Back to Slugterra
A fantastical world (and its outlandish inhabitants) with Vancouver roots will find itself in dozens of cinemas across the country this weekend. Born and bred in an East Van animation studio (the former Nerd Corps, which was acquired by DHX Media late last year), Slugterra – an epic sci-fi comedy series set far beneath our feet, where magical slugs transform into powerful ammo when shot out of specialized blasters – will enjoy its second theatrical release in as many years with Slugterra: Eastern Caverns. The 90-minute film will have a limited engagement in more than 50 theatres nationwide on Aug. 15 and 16: an impressive feat for a locally spawned animated feature.
Here’s what to expect from Slugterra: Eastern Caverns, which builds on characters from the highly rated Disney XD series: “Eli and the Shane Gang accompany Junjie to his home in the strange and beautiful Eastern Caverns. But the sinister Emperor and his henchmen have pillaged every cavern of its slugs, and without the slugs’ energy, the Eastern Caverns have grown dark and dangerous. Junjie is determined to rescue the slugs, save his homeland, and redeem the legacy he left behind while under the Emperor’s control as the Dark Slinger—and with Eli and the gang at his side, he won’t have to do it alone.”
Slugterra: Eastern Caverns will be available for digital and DVD purchase this fall at participating retailers. For showtimes, ticket sales or to view the Slugterra: Eastern Caverns trailer, visit http://www.cineplex.com/Movie/slugterra-eastern-caverns.
Vancouver actors in Arrow
CW’s hit superhero series Arrow will prominently feature a couple of local actors when it returns for its fourth season this fall. Ryan Robbins (Sanctuary, The Killing, Ascension) has been tapped to play Conklin, who Variety describes as “a sadistic and ruthless member of Shadowspire who will be an adversary for Oliver (Stephen Amell) in the flashback sequences.” On the romance front, Vancouver actress Elysia Rotaru (Supernatural, iZombie) has been cast in a recurring role as (according to EW.com) Oliver’s new love interest.
I Am Chris Farley
A documentary about the late Saturday Night Live star Chris Farley will screen at the Rio Theatre later this month. Directed by Vancouver’s Brent Hodge (A Brony Tale), I Am Chris Farley showcases the performer’s most memorable characters and skits from television and film, paired with iconic photographs, home movies and family snapshots, to fully round out the story of this comedy legend – a bear of a man who nevertheless had remarkable grace and physicality.
Produced by Vancouver-based Network Entertainment, Inc., I Am Chris Farley will enjoy its exclusive theatrical run in Vancouver at the Rio Theatre starting Tuesday, Aug. 25. Chris Farley's brother, comedian Kevin P. Farley (who also served as an executive producer on the film), will be present at screenings on Aug. 28 and 29 to speak and take questions from the audience. More at http://riotheatre.ca/movie/i-am-chris-farley/.
Get ready for VIFF
It won’t be long now until Vancouver’s cinephiles are fully immersed in the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) – and if the early announcements are any indication, it’s going to be another banner year. The 34th edition of VIFF will include 20 films that screened at the Cannes Film Festival, including Palme d’Or winner Dheepan from Jacques Audiard, The Assassin (which won Taiwanese auteur Hou Hsiao-Hsien a Best Director prize), The Measure of a Man, and Critics’ Week Grand Prix winner Paulina. Also watch for Berlin’s Golden Bear winner Jafar Panahi's Taxi, which sees Iranian master Jafar Panahi masquerading as a Tehran cabbie, and Rotterdam’s Tiger Award winner The Project of the Century, Carlos Quintela’s dark comedy unfolding in the shadow of an abandoned Cuban nuclear reactor. VIFF runs Sept. 24-Oct. 9 at locations around Vancouver, and will screen more than 350 films from 70 countries. The full festival program will be released on Sept. 3.
Frank Giustra to receive VIFF Screen Industry Builder Award
More film festival news: VIFF will honour Frank Giustra, legendary financier and philanthropist, with its inaugural VIFF Screen Industry Builder Award. According to the press release, the Award (which is presented in partnership with BC Creates) aims to recognize individuals who have greatly contributed to the success of BC’s creative industries; have elevated the international profile of British Columbia as a destination for excellence; and support the development and advancement of the local economy.
As for the honoree, Giustra invested in building creative organizations such as Lionsgate Entertainment, Thunderbird Films and Sea To Sky Entertainment. Thunderbird Films most recently launched Soda Pictures Canada, a distributor of independent films. In 1997, Giustra founded Lionsgate Entertainment, now one of the largest independent film companies in the world competing with Hollywood titans. “Mr. Giustra is a fine example of the vision and spirit at the heart of the creative economy that now thrives here in BC,” says Peter Leitch, Motion Picture Production Industry Association Chair and BC Creates' founding stakeholder.
A Legacy of Whining
And finally: here’s a fun trailer for upcoming indie comedy A Legacy of Whining, from Vancouver-based actor and filmmaker Ross Munro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnEUlrPdfxg
