Once Upon our Times

A collection of contemporary fairy tales by seven West Coast, Canadian filmmakers. Diverse and eclectic, the collection ranges from the humorous to the theoretical, and from the cynical to the sublime. This anthology of short films is innovative, challenging and most definitely a reflection of contemporary ideas.

ONCE UPON OUR TIMES is the forth Omibus production to emerge from Cineworks Independent Filmmakers society in Vancouver, Canada. Like its predecessors, it triumphantly rises to the challenge of creating a collection of similarly themed short films on a minimal budget.

Given only 400 feet of film stock and a bare-bones equipment package, each filmmaker was asked to create a short film interpreting the "fairy tale" form within a contemporary content.

The filmmakers were asked to consider the simplistic narrative structure, cultural stereotypes and obvious moral overtones of the traditional fairy tale. The result is a wonderfully diverse collection of experimental stories, poems and painterly essays.

BEATRICE

by Tami Wilson

The Best men around are soundly rejected by a tiny toy princess willing to wait prettily and patiently for her true prince...forever.

DON Q

by Morgan Kroon

The amazing adventures of Don Quixote stylishly interpreted as a present day fairy tale.

YOU ARE NOT THE BOSS OF ME AND WHO IS FUCKING SORRY NOW

by Allison Beda

Alkaseltzer dissolving in a martini glass. The bitter tradgety of an anorexic princess.

CRUELTY

by Stuart McFarlane

An inspired reflection of the Prince as a fairy tale character and his lasting influence on the director's notion of romantic love.

DON'T WORRY, IT IS ONLY A METAPHOR

by Lara McKinnin

From the comfort of her own home, a sensitive young woman plots to gain control of the evil forces of society conspiring against her.

EERIE TALE

by Bridget Hill

A poetic rumination on our destiny...To grow old and die, regardless of the happy ending.

DRAGON SLAYER

by Cess van Muiswinkel

A wry tale of dragon-slaying puppets willing to take extreme measures to maintain the status quo.