I just returned from Media That Matters, a conference at Hollyhock on Cortez Island (one of the northern Golf Islands in BC). This conference had 55 attendees from across North America who are all committed to making a positive change in society by creating/promoting/encouraging media that matters. As a promoter of film, I attended the conference as I believe film is a powerful medium that has potential to reach a mass audience and evoke change. As many of our readers know, First Weekend Club has a cultural mandate, but I also think it is well positioned to help some great Canadian films that have an important message (be it a documentary on environmental change or a drama about human relationships or anything in between and beyond) reach larger audiences. The first time I realized this unique position we were in that could contribute to the success of some important films, was when we promoted Velcrow Ripper's documentary ScaredSacred. I had one of those 'aha' moments after seeing it and was greatly inspired to play a role in helping to get this film seen by more people.

Over the years we have gone on to help promote a number of what I would call 'important' or 'meaningful' films, both documentaries and dramas, and I look forward to finding many more thought provoking films in the years to come. Soon, First Weekend Club will be launching a new streaming service on our website - think Netflix but exclusively for Canadian films. This will be a pay-per-view model where we will be offering only the best in Canadian cinema so our viewers can continue to trust our brand.

At the Media That Matters conference I became inspired about the idea of creating a section in our new online catalogue that we will call "Films that Matter" (or something of the like) where viewers can find some great films that were created to evoke change or provoke thought about the way we live our lives. Now, I'm looking for some recommendations for the Canadian films that we should consider for this section. If you have any suggestions, please add a comment with the title of the film and a brief description. I'll make a point to find these films, watch them with my curating team and then look into getting those films added to our website. Please remember, in order to be considered and included on the FWC website, the films must be Canadian. Thanks in advance for your input.

Photo: Documentary Filmmaker Velcrow Ripper at Media That Matters 2011
Taken by: JD Lasica, Founder Socialbrite.org

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There are so many great films opening this month.  'Barney's Version' hits western theatres on Friday - awesome film.  'You Won't Like the Truth' also opens on Friday at the Vancity Theatre in Vancouver - hard film to watch but one that Canadian's particularly should see.  Its the Omar Khadr story. Say no more, but see this film!  Carl Bessai's "Fathers & Sons" opens in Vancouver on January 21st - funny and all improvised.  Pretty amazing performances.  "Incendies" also opens in Vancouver and Toronto on January 21st.  This is Canada's official submission to the Oscars.  I haven't seen it yet myself, but I have heard nothing but amazing things.  It sounds like another hard film, humanity at its worst, but also a brilliant film.  "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" hits theatres in Calgary, Kelowna, Cranbrook and Creston on January 28th - the filmmakers will be attending their hometown screening in Calgary for a Q&A opening night.  And finally, Casino Jack opens in Vancouver and Toronto on the 28th.  First Weekend Club is hosting a Canada Screens event for this film on January 20th in Vancouver and a special opening night event in Toronto.  Stay tuned for details for both.  All in all, January is shaping up to be a great month for Canadian cinema.  I hope you get to see at least a few of them.  And as always feel free to comment on any of these films.  I love knowing what our members have to say about Canadian films.

There was an article that appeared in the Toronto Star a few weeks ago entitled "Too Many Canadian Films, TIFF Chief Says."  Basically, Piers Handling, co-director of the Toronto International Film Festival argues that Canadians shouldn't be making so many films as the market place can't sustain it.  Apparently there were nearly 250 feature films submitted to TIFF this year.  He says, "Where are those films going? I mean, are they just home movie productions done on credit cards? For what audience?  I’m happy that people are making films and all that kind of stuff, but what kind of resources have been taken away from filmmakers who perhaps needed those resources, that could have used those resources? Are there significant filmmakers with things to say?”

I suppose he is making an interesting argument.  If more resources went into fewer films then perhaps larger audiences could be found for those films.  I don't know though.  To me it seems that in order to grow an industry and an appreciation for Canadian film our filmmakers need to be flexing their muscles, trying new things, honing their craft.  All those films obviously won't be seen in mainstream theatres, many may not even get into festivals, but the really good films will always stand out.  And with festivals like TIFF and organizations like the Film Circuit and First Weekend Club, those good films do stand a chance to find an audience. 

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Today the Toronto International Film Festival announced their Canadian selection for TIFF 2010.  It looks like it's going to be a great festival.   Here is what stood out for me.

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We've got eight CDs that we are giving away to FWC members.  The CD was inspired by the soundtrack of Sook-Yin Lee's film Year of the Carnivore.  There are some great tunes on the CD, so if you are interested in winning one, all you have to do is join the Year of the Carnivore group that is in the FWC Clubhouse.  We'll randomly draw some winners on Friday June 25th.   Sook-Yin Lee has also agreed to answer some questions about her film, so feel free to post something on the group wall.  Here's the link but remember you have to be a registered user and logged in to post anything:  http://www.firstweekendclub.ca/clubhouse/groups/dvd-club/year-of-the-carnivore.html

Year of the Carnivore is playing at Tinseltown in Vancouver and at the Cumberland in Toronto.  Check it out.  It's a fun, sassy film.

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