Here we are in the final week of the 29th annual Vancouver International Film Festival, as an absolutely glorious presentation of the finest cinema the world has to offer — screened and enjoyed by VIFF’s more than 150,000 patrons — draws to its inevitable (and soon very much missed) conclusion.
The folks at the Fest would like to draw your attention to a few salutary, sure to be enjoyed, ‘under the radar’ films yet to be screened, including …
- Mamas and Papas: Encompassing joy, loss and love, Czech Republic director Alice Nellis’ award-winning new drama (Best Narrative Feature, Hampton International Film Festival) explores the fundamental act and art of parenting though the different permeations of modern families. The interlocking story of four couples profoundly affected by having – or not having – children emerges as both intimate and emotionally powerful. Thursday, October 14th @ 2:30 pm, Empire Granville 7, Th4.
- October: When two solitary souls join together via the unexpected appearance of a newborn, a minor miracle unfolds. While Clemente searches for the baby’s mother (an erstwhile prostitute), his neighbour Sofia gradually discovers her latent maternal instincts. Winner, Prix de Jury (Un Certain Regard), Cannes. Thurs, Oct 14 @ 6:20, Gr 7, Th 3.
As to screenings that have been added, you should know about …
- Garbo The Spy (Grade: B+): A tremendously intriguing documentary, offering a fascinating account of an extraordinary Spanish double agent during World War II who helped change the course of history, this Best Documentary winner at this year’s Spanish Goya Awards, is must-see viewing on the final day of this year’s VIFF. You can catch Garbo The Spy, Friday, Oct. 15th @ 7:00 pm, at the Vancity Theatre.
- The Two Escobars (Grade: B+): One of the breakout ‘hits’ at this year’s VIFF The Two Escobars, the sordid legend of drug lord Pablo Escobar may have eclipsed that of fellow Colombian (though no relation) Andrés Escobar, the captain of the national soccer team, but Jeff and Michael Zimbalist’s illuminating doc links the two through the sport’s former dependence on narco-funding. The testimony of Andrés’s former teammates — particularly their memories of the 1994 World Cup game against the U.S., in which their captain accidentally scored for the opponent (leading to his murder 10 days later) — in spite of the doc’s brain-numbing score and tendency towards slickness restores the gravitas. Screens two more times: Thursday, Oct. 14th @ 3:30 pm, Gr 7 Th 1, and Friday, Oct. 15th @ 9 pm, Vancity Theatre.
With less than 72 hours to go, now is the time to catch a VIFF film.
