Film buffs will finally get their yearly dose of world and homegrown cinema as the 30th annual Vancouver International Film Festival kicked off its program line-up yesterday.
Canadian filmmaker Sarah Polley will open the Canadian Images gala on Sept. 30 with her film Take this Waltz, which stars Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen.
The festival, which runs Sept. 29 to Oct. 14, will showcase more than 375 films from 75 countries.
The VIFF lineup also features 80 Canadian films, including 24 B.C. productions.
VIFF first-timer Jim Cliffe, director of Donovan’s Echo, said he feels honoured his first feature film was chosen from 700 submissions. Lethal Weapon’s Danny Glover stars as a man with a tragic past who comes back to his home 30 years later and tries to save a family from the same fate.
“It’s always nice when other first-time filmmakers are brought together to share in the experience,” said Vancouver-based Cliffe. “I just look forward to showing the movie to a full audience because there’s always a good energy in film festivals.”
Amitai Marmorstein, one of the stars of B.C. film Sunflower Hour — a mockumentary about four puppeteers vying for one spot on a hit children’s television show, said he’s excited about his first feature role and he’s eager to see how people will respond to the film.
“I’m just hoping people will like it,” said Marmorstein, 25, adding he’s looking forward to having his friends and family watch his work.
“(My parents) haven’t seen the movie yet … and there are a few moments that aren’t necessarily something I would sit beside my mom while she watches, but I think she’ll like it.”
Belgian directors Jeanne-Pierre and Luc Dardenne will close the festival with their film The Kid with a Bike.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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