A Reel Treat – Not Just for Kids!

 

Ever since its inception in 1998, Reel 2 Real has cultivated a growing appreciation for film and culture among youth in the Lower Mainland. Their mission statement encompasses a wealth of admirable visions, all related to involving youth in actively exploring culture through both viewing professionally-made films and learning to create their own. The non-profit registered charity has always dedicated its efforts and resources to bringing the best in culturally diverse, authentic programming to young audiences, and has experienced remarkable success through a number of engaging programs offered year-round. Two of the most successful among these are the Animating History and BC Stories day-long workshops, which teach young people in grades 4-12 how to create animated films that depict life and history in local communities through storyboarding, character development, lighting and camera technique, editing and sound integration, and narrative. All of the films produced at these workshops can be viewed online.

 

Reel 2 Real also presents Films for All Ages throughout the months of January, February, and March, screening films created worldwide as a way of giving young people insight into the lives and culture of global communities. This year, the series included the Secret Letter from the Netherlands, The Crocodilles three-part series from Germany, and Wolf Girl from Japan – all in their native languages with English subtitles.

A submission in the 2011 Real 2 Real Young Filmmakers Showcase called Expiry Date.

Today, the Reel 2 Real Film Festival spans eight feature-filled days and four venues; the very first was housed in a single theatre and only lasted for four days. As big fans of all things kreative and cultural, we at Kihada are excited to see how Reel 2 Real is encouraging the next generation to think outside the box. Film media continues to grow and evolve, and this exhibition is an excellent chance to inspire those that might take it to new heights. A complete festival guide is available on their website, but here are just a few highlights to give you a little taste:

Friday, April 13th, 6:30pm – Opening Night at Vancity Theatre, with the Canadian premiere of NOT JUST FOR KIDS, a fun and fanciful program of silent shorts including classics from as early as 1920.

 

Saturday, April 14th, 11:30am-1pm – An all-you-can-eat Bagels and Bannock Brunch, with coffee and a smorgasbord of sweet and savoury toppings, will precede a FREE animation workshop with instructor Elisa Chee.

 

Sunday, April 15th, 3pm – Lost in Africa, a poignant Danish film about an eleven-year-old boy who travels to Kenya with his mother and soon finds himself lost among the large city-slums, will screen at Vancity Theatre.

Monday, April 16th, 10am – Little Characters, a collection of tales of kinship and slapstick will begin and run until 11:45, then repeat for afternoon viewers.

 

Tuesday, April 17th, 12:30pm – Colours of the Mountain will colour Vancity Theatre with its sweeping Colombian landscapes and its honest depiction of three young boys’ soccer escapades amid the war-laden mountain countryside.

Colors on the Mountain official trailer

Wednesday, April 18th, 10am – A series of real stories surprising and, at times, perplexing will light up the screen under the feature name Doc Day.

 Thursday, April 19th, 4pm – The Young Filmmakers Showcase, a series of shorts created by BC youth, will show at Vancity Theatre, followed by an awards ceremony, notes from a professional jury, and an audience secret ballot vote.

 

 

Friday, April 20th, 11:45am – the final presentation of the festival, a series of witty (and sometimes bizarre) shorts called In It Together, will leave the audience in fits of laughter and eager for Reel 2 Real’s return next year.

For more info about the dates and showings please go to the Reel 2 Real site!

by Alison  alison@kihadaworksdesign.com