Check out what’s playing at Cinematheque in the Now Playing section and purchase advance tickets. Download a PDF copy of the May/June program guide.
Having spent two years developing, planning and producing Reflecting Light (May 6–9), the Winnipeg Film Group’s 40th anniversary forum, I admit to being biased about my staff pick for this program guide. Reflecting Light is a one-of-a-kind event that combines screenings and panel discussions to consider the roots of organizations across Canada like the Winnipeg Film Group (known as “production centres” in the sector) and what the future holds for us. We will feature a wide range of speakers, including Steve Gravestock, a programmer for the Toronto International Film Festival; Jean Pierre Lefebvre, one of Canada’s most accomplished filmmakers; and Winnipeg’s own Danishka Esterhazy. Even if you’re not a Winnipeg film insider, we would love for you to join us!
— Cecilia Araneda, Executive Director
May/June is stuffed to the gills with stellar films and special events! I’m very excited to announce that we will have legendary Canadian activist-filmmaker Bonnie Sherr Klein in the house for the Gimme Some Truth Documentary Festival (May 28–31). She will introduce a pair of her films including the controversial Not a Love Story: A Film About Pornography, as well as Academy Award nominated, New York-based Sam Green who will deliver a documentary filmmaking master class series and introduce a program of his work. For this year’s festival, we will be partnering with the Bell Media Best of Hot Docs to bring you some of the best new docs of the year including The Amina Profile, a surprising story of online love, lies and betrayal, which literally made me jump out of my seat—it is not only of the most visually striking and riveting docs I have seen in some time, but it has so many shocking twists and turns that it will leave you dizzy.
— Jaimz Asmundson, Programming Director
So many great films to choose from in May and June. I recommend that you try to see some of the powerful new human rights films in the We Rise Above series such as Granny Power (May 10), the hilarious and poignant story of the Raging Grannies—a group of older women fighting for peace and social justice as well as Highway of Tears (May 13–17), a hard hitting documentary about the disappearance of young Aboriginal women along BC’s Highway 16. You don’t want to miss That Guy Dick Miller (June 26–28),the most important character actor in early classic sci-fi and horror films who will be interviewed on opening night via Skype by Winnipeg writer Caelum Vatnsdal who is writing a biography of Miller. And if you liked Jodorowsky’s Dune you will absolutely love Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau (June 11–25)!
— Dave Barber, Programming Coordinator
I enjoy hockey but even if you don’t, I would suggest coming down to watch Red Army (May 16–24). It’s an interesting topic about the Cold War played out on the rink and like the quote says “it’s a sports doc for people who don’t give a darn about sports.” Watch the trailer and you’ll see why. The films in the We Rise Above series are all intriguing, (unfortunately) timely and will make us walk away a little less ignorant to each subject. Lastly, Sugar Coated (part of Gimme Some Truth, May 28–31) “exposes the sugar industry’s systematic hijacking of scientific study to bury evidence that sugar is, in fact, toxic.” After watching the film, I urged Jaimz to include it in the lineup, knowing that there are other “non-sugar” folks out there like me. I applaud the crusaders (and main characters of the film) for fighting for truth on this unpopular subject.
— Kristy Muckosky, Operations Manager
The first film to catch my eye this summer is set in the frozen landscape of Minnesota. Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter (May 14–22) follows a Japanese woman along her journey to find the treasure from the Cohen brothers’ film Fargo that she mistakes as a documentary. The compelling story stems from a few true facts and was made into a documentary film called This is a True Story in 2003 about a Japanese woman that freezes to death near Fargo. This fascinating premise caught the Zellner brothers’ attention and has truly inspired some stunning visuals.
— Heidi Phillips, Head Projectionist