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(L-R): Abner (Michael Cohen) with director Emmanuel Shirinian on set of It Was You Charlie. PHOTO: JAG GUNDU

Finding an audience for Canadian films

Unhelpfully, this story is about an intriguing new Canadian film festival that, by the time you read this, will be wrapping up. You may, however, have just enough time to catch It was you Charlie, the last in a three-film series of original Canadian feature films at the Regent Theatre today (Wednesday) at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

If you are unable to make this screening, the good news is that the Regent Theatre and the distributor, A71 Productions, have agreed to launch a series to screen new Canadian films monthly in Picton.

According to A71’s Chad Maker, many great movies are made in Canada, but few are seen by an audience. He and his two partners, David Miller and Kirk Comrie, decided there had to be a better way to package and promote Canadian films—particularly to Canadian audiences.

Maker began a discussion with Bob Schroen of the Regent Theatre.

“We screened a few films in Picton and we fell in love with the Regent,” said Maker. “It is a very knowledgeable and film-friendly crowd that comes out. And they are excited about Canadian cinema and Canadian stories.”

For Schroen, this series is about adding to the diversity of offerings and audience the Regent Theatre serves.

“It is about broadening the theatre’s relevance to a diverse range of audiences, from live events such as music, theatre and arts to popular films, foreign films, opera broadcasts in high definition.”

The week after the Jazz festival poses a unique challenge to the Regent because they are unable to begin a new release on that Friday night.

“A small Canadian film festival was born,” said Schroen.

Maker is understandably proud of the films in his stable. Each of the films screened in Picton this week represent the first feature film for each of the filmmakers. Each is the creation of a single writer/director.

“They all have a strong pedigree in short films and other media—but this is their first feature,” explained Maker.

Algonquin tells the story of a troubled reunion between father and son—set in the glorious wilderness of AlgonquinPark.

Ambition propels the lead character in The Privileged into uncharted moral territory and asks the question: how far would you go to achieve success?

It was you Charlie tells a story of loss and redemption from the perspective of an unusual and intriguing protagonist.

It was you Charlie will also be shown at the Toronto International Film Festival next month.

“These are Canadian stories being told by Canadian filmmakers,” said Maker. “Our mission is to make these great films more accessible to Canadian audiences. The Regent Theatre is a great partner. We look forward to bringing more Canadian stories to Picton.”