Three Canadian selections to be showcased at 22nd film festival in Waskesiu

“Local film, just like local theaters, aren’t an easy go so we try and provide that support whenever we can. It also resonates well with our audience, I mean, people always connect with films that they know and can relate to. So, we have found that the local films that we’ve done over the past, even three or four years, have been very well received.”

Last year, the festival showcased two Saskatchewan made productions in Welcome to Kittytown and Sacred Gift, while this year’s lone local film is a documentary titled Agatha’s Almanac.

Directed by Saskatoon’s Amalie Atkins, the story follows her 90-year-old aunt, Agatha Bock, who shares stories and lessons from her life through her passion of gardening.

Since debuting in March, the documentary has received eight nominations in film festivals across the world, while also receiving a Special Mention during the Riviera International Film Festival in Italy back in May. The ‘Special Mention’ is an honorary prize given by the jury to films or filmmakers that stand out for their artistic vision, originality, or unique craft, even if they do not win the main category award.

Astle said that Atkins will also be in attendance for the screening of her film, where she will hold a Q&A session after the movie is done.

“We’re very excited about that.”

The other Canadian selections this year include Akashi and The Art of Adventure.

Akashi, which is also a Japanese movie, is a multigenerational love story told across parallel timelines, where a struggling artist in Vancouver returns to Tokyo for her grandmother’s funeral. While there, she reflects on a secret only she and her grandmother shared and decides to confront her family’s hidden truths.

Meanwhile, The Art of Adventure, which is also the only special selection this year, follows a journey by world renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman and fearless biologist Bristol Foster during their epic adventure around the world in 1957 that covered 60,000 kilometers, 4 continents, and 19 countries.

During the film’s screening on Friday evening, Astle said that the festival will donate funds made from the showing to a local non-profit.

“We thought that it was very fitting to make that a fundraiser. So, all the net proceeds from that film, from those screenings are going to Nature Saskatchewan.”

The four remaining films include Omaha (USA), The Blue Trail (Brazil/Chile/The Netherlands), Heysel 85 (Belgium/The Netherlands), and The Incomer (UK).

“We try and get something for every taste and something from every jurisdiction as well, because different films from different areas have a bit of a different flavor,” continued Astle.

He added that the screenings of Heysel 85 and The Incomer will be the first time the films have ever been shown in Canada.

“It’s tough to get a Canadian premiere, especially in September with major film festivals like [the Toronto International Film Festival] and others.”

Tickets and passes for the festival are still available and can be bought online, with more information here. Passes can also be bought at WaskeSweets in Waskesiu beginning on Friday, and individual tickets can be bought at Twin Pine Cinema concession stand 30 minutes before the scheduled screening.

Volunteers are also needed, and those interested can send an email to info@twinpinecinema.ca for more information.

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

by Logan Lehmann

Three Canadian selections to be showcased at 22nd film festival in Waskesiu

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