Randy’s Picks for Mini-Cinema
Every year, for reasons of time, there are films that can’t be slotted into our festival screening schedule. These films are available through Mini-Cinema. People come in, choose the film they want to see and sit down in front of a television screen to watch their selection. Great films. No schedule. Maximum flexibility. All part of the Yorkton Film Festival.
Randy Goulden, Executive-Director, YFF
My Heart Attack by Sheldon Cohen
Sheldon Cohen is the creator of that Canadian classic, The Sweater, a story about a little boy from Quebec forced to wear a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey when all his friends are wearing the proud Number 9 of Maurice Richard of the Canadiens. The film, some say, is an allegory of the tensions that exist between French and English Canada. I have to say it’s amazing how Cohen can take something so serious and make us laugh.
His new film, My Heart Attack, is similar. In a light-hearted fashion, animator Sheldon Cohen conveys the facts about coronary disease and tells his own story. He makes us smile as we face a serious health issue.
This is a film for everyone but for those who know personally about heart disease, it is a must-see.
Wasted by Maureen Palmer
Wasted is a story of Mike Pond, a man who had lost everything to alcohol – his busy practise as a psychotherapist, his family, his material possessions. He ended up on Vancouver’s skid row. Along the way, he tried Alcoholics Anonymous. It was not for him and he discovered it didn’t work for many people suffering addictions. This film takes a look at other treatments and new research. It suggests options for what is one of Canada’s most serious public health care issues.
The festival opens the door to new ideas, in this case, ideas that offer hope and a future for people with addictions and for their families.
A Single Step by Sean Liliani and Sarah Martin
Luke Anderson is in a wheel chair, the result of a tragic accident. He takes a year’s leave of absence from his job as an engineer and uses that time to resolve an accessibility problem he faces on an almost daily basis. He has found there are so many businesses that would be accessible except for that one single step to the front door. With the help of a volunteer friend, he builds ramps to overcome the inaccessibility of the single step and there you go, the problem – once so great – has disappeared.
This is a story of how one man’s determination can remove barriers. It’s a message for us all.
Sisters and Brothers by Kent Monkman
In less than four minutes, this film presents a reflection of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It draws parallels between the annihilation of the bison and the devastation inflicted by the residential school system. It takes a fresh look at recent issues in the news and recognizes the resiliency of Canada’s First Peoples.
Singing Lumberjack by Rachel Bower
For nearly 40 years, Charlie Chamberlain was one of the most popular vocalists in Canada — and the most beloved member of the old-time band Don Messer and his Islanders. This five-minute short by filmmaker Rachel Bower brings Chamberlain’s home-grown talent and gregarious personality back to life.
For many, this film is a trip down Memory Lane. If the name Charlie Chamberlain means something to you, come and see the film.
Secrets of the Vikings by Kenton Vaughan
Vikings is an Irish-Canadian drama series made for the History Channel. It tells the tale of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Norse hero who carries out successful raids against England and France only to become eventually the King of Denmark.
Secrets of the Vikings is a companion film to the series. By visiting famous Viking archaeological sites and examining artefacts, it reveals the history that inspires the drama. Watching this short film has inspired me to watch the series. A little research shows It is available at the Yorkton Public Library.
If the name Kenton Vaughan sounds familiar, well there is good reason. Vaughan, who comes from the Saltcoats area, has won the Golden Sheaf in 1998 for Turning Away and in 2011 for Return of the Prairie Bandit.
Dancing the Space Inbetween by Lacy Morin-Desjarlais and Michele Sereda
Dancing the Space Inbetween is a short dance film inspired by the Regina Indian Industrial School’s unmarked cemetery on Pinkie Road. Conceived by Lacy Morin-Desjarlais and made in collaboration with Michele Sereda, this film is Lacy’s prayer to the children buried in the cemetery. It is also the way she wishes to honour the families, communities and legacy of the Regina Indian Industrial School (1891-1910).
A tragic car accident on February 10, 2015 claimed the lives of Lacy Morin-Desjarlais and Michele Sereda, as well as Narcisse Blood, Michael Green and Morley Hartenberger. As I watched this film, I thought it a beautiful tribute to artists we value within the festival community.
Hold Your Fire by Helen Slinger
Through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, I have been involved in policing issues. This film confronts one of the most serious problems we face. It takes a look at people in crisis, the use of fire power to deal with their violence and how police can be trained to de-escalate tension instead of resorting to the use of guns.
The Death Debate by Kevin Eastwood
Joseph Arvay is the lawyer who argued that physician-assisted deaths are guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He won the case and the Supreme Court ordered Parliament to pass legislation to deal with the issue. In a recent CBC interview, Arvay described his opposition to the law now before the Senate and the House of Commons.
That name – Joseph Arvay – I knew I’d heard it somewhere before and then I realized. This man is one of the people interviewed in Eastwood’s film, The Death Debate. The film presents a history of the issue and both sides of a very difficult question.
This film is representative of the filmmakers who submit to our festival. They are unafraid to tackle the issues of the day with honesty and integrity. We are truly fortunate to welcome this kind of film to our festival and the city of Yorkton.
