineup of films from February 17 to 20 celebrates the community and the richness of lives around the world.
“It will be a happy festival as we have chosen films with up-lifting themes,” said Jan Padgett, festival director. “We are inviting filmmakers to present their films and other festival organizers to come share our event. We want to showcase our community, and what we do at the festival.”
There will be a lot more than films at the festival this year. With the assistance of film festival board member Ursula Medley, Malaspina Art Society has been busy gathering artists together and a collection of approximately 70 art pieces will be displayed in the Poplar Room and foyer of Powell River Recreation Complex throughout the festival.
Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation will have a cultural display with a carver and weaver. Timberlane Quilters Guild will hang their quilts in the reception area as well as the foyer.
Local musicians will entertain in the foyer before and after the films on Saturday. Chopstixx will perform from 6 to 6:30 pm Friday, February 18, before the inspiring film A Drummer’s Dream, directed by John Walker. The Heartbeat Trio will do a special performance on three drum sets after the film. Stinging Nettles will welcome people 7 to 8 pm, Thursday, February 17, at the opening gala and showing of Barney’s Version.
Several community groups will have tables to display their special interests. A light lunch will be available for purchase on Saturday so that filmgoers can stay throughout the day to enjoy films and all the other activities. Each evening, receptions will be offered before or between films.
“We are thinking of it as a big three-day party,” said Padgett. “We are so pleased that the selection of films reflects the richness of our community, and that we will have so many diverse groups participating with us to make this a very special year.”
Tickets and passes are available online as of the end of January, as well as at Breakwater Books and Coffee, 6812A Alberni Street; Coast Realty Group, Powell River 4766B Joyce Avenue; Armitage Mens Wear, Town Centre Mall; and the film festival office, 201A 7373 Duncan Street. For more information, readers can call 604.485.0325, extension 224, or visit the website.
