Part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025.
Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025
You might not know her; but if you don’t know her songs, then you’ve been living under a rock.
Diane Warren: Relentless is a raw, in-depth documentary about the most persistent songwriter in show business.
A “BEST OF FEST” audience favorite from hollywood’s most coveted songwriter – with Beyoncé, Cher, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand and Toni Braxton among her many devotees.
Warren describes herself as weird; doesn’t like the word NO, is worth billions but not interested in spending it and prefers animals to people. But who can blame her on that one?
This sensitive, snappy but mesmerizing woman has been nominated for 15 Oscars® – and never won. She has been nominated for multiple Oscars for Best Original Song, including for her song “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from the movie Armageddon, sung by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler. It’s such a beautiful song but there are so many more. Instead, she was the first songwriter to receive a well-deserved honorary Oscar at the 13th Governors Awards in November 2022.
I personally tend to gravitate towards documentaries and this one is one of my favorites. It’s an uplifting story that goes to prove how a rebellious, anti-social child from humble beginnings with a mother who kept hounding her to become a secretary, can become one of the great songwriters of all time. An amazing accomplishment!
“Relentless” is a powerful adjective. It describes someone or something that is unyielding, persistent, and, often, unshakable. Someone who pursues their goals with unwavering determination, never giving up despite obstacles or challenges. They are tireless in their efforts and continue to push forward, no matter what.
Diane Warren was supposed to be here in person for a Q&A after the film but very sadly, her Malibu home was totally destroyed in the recent L.A. fires. Bess Kargman, the director, put Warren on speaker phone so that audience members could ask a few questions.
The festival is now over but I’ve left the link to what was shown here:
FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.
A delightfully empathetic film about a woman who tends to wounded hummingbirds up in the Hollywood Hills. The California Premiere was part of the 36th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).
Photo courtesy of Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Terry Masear is an angel of a person who either finds, or takes in hummingbirds who are injured and nurses them back to health. Her phone rings with people wanting to drop birds off to her.
More often than not, her efforts reap rewards. Sometimes they fail, but she never gives up on the delicate little creatures. As the story points out, this joyful, gorgeously shot portrait teaches us as much about these fragile, amazing creatures as it does about the tenacity of the human heart.
Masear painstakingly feeds babies from little droppers who’ve been left behind by in most cases, a deceased mother. She does her utmost to try to get the ones with damaged wings to fly again. Her world revolves around a special relationship with hummingbirds and she knows a lot about them.
Perhaps she’s attempting to fix their broken spirits, as she herself once went through deep emotional distress. We find out that Masear suffered from childhood abuse and then later on, she looked after her husband of 30 years as he went through a long decline of Alzheimer’s disease. It wasn’t easy.
Overall, this is a beautiful story about nature’s little wonders.
My friend Rosa holding this little feeder. Photo: d. king
Six fascinating, lesser-known traits about our little friends:
Incredible Metabolism: Hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of any bird species. Their tiny bodies require enormous amounts of energy, and they can consume up to twice their body weight in nectar and insects daily.
Napping Experts: To conserve energy, hummingbirds can enter a state of torpor, a mini-hibernation that allows them to significantly slow down their metabolism, sometimes by up to 95%. During this state, their heart rate drops drastically from over 1,000 beats per minute to as low as 50 beats per minute.
Color Perception: Hummingbirds can see colors that are beyond human perception, including ultraviolet. This ability helps them spot nectar-rich flowers that stand out more vividly to their eyes than they do to ours. They can spot a flower a mile away.
Adaptability: While they’re known for their small size and delicate appearance, hummingbirds are remarkably adaptable. Some species can thrive in various environments, from the tropics to the North American deserts and even high-altitude Andean peaks.
Speed and Agility: These birds are speed demons, capable of flying at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour. They also have the unique ability to fly backward and hover in midair, thanks to their ability to rotate their wings in a full circle.
Longevity: Despite their high-energy lifestyle, some hummingbirds can live quite long lives for such small birds, with some species living up to nine years or more in the wild.
The film festival is over now. Today is Best of the Fest with information below:
This Masterpiece of a movie is part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival – 2025.
Photo courtesy of Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025
This movie is beautifully filmed, told through the innocent but savvy eyes of gun toting, cigarette smoking Bobo; the eight-year old daughter of Zimbabwean land owners.
The title grabbed my attention while scrutinizing the multitude of film listings online. Then I noticed that it was filmed in South Africa and set in Rhodesia in 1980, the year Robert Mugabe took power as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe and started the end of white colonialism.
The history of land ownership in Zimbabwe is complex and deeply rooted in colonial history. Who owned what first is a bit sketchy. Hmmm…sound familiar?
The war began as a struggle against the white minority government led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, who had declared unilateralindependence from Britain in 1965. This declaration was made without the consent of the majority black population. The war resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with estimates of around 20,000 people killed overall. The conflict also led to the end of white minority rule and the establishment of Zimbabwe as an independent nation.
Throughout the movie, Bobo keeps referring to her black help as “Africans” and white people as not real Africans. Here’s a little bit of info about that: the classification of white Africans as non-Africans has deep roots in the history of racial segregation and apartheid in South Africa. During the apartheid era (1948-1994), the government implemented strict racial classifications that divided people into categories. It is that same division today that causes violence, harm, conflict and confusion.
As it so happens, I’ve been messaging back and forth with a friend I met in Cape town who is originally from Zimbabwe. I told her that I was interested in seeing this film. Her reply: “Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight is a true story about my home town in Zimbabwe. OMG read the book years ago. It’s a film???? Jealous. Tt takes place in my town. Did it mention the name Bulawayo?
Good info, because I did not know that it was a screenplay from a book which piqued my interest even more so. The movie was adapted from Alexandra Fuller’s real life memoir by the same title.
What’s even more impressive about this film is that Embeth Davidtz; the Director/Producer/Screenwriter/Actor, was able to capture and convey a story so compelling and frightening without showing the actual violence which took place. You know it’s coming, but you don’t know when and how. Keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
Bobo is played by seven-year-old Lexi Venter who is amazing as a mature but also innocent child, in almost every scene. It took me a while to realize that Bobo’s mother was played by Embeth Davidtz, who was here in person for Q&A after the film. An astounding performance as a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown, fighting to keep her family’s land. What an awesome accomplishment in every department. Now who’s jealous!
Davidtz, who was born in the United States but raised in South Africa, chose to shoot in her home country and cast an entirely South African cast. The scenery is breathtaking.
Before the start with Embeth Davitz. Photo: d. king
My late husband and I travelled almost everywhere in Africa and I remember he wanted to show me Victoria Falls, which is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, on the Zambezi River. We were told that the Zimbabwe side was still not totally safe even though this is in the order of about 20 years ago now. So we went to the Zambia side and stayed at the famous Royal Livingstone Hotel instead. A luxurious hotel on one side of the Falls with wild life freely roaming the property. I was in awe. Of course, my friend from Zimbabwe claims that her side is even more beautiful. Cannot imagine unless I go back someday. The sunset cruise on the African Queen on the Zambezi was just heaven. Had to throw that in as it’s one of my fondest memories.
I hightly recommend that everyone see this movie.
In closing; the story of war and hate versus good and peace is as old as humanity itself. Despite this, there’s a persistent flicker of hope that refuses to be extinguished. The path to peace is challenging, but not impossible. Let’s just stick with this hopeful possibility.
FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.
A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story – part of the lineup at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
The by-line above is part of the title of this remarkabledocumentary about everything Liza Minnelli. Directed by Bruce David Klein.
Photo: courtesy of Palm springs International Film Festival.
That would be Liza with a “Z” (referring to the 1972 concert film made for television, produced by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse) who went on to win every entertainment award you can imagine, in every single category, and who is refreshingly honest as she tells her story in present day while going through old movie clips and reliving those times. She gives out solid advice like: “neverhang around with dull people.” From this doc it is clear she never has. I try not to, but sometimes they just happen to slip in.
As the daughter of Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, she could’ve easily lived in her mother’s shadow. Instead, she became an iconic show biz force of her own nature. You find out about the relationship with her mother, her bond with mentor Kay Thompson who took Liza under her wings after Judy Garland passed away, her friends such as Charles Aznavour (considered the Frank Sinatra of France), Bob Fosse, Halston (an inseparable duo in the 70’s and 80’s, regularly supporting each other’s careers, traveling internationally and taking on the Studio 54 nightclub scene), her up-and-down marriages, personal and professional falls and showbiz triumphs.
By the way, Kay Thompson was a force of her own. The vivacious vocal coach, composer, dancer, actress, and choreographer was a staple in Liza’s life. She was there for Liza until the end of her life in 1998 at which time she lived in Minnelli’s penthouse on the Upper East Side. Thompson stayed by Liza’s side, through thick and thin, cheering her on through everything. Thompson became famous for creating the Eloise children’s books which she apparently modeled the main character after Minnelli, and for her role in the movie Funny Face. She helped shaped Minnelli’s career. Now; that’s a friend!
And I have a little story of my own. First off, I saw Liza Minnelli and Charles Aznavour perform together at Place Des Arts in Montreal in 1993. It was superb. I’ve always appreciated all kinds of music, and the sheer talent of these two. I would’ve rather seen them, than a regular rock concert. It was a very powerful, showstopper of an evening.
Then, on one of my many visits to New York City back in the day, I went with a friend to Elaine’s restaurant on the upper East side. We were finished dinner and debating whether or not to order dessert when all of a sudden Liza Minnelli and two of her friends came in and sat down at the very next table. We ordered dessert. After dessert I went to use the restroom and as I was washing my hands, a stall opened and out came Liza. We were the only two in the restroom and I did not utter a word – just a smile. Back to the table to try to eavesdrop, but only a bit. Ha.
Once again; while in the pass-holder lineup, I chatted with a woman who looked vaguely familiar. Once inside the theater, we sat next to each other, realizing that we had been to not one, but two of the same events recently but sat at different tables. Then we went through our phone pics to confirm and to see if we could find each other in the photos. She said “many people have more in common than not” which I also believe. Except the only thing I have in common with Liza was being at the same restaurant and washing our hands together. I usually don’t get star struck but I clammed up. I should’ve told her that I saw her concert with Aznavour in Montreal. I think she would’ve been pleased. Note to self: if I ever get the opportunity again, I will do so.
After watching this documentary, I have a new appreciation for Liza Minnelli. She’s so much more than her most amazing Oscar-winning performance as Sally Bowles in the 1972 film Cabaret. She’s a true friend who goes above and beyond as told by others such as Mia Farrow, Ben Vereen, Joel Grey, and Michael Feinstein. These friends share their insights and memories, providing a heartfelt and genuine portrait of Liza’s life and career.
FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.
SHELF LIFE is part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).
I had an idea that this film would be quirky, but no idea about how the director would make it so. Normally when you go on a documented culinary journey, no matter what the cuisine, it leaves you craving for that food. You go because you’re a foodie and looking to find out more about a particular chef, or the origins of a certain dish or perhaps pick up some tips on how to prepare or serve it.
Unlike the documentary I saw at VIFF “The Chef and the Daruma” where I wanted to go for sushi right after; “Shelf Life” makes me want to question any cheese I put in my mouth. Says the woman who bit into a piece of soap thinking it was fudge because of its packaging. Anyway, it was a very interesting doc nonetheless. The scenery is breathtaking and each cheese maker is passionate about what they do.
This was a mid-morning documentary held at the historic Palm Canyon Theatre; a former school gymnasium which was transformed into a local theatre by a family from Kentucky and is still thriving almost 30 years later. This non-profit organization (on loan for PSIFF) is dedicated to the education of live stage productions for the enrichment of the greater Palm Springs community and its visitors. I love the feel of a rickety old-fashioned theatre with chandeliers.
Plus, you never know who you’re going to meet at 10:30 am in the pass holder line up for a film about cheese. So many interesting patrons. I met Jane, a pro film festival circuit regular who used to be Sonny Bono’s neighbor. Bono; the late mayor of Palm Springs, founded the Palm Spring Film Festival in 1989. It has grown substantially since then. We thank him for that, but also we thank him for helping discover a gal named Cher. Must say, the man had a good eye.
I also met a woman from Vancouver, BC seated in the next row who used to run the “Hollywood” theatre in Vancouver for many years. The very same elegant single-screen neighborhood cinema that I used to go to, especially for the $5 two-for-one ticketed Monday night special of movies that just left theatrical release. Best popcorn and Nanaimo Bars (only those in the know, know what that is).
But I totally digress….let’s get back to cheese. The documentary runs some parallels between the shelf life of cheese to those of humans. Because over time, we all get moldy but I never realized that this film would make me question my own mortality.
We all have a shelf life and don’t get me started on all the living micro-organisms that live on cheese – at least at the start. It’s not the most palatable or pleasing sight. And don’t think any of us were expecting that. Blue cheese might have to take a back seat for a bit.
Director Ian Cheney takes us on a journey through the world of cheese from places we already know make it like England & Switzerland, to places we had no idea make (or used to make it) such as Egypt and Japan. The cheese monger at the very beginning and ending of this intriguing and at times disturbing doc, reminded me a bit of John Malcovitch by his eccentric attitude and delivery.
After exiting the theatre I bumped into several people I know coming out of the same film. This is a somewhat small resort town with cultured people who enjoy cheese and supporting our local film festival. All in all, the reviews were mixed and thought-provoking for this unique documentary.
Then they said “cheese” standing in front of the PSIFF backdrop.
This Film has an Inspired Dinner scheduled at Eight4Nine Restaurant on Wednesday, January 9th. Seperate ticket neccessary. Check here for availability
FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.
The 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) kicked off on Thursday, January 2, with its Opening Night and its widely acclaimed *Talking Pictures program.
This review is for the movie “AUCTION;” an intriguing French drama, which I saw at the Annenberg Theatre (at the Palm Springs Art Museum) but there are a few more upcoming showings at the Camelot Theatre.
Image courtesy of PSIFF.
I’ve always been intrigued by live auctions. The adrenaline in the room is contagious. So far, I’ve only been to one live auction because I don’t want to run the risk of raising my hand again.
But really; I’m more intrigued by how art collectors know, or trust, why certain works of art are worth so much money. We’re not talking thousands, we’re talking millions. You must have a trained eye. Then again, how do they determine the worth of a certain painting? That was what got me to this movie. The idea that a lost masterpiece from 1939, from an artist I’ve never heard of, was re-discovered in recent years in the home of a young man who inherited the home from his deceased grandfather.
The young man noticed the painting in a book, so decided to contact a hotshot dealer to have the piece evaluated. André Masson, specialist in modern art, receives a letter according to which a painting by Egon Schiele had been discovered in Mulhouse, France.
Of course not being familiar with Schiele, I Googled him. Of Austrian descent, he was known as an expressionist painter. It also noted that he was incestuously attracted to his sister Gerti, to the great consternation of their father (which makes sense, although father went on to die of syphilis himself). At age 16, Schiele took Gerti, then 12, by train to Trieste and spent the night with her.
What a lovely story. Kidding of course. A lot of artists of that era were tragic figures.
The painting in this film is slightly along the lines of Van Gogh Sunflowers, if the sunflowers are on their way out. It’s a dark painting with sad flowers -maybe alluding to how the artist himself felt at the time.
I also didn’t know that certain paintings were referred to as “degenerates” by the Germans during WWII. The looted ones which they did not deem worthy were either destroyed or given to families who they considered lower class. I’m guessing that is how the grandfather ended up with the painting in the first place.
This thrilling French drama (with English subtitles),directed by Pascal Bonitzer, is filled with deceit, surprises, double dealings and a few little things that don’t make complete sense. But it is very interesting and always good to learn something new…or old in the world of Art. Overall I enjoyed it very much.
The Fesival is on until January 13th. For tickets:
From Thursday, January 2 – Saturday, January 4, the *Talking Pictures program began with a Q&A following “A Real Pain” with actor, director and producer Jesse Eisenberg at the Annenberg Theater, “Sing Sing” followed by a Q&A with actor Colman Domingo, “Babygirl” followed by a Q&A with actress Nicole Kidman at the Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School, “Emilia Perez” presented by Kering followed by a Q&A with director Jacques Audiard and actors Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Edgar Ramírez, and “Wicked” followed by a Q&A with an extended introduction with actresses Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and director Jon M. Chu.
FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.
NOTE: If you attend the Annenburg Theatre make sure to bring a sweater.
Blood, Ballads, Dance Numbers, Drug Lords, Surgery…
Photo courtesy of viff
Plenty of surgery…
This movie was chosen as the closing film at VIFF. It’s a strong message about how everyone deserves to live an authentic life no matter what the circumstances or the cost. And if money is no object, there could still be a price to pay!
I’d like to start off by saying that I have no personal connection to this movie – none! I have no intention of harming any cartel members. Okay; having said that…this movie is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. I think that anything I write here will not do it proper justice. It needs to be seen to be believed. It’s a work of art; really! With this movie I had no idea what to expect, and I was in awe of the actors’ ability to pull off such a complicated and interesting story with such believability and style.
If you love musicals, gun violence, reality TV and court dramas, you’ll probably love this movie. It covers all genres and interests. It does have a lot going on; but somehow it manages to all come together. It’s an incredible accomplishment from director Jacques Audiard (A Prophet; Rust and Bone) to make something like this work.
The cast of Zoe Saldana (Rita, a Mexico City defence attorney), Selena Gomez (Jessi – drug lord’s wife) and Karla Sofía Gascón (leader of a criminal organization before becoming Emilia Pérez) is outstanding. Gascón especially is absolutely mesmerising to behold as a cartel leader before transitioning to become a woman striving for actualization and redemption. This is Oscar-worthy material.
The Spanish actress was the first transgender woman to win an award for this film which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last May.
I had to give a little more away than planned so readers can understand what they’re in for. However; there’s still so much left out that believe me, you’ll still be surprised to find out where the direction takes you.
In an interview with Variety Magazine Gascón said that she felt that it was “absolutely obvious” that she had to play both roles. “I do not see which actor would not have had this desire to follow their character in all its evolution,” she said, adding that “very few actors and actresses” get roles like the one she got in “Emilia Pérez.” “I haven’t seen many roles like it, not even with Javier Bardem or Marlon Brando’s careers.” Gascón admitted, however, that she dived into the role so deeply that she struggled to come out of it once filming wrapped.
I can only imagine. She did an impressive job of portraying two amazing characters. Zoe Saldana was excellent. I wasn’t really familiar with her work, but she’s amazing.
I would recommend this movie for anyone wanting a departure from the norm with something unexpected and exciting. And very well executed (to be taken two ways).
This movie is scheduled to be released to multiple theaters on November 1st.
The festival is now over, however you can enjoy movies that are part of VIFF playing all year round.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of viewing two fantastic films that are part of the VIFF Special Presentations – Emilia Pérez & Conclave. Both films have extraordinary stories and the actors were truly outstanding. While these two films are completely different from each other (as they should be), they share a common human thread. I’m still wrapping my head around Emilia Pérez so I’ll focus on CONCLAVE for this post.
The movie was shot entirely in Rome. The story centres around a sitting Pope who becomes an unexpected deceased Pope which leaves the Cardinals to deal with what to do about that?
In the Roman Catholic Church, a conclave is when its cardinals from around the world assemble to discuss the thorny matter of choosing a new Pope. The conclave elects the new Pope from members within its ranks. As this process usually takes several days and multiple ballots, it is thick with drama. Whoever is first to garner two thirds of the votes, wins. But this story comes with a lot of layers before, during and after the new pope becomes the chosen one.
When Cardinal Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with leading one of the world’s most ancient events (selecting a new Pope); he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Church. This movie is a Vatican Thriller with some unexpected turns – purposely left out for you to be surprised. Because…don’t you love surprises?
The excellent cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini and Carlos Diehz.
I also wanted to see this movie because of my personal connection with Isabella Rossellini, whom I got to know years ago when she was filming a movie here in Vancouver. She hired me to do a variety of things like; look after her daughter, plan a party, run errands, pick up an ex-hubby at the airport, etc. Her long time regular assistant had to go back to New York for business so I took over for a bit shortly after being introduced to Isabella when visiting my camera operator friend on set. She was very pleasant – even made me dinner one night. I had so much fun, and my then-boyfriend made no secret of having such a crush on HER…I had to introduce them before breaking up with him.
Rossellini plays a nun. Coincidentally, her mother (the great Ingrid Bergman) also played a nun garnering an Oscar nomination for “The Bells of St. Mary’s.” Like mother, like daughter.
THIS MOVIE is a must-see and a possible Oscar contender. I’ll even go so far as to predict that Ralph Fiennes will get a best actor nomination and John Lithgow a best supporting actor nomination. Let’s see how that plays out.
With Carlos Diehz
Carlos Diehz is a Mexican actor who only ventured into the craft of acting in 2020, and landed a lead role in this movie through a global search. He plays an important role.
Taken from the VIFF website:
When the sitting Pope shuffles off this mortal coil, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is handed the responsibility of marshalling the Catholic Church’s most influential figures and orchestrating the arcane process of electing a successor. Sequestered in the Vatican, several cardinals—including John Lithgow’s Cardinal Tremblay—turn cutthroat in their bid to lay claim to the papal throne. As conspiracies come to light and factions are formed, the unassuming Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz) harbours a secret that may have seismic consequences.
In his follow up to the Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, Edward Berger delivers another immaculately crafted, psychologically complex morality tale. Gifted with a gloriously refined screenplay by Peter Straughan (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), Berger elicits finely calibrated performances from a powerhouse cast that includes Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini. And while Stephane Fontaine’s cinematography ensures a succession of sublime compositions, it’s the dramatic tension resulting from faith running afoul of corruption that keeps us riveted.
The festival is on until October 6th (that’s tomorrow) but there’s viff movie screenings all year long. Check it out:
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is celebrating 43 years of showcasing exceptional cinema in an exceptional environment – beautiful Vancouver. You’ll see some of the best cinema from around the globe, one-of-a-kind live performances, talks, industry sessions, and other unique events celebrating film and film culture. I try to never miss this festival.
This year, due to other events and circumstances I’m starting later than planned. Better late than not at all, right? Last night I went to a theatre close to where I live (VIFF is expanding their viewing theatres to include a few more – other than the downtown area – YAY!) I saw CAN I GET A WITNESS? at Fifth Ave Cinemas to full capacity seating. The timing of this movie is supposed to take place in the very near future; maybe too near for most. I didn’t realize that it was filmed in Powell River; a city known for its natural beauty, world-class rock climbing and home to the Sunshine Coast Trail, until the credits.
This particular film has been creating some BUZZ.
I like to say…,.Remember the Past, Think about the Future, but Stick to the Present.
Kiera Jang as “Kiah”- Photo courtesy of VIFF
Sometimes the present sucks! Especially if you’re about to turn 50! And you probably don’t even know what I mean by this if you haven’t seen the movie. Turning 50 is a milestone for everyone who is lucky enough to turn 50… but in this movie it means much more than a milestone. It’s the end of an era – namely, your personal era.
Everyone should see this film. This movie is full of surprises as it reflects on the past and all the damage we’ve done to the planet, but looks to saving the future. And like life in general, you have to take the good with the bad. CAN I GET A WITNESS? premiered at TIFF, but knowing that it would be showing in Vancouver, I purposely waited to see it at Fifth Avenue Cinemas, now part of the VIFF lineup.
With Ann Marie Fleming. Photo: Kiera Jang
It is certainly a coming of age movie, but not what you might think, and I don’t want to give it all away. Writer, Director and Co-Executive Producer Ann Marie Fleming wants to give you something more crucial to contemplate It’s nothing to do with anti-aging (an overdone concept to begin with) like some of the more recent movies I’ve seen that deal with starting over after 50, such as “The Substance” or “The Last Showgirl” which is basically you’re over…once you’re over 50 (with themes that resort to doing anything to keep youthful and another when you must start over from scratch after having done the same job for 30 years). But what if after you turn 50, your life really is over?
This is one of the more profound movies I’ve seen in a long time – maybe ever. It covers many current world and personal issues while giving viewers lots to think about. However, it’s as gentle as it’s extreme. As beautiful and insightful as this film is; it’s equally scary and sad. Even though the timing is set in the near future, it appears a little old fashioned; or as the VIFF Guide says; remarkably folksy. Yes, it is; especially considering the subject matter. It also has some charmingly animated objects that show up here and there…a sprinkling to give an unexpected, more dreamy innocent effect….along with the more dramatic nuances. Contradictions that make perfect sense in a sometimes senseless world.
My thoughts are that you will leave the theatre feeling different and questioning human choices and giving more thought to how we can improve the planet. At least that’s my hope…because if life imitates art, we’re all in trouble. If art imitates life, we may have a chance.
From the VIFF Guide:
Ann Marie Fleming takes us to a time when humanity has survived the global environmental crisis, but only at a steep price. As the film opens, Kiah (Keira Jang) is preparing for the first day of a new job, while her mother Ellie (Sandra Oh) is readying herself for a new journey of her own. Over the next two days, Kiah and her co-worker Daniel (Joel Oulette) perform their duties as official witnesses; together, they’re helping fulfill a global mandate to protect all life…
CAN I GET A WITNESS? is a film in which the important facts emerge gradually; as it builds to its powerful conclusion, the pace is leisurely and the style is deceptively casual. Fleming has a great ear for dialogue, and she directs with a strong attention to the nuances of human interaction. Jang and Oulette give subtle and convincing performances, and Oh is wonderful as always.
About:
Ann Marie Fleming is an award-winning visual artist, writer, director, animator and cross-platform media maker who has worked in a variety of genres (animation, experimental, documentary and drama). Her work often deals with themes of family, history and memory.
Ann Marie’s 2003 feature documentary The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam, based on the life of her magician and acrobat great-grandfather, won both the Grand Jury and Best Documentary Prize at the San Diego Asian Film Festival and the Best Documentary Prize at the Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival in Canada. And her animated feature film, Window Horses, received numerous international awards, including Best Animated film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and the Gijon International Film Festival in Barcelona.
Filmography: The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam (2003); The French Guy (2005); Window Horses (2016).
Sidenote: I saw The French GuyAND Window Horses. Excellent, diverse films that focus on cultural values.
If I had to choose only one movie favourite from all the ones I’d seen during TIFF, this one would be it. Naomi Watts + Bill Murray in “THE FRIEND.”
Image: Courtesy of tiff
I went to a “full-house” press screening of this International Premiere alone. Even though Naomi Watts and Bill Murray (I love them both) get top billing, there’s no denying the scene stealing Great Dane who should get an Oscar nomination for best performing canine in a movie. Oh; they don’t have a category for this? Maybe they should start one.
Boy, did this move hit all the right notes and left me feeling all the feels. Like all great comedies, it also has an element of tragedy, so we can all relate. But I don’t want to give it all away. I started to tell someone about the film and they said “no more please… I want to see this one and be surprised.”
I’ve included a synopsis from tiff below. You don’t have to be a dog lover to enjoy this movie. Although if you are; you’ll find it even more endearing.
The character drama is based on the acclaimed novel by Sigrid Nunez and directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel.
In a theatre filled with media types, I tried to pull myself together during several scenes – not always successfully, but from the sniffles and laughs I heard in the audience, at least I wasn’t alone.
Synopsis taken from tiff films + events list:
Iris (Watts) has had a long, complex friendship with Walter (Murray, also at this year’s Festival with Riff Raff). Walter is an irresistible charmer, a brilliant author, a lover of many women, and a master at letting down loved ones. When he dies suddenly, Iris is left to deal with all he left behind — three ex-wives with unfinished business, his interrupted literary legacy, and his beloved beast Apollo (Bing). It’s not that Iris doesn’t like dogs, but this is Manhattan, and she’ll get kicked out of her building if they find out she’s pretty much trying to house a horse.
Watts delivers a career-best performance here, weaving New York confidence through the anxieties of a struggling writer, through her principled offence at how Walter treated his wives, and through encounters with the women themselves. Life is complicated, and McGehee and Siegel (Montana Story TIFF’21, What Maisie Knew, TIFF ’12, The Deep End), reflect that in their writing and in how they direct Watts. They also cast supporting actors of the calibre of Constance Wu, Ann Dowd, Noma Dumezweni, and Carla Gugino, who help create a film of both depth and lightness.
You must be logged in to post a comment.