Films to See: “Lure”

Lure2Things are not always as they appear. Determined to deliver her overdue thesis on the use of the internet to inflict indirect violence, post-graduate student Rebecca Markowitz (Andrea Lee Norwood) wants to interview imprisoned internet stalker ‘suicide nurse’, Eric Daltry (Glen Matthews). Unable to access Daltry, Rebecca seeks a side interview with Marshall Spencer, the grandfather of one of Daltry’s victims. Spencer, a powerful businessman with motives of his own, surprises Rebecca by getting her interviews with Daltry. This sets up a story that seems to be about the search for answers and justice but twists into a tale of revenge and redemption. Rebecca’s desperate inquests with the intelligent and manipulative Daltry are the film’s tense focal point where we discover that we are all capable of using our emotional power to influence other people.

Why You Might Like “Lure”

“Lure” is compelling, thought-provoking entertainment. It’s based on the play, “CU2morrow” inspired by the case of convicted ‘suicide nurse’ Melchert-Dinkle, a male nurse who posed as a woman in online suicide chat rooms where he encouraged vulnerable women to take their own lives. The film takes you down one emotional path only to surprise you with new revelations. If you appreciate good acting and enjoy a story with a twist, you should see “Lure”. You can view the trailer and buy tickets for “Lure” here.
Written by Cathleen MacDonald
Cathleen MacDonald is a writer and filmmaker.

Films to See: “A Light Beneath Their Feet”

A Light Beneath Their FeetMadison Davenport and Taryn Manning deliver stunning performances in this ‘life is complicated’ story of 17-year old Beth (Madison Davenport) who is struggling to choose between the local college, so she can continue to care for her mother who has bipolar disorder (Taryn Manning) or a California college where she can pursue her dream. Director Valerie Weiss shows us Beth’s struggle through the life experiences that influence her decision. For Beth, the roles have been reversed as she is the ‘mom’ to her mother, Gloria who struggles with her mental illness. It is emotionally powerful to see how Gloria faces her illness and how it affects each person in her life from her ex-husband, and daughter, Beth, to her employer.

Why You Might Like “A Light Beneath Their Feet”

“A Light Beneath Their Feet” offers compelling performances and intelligent insights into a continually misunderstood mental illness. It puts a human face on the issue by showing how we all stumble through life; at times in control and at other times unable to manage. Following the film, audience members can join in a stimulating discussion with festival host Rob Salem and a panel of experts on bipolar disorder. You can view the trailer for “A Light Beneath Their Feet” here.

Written by Cathie McCready
Cathie McCready is a film-buff who is writing her 1st novel.

Free Outdoor Movie at the Oakville Museum

Movie in the Park 2016Before dusk on June 3, 2016, grab your blankets and chairs to get the best seats in the house for a free family-friendly outdoor movie on the lawn of the Oakville Museum, 8 Navy Street, downtown Oakville. The museum and the Willson Oakville Film Festival will present the hit comedy, WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY starring David Tennant (Dr. Who), Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl), and Billy Connolly.

A Festival Encore Screening

WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY was the Oakville Film Festival’s sold out 2015 gala film. At that screening, the audience gave the film and its U.K. director, Guy Jenkin, such jubilant laughter and a warm Oakville welcome that Jenkin later remarked that his visit to Oakville was by far his best festival audience experience. Come enjoy this encore presentation at the Oakville Museum on the big outdoor screen provided by our own local film.ca cinemas.

Details

  • DATE: Friday, June 3, 2016    (raindate Saturday, June 4)
  • TIME: dusk
  • LOCATION: Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, 8 Navy Street, downtown Oakville
  • Bring your own chairs and blankets

Film Festival Benefits

“What’s 1 benefit of a film festival?” That’s one of the questions answered by our Title Sponsor, Peter Willson in his 2nd video, “3 More Questions With Peter Willson”. Not satisfied to be a sponsor in name only, Peter offers insights into how the Willson Oakville Film Festival provides filmmakers with an opportunity to reach a new audience and for the public to see films that might not otherwise be available in Oakville and its surrounding communities.

Watch the video to hear Peter answer this and other questions:

Article and Video by Cathleen MacDonald, Motion Picture Enterprises
Filmmaker, Cathleen MacDonald, creates media content for entertainment, education, and communications.

The Making of a Film Supporter

At the Oakville Festivals of Film and Art we’re ramping up with preparations for the June 24–26, 2016 festival and this year we’re extra excited. Why? Because of our wonderful new title sponsor, Willson International Ltd. Peter Willson and his family are active members of the Oakville community, with a long track record of supporting important initiatives in health care, education, and the arts. Peter, a big movie lover, is a natural fit for our festival family of independent film fanatics! We’re honoured and pleased as punch to have Willson International on board.

Let’s hear Peter’s story:

Article by Nancy Fornasiero
Nancy Fornasiero, a huge indie-film fan, is an Oakville-based writer, editor, and communications specialist.

Video by Cathleen MacDonald, Motion Picture Enterprises 
Filmmaker, Cathleen MacDonald, creates media content for entertainment, education, and communications.

Which Film-Fest Pass Is Best For You?

Quiz by Nancy Fornasiero
Nancy Fornasiero, a huge indie-film fan, is an Oakville-based writer, editor, and communications specialist.

So, Where Are the Movies?

This is a question we’ve been hearing a lot lately. And it makes us happy! It means that fans of the Willson Oakville Film Festival are chomping at the bit.

You’ll find a lot of great information here on our website, but one thing that you won’t find (at least, not yet!) is a list of films for our 2016 event. That’s because our submissions deadline is Friday, April 1st. Wendy Donnan, our programmer, has literally thousands of films to view, assess, and select before the finalists can be announced. Rest assured that she’s working hard on it this very minute.

It’s About More Than Showcasing Movies

Remember that the purpose of the Willson Oakville Film Festival – just like any independent film fest – isn’t simply to showcase interesting movies for our community; although that’s certainly part of our reason for being. Film fests like ours also provide an opportunity for independent and/or unknown filmmakers to get their movies in front of an actual audience and to have their work reviewed by professional critics. This often translates to additional advantages: valuable media attention, exposure to prospective agents and buyers, and don’t forget the prestigious Audience Choice Awards for the best film and best short film. Yes, the winners. In case you didn’t know, independent film festivals are also contests, and you, the viewer, get a vote! Fun, right?
With all that in mind, it’s super important that we compile a worthy roundup of engaging films and documentaries. We also aim to provide a variety of genres and themes, and try to represent filmmakers from around the globe. Choosing the big features for the gala presentations is especially exciting. So now you know why this process takes time and careful consideration… Sit tight!

Get First Dibs

Purchase one of our Festival Passes and you’ll be the first to be notified about our final list when it’s ready and you’ll get first dibs on the films you’d most like to see. On May 16th the remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public. We promise to keep you posted with all the key dates and details as we roll them out… but for best value and lots of perks get your passes starting April 1st!

Article by Nancy Fornasiero
Nancy Fornasiero, a huge indie-film fan, is an Oakville-based writer, editor, and communications specialist.

3 Ways Film Festivals Improve Your Life

OFFA-4-oakville-film-festival-MarkZelinski.com-47Going to the movies is a great experience but going to a film festival is even better. Here are 3 ways film festivals improve your life:

1) Community

Film festivals show us how big and amazing the world is while connecting us through watching together, stirring emotions, then sharing our emotions and thoughts afterward with the filmmakers and panellists. Being with like-minded people and meeting the filmmakers is an exhilarating experience that can give you a new perspective on the film.

2) Social Capital

We watch films, read books, and listen to music so we’ll get social capital. What’s social capital? It’s the inspiration, mind expansion, and topics for discussions with friends. But in this era of overwhelming cultural choices, it’s hard to know where to spend your time and money.  Why risk wasting time when a film festival can bring you carefully curated choices from programmers who sift through endless submissions to find the right mix. You can be confident that every choice will bring you some value. Even a film that might leave you scratching your head at first will improve your life when you can discuss it with the filmmakers and with the new friends you’re likely to make at a festival.

3) Great Value

Film festivals turn movie-going into a special event with receptions, parties, fun activities, and of course, filmmaker appearances and panels. With prices comparable to a regular movie, film festival screenings are a priceless value.

Festival Passes go on Sale April 1st

On April 1st, the Willson Oakville Film Festival will offer its Red Carpet Pass (a must-have for the VIP cinephile) and its Film Lovers Pass (a great value with perks).

April 1st Update: Passes are now available on our Homepage.

Willson Oakville Film Festival to Offer More Gala Screenings

Gala film screenings offer unique opportunities to see films in a large setting with the filmmakers in attendance and parties. The catch is that Galas often sell out quickly and the parties are normally exclusive. For the 2016 Willson Oakville Film Festival (June 24 – 26), you will get more opportunities to enjoy the full Gala experience – but only if you act quickly to get a Red Carpet Pass.

Sold Out Gala

Last year, the Opening Gala at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts was a sold out hit. The audience enjoyed an emotional ride with the North American premiere of “What We Did on Our Holiday” followed by a memorable conversation with Writer-Director, Guy Jenkin who had flown in from London, England to join them. This was followed by an after-party where guests mingled with filmmakers, VIPs, and other film lovers.

This Year Offers Two Galas

Based on last year’s success, the Willson Oakville Film Festival 2016 is holding two Galas. A limited number of Red Carpet Passes will grant all-access to both Galas, including the VIP After-Party, plus a choice of regular screenings, and oh yes – swag. We must have swag. Red Carpet Passes are slated to go on sale April 1st.

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