VIFF will celebrate excellence in filmmaking internationally and there will be a lot of interesting things to see from all over the world. There will also be a lot of exciting, heartwarming, funny, and freaky movies from right here in Canada. Canadian film often gets overlooked in favour of higher profile American blockbusters, so why not take the opportunity to catch a home grown gem or two while the festival is on?
The following is a list of 10 of the Canadian productions or co-productions that might spark your interest:
1987
Ricardo is a teenager who resorts to crime to achieve his varied goals, which include getting a car and losing his virginity.
Check it out if: you’re nostalgic for the 80s, or just a fan of the decade. This looks like a good movie to see if you’re out to have some laughs with a couple friends.
Sept. 30, 6:30 pm, International Village #10
Oct. 2, 12:45 pm, International Village #9
Black Fly
There is murder and intrigue in this thriller about a troubled young man reconnecting with his older brother.
Check it out if: you want something that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. The trailer is full of action and angst.
Sept. 27, 6:30 pm, Rio Theatre
Sept. 30, 4:00 pm, International Village #10
Dirty Singles
Jack and Meagan are getting ready to settle down, but interpersonal zaniness gets in the way.
Check it out if: you’re looking for a rom-com you can love for its brains. We’ve been promised ‘sharp-edged’ humour in this one.
Sept. 30, 7:00 pm, Rio Theatre
Oct. 1, 2:00 pm, Rio Theatre
Marinoni
A documentary about Giuseppe Marinoni, a man who decided at 75 that he was going to break a World Record for cycling.
Check it out if: you’re inspired by stories of perseverance, or if you’re a bicycle enthusiast. Marinoni has been making high-quality bicycle frames for a long time.
Oct. 2, 9:15 pm, Vancouver Playhouse
Oct. 4, 4:00 pm, Vancouver Playhouse
Martin’s Pink Pickle
A love story about two people who find themselves while coping with an inconvenient pregnancy.
Check it out if: you’re looking for something heartfelt and sentimental. There might be an abortion, so maybe not the best choice if that’s a trigger for you.
Sept. 29, 6:30 pm, International Village #8
Oct. 1, 1:30 pm, International Village #8
October Gale
A psychological thriller about a doctor who is drawn into danger after helping an injured stranger.
Check it out if: you want something intense with a strong female lead. Looks like it could be a good survival story.
Sept. 26, 6:45 pm, Centre for Performing Arts
Sept. 28, 2:00 pm, International Village #10
Preggoland
Quirky comedy about a woman faking pregnancy to fit in with her social group.
Check it out if: you have a bit of an off-beat sense of humour and are interested in dissecting some of our social values relating to pregnancy and motherhood.
Sept. 30, 6:45 pm, Vancouver Playhouse
Oct. 2, 4:00 pm, International village #10
Sitting on the Edge of Marlene
A dark comedy about the dysfunctional relationship between a mother and daughter who are con artists.
Check it out if: you like a movie driven by big personalities and family drama. It looks like a very eccentric dramedy.
Oct. 1, 6:30 pm, Rio Theatre
Oct. 3, 3:30 pm, International Village #9
The Pristine Coast
A documentary about our coast, the fishing industry, and the damage done by fish farms.
Check it out if: you’re interested in environmental issues or enjoy fishing. Biologist Alexandra Morton has been trying to draw our attention to the risks of farmed fish for a long time.
Sept. 27, 8:30 pm, International Village #9
Oct. 3, 4:00 pm, SFU Woodwards
Oct. 7, 10:00 am, The Cinematheque
Violent
A young woman remembers the people who love her after enduring something terrible.
Check it out if: you’re interested in something beautiful and hopeful, but also potentially tragic. Or if you like the local band ‘We Are the City’; it’s directed by their drummer, Andrew Huculiak, and based off of their latest album.
Sept. 30, 9:30 pm, Rio Theatre
Oct. 2, 4:00 pm, Rio Theatre
Oct. 10, 3:45 pm, SFU Woodwards
Check out all the films on the Vancouver Film Festival website. This year’s VIFF runs from September 25 – October 10 at multiple venues across the city.
Vancity Buzz is a proud media sponsor of the 2014 Vancouver Film Festival.
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