VIFF ‘07: Climate for Change: Keepers of Eden

This film could also be titled Colonization 101: how indigenous people and their territory are destroyed by Western greed.

Pick any place on earth and the Huaorani people’s story could be told, from creation to today (or extinction). First, the creator creates all, people learn to live peacefully, then a resource is found (in this case oil) and contamination, disease, liquor, domestic violence, and both cultural and physical death follow.

The area in which the Huaorani live is the most bio-diverse region on the planet. There are more species living in each 2.5 hectare area than in the entire continent of North America. The photography is stunning: the birds, insects, jungle…check out the size of the tree near the end of the film!

Texaco and Shell have spilled more oil, which has not even been attempted to be cleaned up, than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez. And surprise, surprise, the constitution of Ecuador protects the right of oil and mineral exploration above all else.

But the people fight back and that is the inspiration of the film. Traditionally, the Huaorani fight to the death and those that haven’t died already from cancers (or haven’t sold out), are committed to end the exploitation. And, as usual, they are led by their women.

Remaining Screenings:
Sunday, Oct 7th @ 9:15pm: Empire Granville 7 Theatre 2

VIFF ‘07: Canadian Images: Toi

I’ve found Quebeçois film, especially in this festival, to be of a very high calibre in whatever genre it is. C.R.A.Z.Y. was one of the best films I’ve seen. Toi, doesn’t quite meet this challenge.

This distressingl tale shows the downward spiral of a woman who has simply lost the spark of life. She first tries to rekindle her spirit through sex but the shallowness of it all just doesn’t do it for her. Unfortunately, she has a son; her husband can’t deal with the shock and loss and the poor child is virtually left to fend for himself. Only her lover has the wherewithal to avoid going down with her.

It seems that there isn’t any blame to be laid, but the film shows just how fragile life can be and how unfair it is to children when the foundation of their life is taken out from under them. The acting was very convincing and left me with a hollow feeling walking out of the theatre…

No Remaining Screenings

VIFF ‘07: Cinema of our Time: The Missing Star

This drama offers a fascinating glimpse into modern day China. From a brief commentary on the Three Gorges Dam, to insights on being a single parent in today’s China, this Italian film ambles along despite its unlikely premise.

So what’s the premise? A technician follows a recently bought blast furnace from Italy to China. This man knows almost no Chinese, has no idea where the factory is that bought it, and knows no one in China. He happens upon the one woman he embarrassed back in Italy in a public library and the story takes off from there.

The film shows us that in an age of greedy globalization, compassion and desire to do the right thing can always succeed, even if in unexpected ways.

Remaining Screenings:
Monday, Oct 8th @ 6:40pm: Empire Granville 7 Theatre 3

VIFF ‘07: Dragons & Tigers: Gubra

This Malay film really shines…it’s fun and has something to say.

Many different types of heterosexual couples are almost compared, from the loving and playful to the oppressive and paid. It doesn’t do Hollywood, as you’ll see at the end. The gags run from silly to well setup, and it reflects my limited exposure to the Malay people: incredibly ethnically diverse, upbeat and easy to get along with. The film offers a glimpse into a society that folks living in Canada could learn a lot from generally, while the heterosexuals among us are offered further opportunities to learn and see our shortcomings and strengths.

Warning: don’t leave before the credits are done…there’s more to see (if the projectionist doesn’t get faked out first!).

No Remaining Screenings