Several local and International talents such as Kinnie Starr, Devery Jacobs, Eric McCormack, Duane Howard, and Juliette Binoche star in films at the Reel 2 Real International Film Festival for Youth, April 2 – 8. It’s the most star studded line up the Festival has ever had!
Actress Devery Jacobs in the Opening Night film, The Sun at Midnight, is known for her role in Rhymes for Young Ghouls, and was shortlisted to play Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Vancouver actor Duane Howard (The Revenant) also stars in the feature about an artsy city kid sent to live with her Gwich’in grandmother in the Northwest Territories. The two actors and Toronto director Kirsten Carthew will be Festival Guests.
Local musician Kinnie Starr produced and wrote the documentary, Play Your Gender, about the gender gap in the music industry. The documentary features some of Canada’s best known artists such as: Melissa Auf der Maur (Smashing Pumpkins, Hole), Sara Quinn (Tegan and Sara), Chantal Kreviazuk, and many more. Kinnie Starr and director Stephanie Clattenburg will be attending Reel 2 Real. Kinnie Starr will also perform a rap at the opening party on April 2.
Young Vancouver actors Maddie Phillips and Ryan Grantham play the leads in Considering Love and Other Magic, along with Eric McCormack (Will and Grace) and Sheila McCarthy. Fact and fiction collide in this movie about a girl who deals with grief after her brother’s death, by trying to help a boy who thinks he’s invented from the pages of a short story. Director Dave Schultz will also be a Festival Guest.
In Brothers of the Wind (Austria), a boy (played by Manuel Camacho) who lives with his overbearing widowed father secretly fosters an eagle chick with the help of his gentle neighbour (Jean Reno). This visually splendid and gripping feast of nature images is a Canadian Premiere. Actor Manuel Camacho will attend Reel 2 Real.
Heidi (Switzerland/Germany) is a fresh take on the classic story about a precocious orphan girl, who is sent to live with her mysterious grandfather (Bruno Ganz) in the Swiss Alps. With cinematically striking landscapes, grand set design, and lush costumes, Heidi is an epic tale about friendship, family, and following your instincts. In German and Swiss-German with English subtitles.
Polina (France) – At the height of her prospects with the Bolshoï Academy, Polina yearns to step beyond the rigid structures of ballet. Her deepest artistic voice pushes her toward contemporary dance. Starring Juliette Binoche (Chocolat), the Paris Opera Ballet’s Jérémie Bélingard, and newcomer Anastasia Shevtsova. In French and Russian with English subtitles.
The Closing Night film, Louise by the Shore (France) is an animated feature about a septuagenarian’s vigor for life, gentleness, and endearing idiosyncrasies that make for a captivating portrait of a woman who is literally and figuratively at one with herself. In French with English subtitles.
Pat & Mat (Czech Republic) is an animated film in the tradition of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. These two universally loved handymen are well intentioned, inventor types that come up with illogical solutions to simple home problems, with often ridiculous and offbeat outcomes. There’s no dialogue or subtitles, so the whole family will enjoy the knee-slapping fun!
Sunday Fun Day! April 2, 10 am – 2:30 pm Roundhouse Community Centre
Special price: $5 per person, includes films, workshops and pancake breakfast.
This is an opportunity for the whole family to experience a day full of creative expression, hands-on activities, and an amazing selection of films from around the world. There are four shorts programs with local and international films: Family Fun Films, Indigenous Spotlight, Out of Your Element, and Made in Canada. A variety of animation workshops offer children and families the opportunity to spark a new shared interest, hone the ability to tell a story, and even learn to fly. Please sign up upon arrival for Pixilation, Objects in Motion, DIY Hologram, and Cut-out Animation.
All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast 10 – 11:30 AM
Come early and enjoy our all-you-can-eat breakfast of homemade pancakes and sizzling bacon. We’ll also have juice, and gallons of hot coffee for the grown-ups. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Breakfast will be available from 10:00 – 11:30 AM.
More information: www.r2rfestival.org, 604 221-6261, or info@r2rfestival.org
