Check out what’s playing at Cinematheque in the Now Playing section and purchase advance tickets. Download a PDF copy of the January/February program guide.
“For 12 years now, January and February at Cinematheque have meant one very special event: Cabin Fever! Every Sunday at 2 pm, this free admission series offers a variety of family friendly classics with made-in-Manitoba shorts. Be sure to have a look through the series line up, as there is something for everyone. I’m also excited to see Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s Taxi Tehran (Feb 17 – 25). Imprisoned for six years and banned from making films for 20 years, Panahi now makes films clandestinely and has them smuggled out of Iran. The critically-acclaimed film provides a mesmerizing insider perspective of daily life in Tehran. And finally, farewell to Kristy, who has run the show at Cinematheque for over seven years. Everyone at the WFG wishes her the best as she moves onto another career adventure.”
— Cecilia Araneda, Executive Director
“As an unashamed “dog person,” I am dying to see Laurie Anderson’s wonderful new dreamlike film, Heart of a Dog (Jan 2 – 21). The film explores our tender and fleeting relationships with the best friends we can ever hope for: dogs. Also, I’m incredibly thrilled that we will once again have Alan Zweig in the house to introduce his new film Hurt (Jan 15 & 16). We have roped him in to spin some of his favourite records, talk about his work and screen his masterpiece on Vinyl obsession (another thing I am unfortunately all too familiar with, yikes), in our special event Vinylside Chat with Alan Zweig (Jan 16)! As Dave echoes, I am very sad to say goodbye to our Cinematheque Operations Manager, Kristy Muckosky, who has been holding down the fort for the last 7 years. It’s been a slice, Karsty MaKarsky, best of luck to you in your future endeavours! I’ll miss your goofy laugh.”
— Jaimz Asmundson, Cinematheque Programming Director
“The touring Canada’s Top Ten Film Festival brings many rare gems that you might have only one chance to see! Sleeping Giant (Jan 22 & 23) has great performances by three kids looking for trouble during one sleepy, hot summer. Alan Zweig’s Hurt is a deeply personal profile of former national hero Steve Fonyo who now finds himself forgotten and destitute. Zweig is here to introduce the film as well as a special screening of his exceptional documentary about obsessive record collectors, Vinyl. Most importantly, is the news that Kristy Muckosky, our conscientious, hard working Cinematheque Operations Manager is moving to a new career. For 7 years she was responsible for the smooth operations of Cinematheque and endless detailed tasks related to the theatre. She has our deepest respect, always striving to accomplish the best for the Cinematheque. A kind, thoughtful person with an impish sense of humour and a wonderful laugh, she will be missed! We wish her the greatest success!”
— Dave Barber, Cinematheque Programming Coordinator
“I highly recommend Ryan McKenna’s The Heart of Madame Sabali, which I had the pleasure of seeing at the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma where it deservedly won the Grand Prix Focus prize. The original idea of the film was developed with Ryan’s partner Becca Blackwood, who is also responsible for the art direction and costumes in the film, which are both colourful and creative. The most refreshing element of McKenna’s film is the complexity of his characters, more specifically Marie Brassard who was amazing as Jeannette. This middle-aged woman was given more power and freedom to explore all types of relationships within the film, unlike films where we would normally see a woman of this age for a blink of a second. McKenna’s choice of casting such a strong lead pays off with depth to the plot and this film will not disappoint. Another screening that is not to be missed is Moving Perspectives (Feb 13) curated by Leslie Supnet. I feel like this is a program that, while promising to put form over content, will not fail to entertain. I asked Supnet for a sneak peak and I can promise dancing, which is rare for program that focuses on personal cinema.”
— Heidi Phillips, Cinematheque Head Projectionist
“As someone who gets almost too excited about a films’ cinematographic choices, I am very much looking forward to Victoria (Jan 2 – Feb 6); winner of this year’s Silver Bear Award for Cinematography at the Berlin Film Festival. Sebastian Schipper brings to life the story of a young girl who finds herself agreeing to be an escape driver to a group of young men she just met after they rob a bank… relatable, huh? If you have read the news sometime in the last decade or so, you know the name Omar Khadr. Having been in elementary school when 15-year-old Omar Khadr was arrested, I showed little interest or insight into his situation and completely missed out on a story considered to be at the forefront of law making policies regarding child soldiers and retribution. As an adult, I find myself compelled to know more. You will find me front row for the screening of Guantanamo’s Child: Omar Khadr (Jan 23). In keeping with the socio-political theme, I am very excited to see Mina Shum’s Ninth Floor (Jan 30). The Sir George Williams riot of 1969 in Montreal is the biggest student riot to date in Canadian history. Ninth Floor immerses us into the story; told by some of the former student instigators who have gone on to live lives dedicated to social justice. Viva!”
— Kaitlyn McBurney, Cinematheque Box Office