North of Hollywood

1 Mar 2005 in Film, Highland

Canadian Cinema Hits the Road

GEORGINA COBURN previews North of Hollywood, a touring roadshow of Canadian films due to visit Eden Court Theatre this month

WITH AMERICAN mainstream film so dominant in theatres worldwide, “North of Hollywood” is a unique opportunity to view an exciting range of feature and documentary films from Canada’s emerging film makers.

This fourth annual showcase of the best in classic and contemporary Canadian cinema will present six films in venues throughout the UK and Ireland. Following the success of last years screenings, Inverness audiences will have the chance to see five of the films as part of the tour, screening at Eden Court between Friday 18-23 March 2005.

With the exception of the roadshow’s archival film “Night Zoo”, all the films screened will have their UK premiere as part of the tour.

Scott Smith’s “Falling Angels” (18 March) stars Miranda Richardson, Mark McKinney, Katherine Isabelle and Callum Keith Rennie. Described as “little women on acid” and set against a 1960’s backdrop, it examines what really goes on beneath the surface of family and suburbia through the lives of the Field sisters.

“Scared Sacred” (19 March), a documentary by acclaimed director Velcrow Ripper, looks at “ground zeros of the world”, making a five year pilgrimage to sites of humanitarian crisis such as Cambodia, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Hiroshima, New York, Israel and Palestine. He examines whether hope can be found amongst the wreckage of human conflict.

“Supporting the Canadian film industry in this way is a great step towards cultural exchange, and premiering films to audiences that would not normally have access to them.”

“Seven Times Lucky” (21 March) is a debut feature by director Gary Yates, starring Kevin Pollack, Liane Babalan and Jonas Cherick. Billed as “part thriller, part caper flick”, this film was received with acclaim at Sundance and the Toronto Film Festivals.

“Night Zoo” (22 March) is the archival film of the tour, and was awarded 13 Genies (the Canadian equivalent of an Oscar). Made in 1987 by director Jean Claude Lauzon, the film journeys into the underworld of Montreal.

The final film is “Republic of Love” (23 March), directed by India-born Canadian Deepa Mehta. Based on a novel by Pulitzer Prize winner Carol Shields, this is an “uplifting examination of what it takes to love” starring Emilia Fox, Bruce Greenwood and Jackie Burroughs.

“North of Hollywood” is an initiative of Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival Group in conjunction with Soda Pictures distributors, Edinburgh Filmhouse and the Canadian High Commission. It is jointly funded by Scottish Screen, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, with support from the Canadian Embassy in Dublin and Film London.

As part of the Toronto International Film Festival Group, Film Circuit continues to be successful in bringing Canadian Film to a much wider audience, showcasing home-grown cinema to 250 locations in 20 countries in 2004.

Supporting the Canadian film industry in this way is a great step towards cultural exchange, and premiering films to audiences that would not normally have access to them. (It would be wonderful if Scottish Films could also have their own International roadshow.) Don’t miss this rare opportunity to sample the best in Canadian Cinema!

Contact Eden Court Theatre box office for further details and session times.