This year’s Reel Canadian Film Festival will feature a British Columbia shot film about three estranged brothers who reacquaint themselves with one another after the tragic death of their parents.
“When the Ocean Met the Sky uses an iconic narrative device to tell a story about the most fundamental journey of self-discovery one can make: coming to terms with one’s self-identity within their family lineage,” film director Lukas Huffman said in a press release.
This adventurous film, which received the Calgary International Film Fest Award in 2014, will be showcased at the annual Fernie Reel Canadian Film Festival’s opening night.
“It’s kind of a neat one because it was a kick starter one,” Director and Marketing Coordinator of the festival Keya White said. “It was self funded by the guys that are in it.”
In addition to this flick being the featured film of the festival, actors/producers Phillip Thomas and Terry Field as well as executive producer Caitlin Das will be at the Vogue Theatre on Friday, Jan. 16 to promote their creation.
The weekend will continue with the showing of five additional Canadian films; Little Reels for Kids, Heartbeat, Maps to the Stars, Monsoon and Mommy.
White noted that Cannes Jury Prize winning film Mommy should draw a crowd.
Directed by young French-Canadian producer Xavier Dolan, White noted that this film is said to be his best film yet, which is quite an accomplishment for the 25-year-old producer described as wunderkind.
The film highlights the challenges single mother Diane faces when she brings her volatile teenage son home from a government institution for troubled youth.
White noted the importance of being able to provide locals and visitors with a place to see these award winning films that would otherwise likely go unnoticed.
“We have a really nice theatre and it’s nice to bring people here,” White said. “Fernie has such a vibrant arts community as well. It’s nice to be able to bring the movies to the community.”
White also noted that last year the event dates shifted from March to January, drawing a larger crowd to the Vogue Theatre.
“We found that it was a great thing,” said White. “It’s a bit quieter in town in January and it’s dark and it’s cold; it’s a good time to watch movies.”
White added, “It’s been slowly growing over the years. This year should hopefully be our best year yet.”