Canada Screens Vancouver

District 319, Vancouver

THAT'S A WRAP - Canada Screens Vancouver witnessed another sold out show August 19. The evening commenced with a wine reception in the lobby to the tunes of 60s and 70s music to set the tone of the heyday of the subject matter of the doc. The one man band Mackenzie Gray then burst into a trio of 60s protest songs commencing with ‘Street Fighting Man’, which had the effect of the pied piper leading people into the theatre. Following a Dylan song, Alexandra Staseson joined him for ‘What’s Going On’. After introductions and prize giveaways by Anita, Ali and Paul, we played the film, invoking passionate interest. This was evidenced in the intense discussion following the film, moderated by Mackenzie Gray. All and all a memorable way to launch the film opening in Vancouver August 27.

Riveting material, chock full of star interviews. **** -Liz Braun, Toronto Sun

The words, "social activist," "selfless humanitarian" and "deep thinker" don't usually come to mind when describing Playboy empire founder Hugh Hefner, but filmmaker Brigitte Berman intends to rectify that situation with her surprising documentary... -The Hollywood Reporter

...a brilliant and entertaining snapshot of the life of an extraordinary man and the controversies that surrounded him. -The Washington Post



In this acclaimed documentary, Academy Award winning filmmaker Brigitte Berman takes on one of the most colourful and influential media figures of the 20th century, Mr. Hugh Hefner. Although most people know him more for his penchant for multiple girlfriends, silk pajama-based wardrobe, mythical Playboy mansion, and sexual escapades, Hefner's contributions to the African American civil rights movement, the sexual liberation movement, and even feminist causes, are significant and fascinating. He has even left a mark in the world of jazz, having showcased brilliant African American musicians and blacklisted performers on his television show, even when doing so went so deeply against the status quo.

Then again, Hefner never did believe in the status quo, often pushing the boundaries of society when it came to "good taste", political correctness, and perhaps most importantly, equal human rights - of which he was a champion.

Behind the Playboy empire is a man whose work ethic can only be described as "workaholic" and "fierce". Hefner, who kept a meticulous record of all his ventures, lets Berman deep into his world. Borrowing from his journals, drawings, and archival footage, she pieces together a deeply compelling portrait of the man behind the bunny ears and platinum blondes. A story that is rarely told.

Commentators include Gene Simmons, Jenny McCarthy, Reverend Jesse Jackson,  Mike Wallace, and of course, Mr. Hefner himself.

Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel is distributed in Canada by KinoSmith.

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EVENT DETAILS:

When:
Thursday, August 19th
Where:
District 319 (319 Main Street, Vancouver)
Time:
6:30 PM: Pre show celebration and wine reception (complimentary glass of wine) with live music by the After Hours Band.
7:30 PM: Film screening followed by a post-screening discussion moderated by Mackenzie Gray.
Cost:  $15 through PayPal or at 604-983-5373. 

Pre-show wine reception is sponsored by:

Please arrive at screening by 7:20 pm to ensure entry. No Minors.


DISCOUNT GIFT CARDS

Save money per screening by buying Canada Screens Gift Cards in advance at www.firstweekendclub.ca, Videomatica, or at the Screening.


-IMPORTANT NOTE-
All seats for Gift Card holders, Ambassadors, Sponsors & Partners must be claimed by 7:20 pm after which unclaimed seats will be released for rush sales. Gift Card holders please RSVP to vip@firstweekendclub.ca by 5pm Wednesday, August 18th and arrive at screening by 7:20pm to ensure entry.


DINNER & MOVIE DEAL – 15% off at Boneta Restaurant
Before the movie, go to Boneta Restaurant for dinner and get 15% off dinner plus treats. #1 West Cordova St at Carrall St, just a few blocks from the theatre. Tel 604 684-1844. Bring your ticket print out or use the password: ‘Hugh Hefner’.