April 28 2011

Recently returned Vancouverite Penelope Buitenhuis’ new feature A Wake opens at the Fifth Ave Cinemas from April 29th - May 5.  This intriguing, darkly comic film follows a troupe of actors who reunite for the wake of their eccentric theatre director (Nicholas Campbell).  All hell breaks loose over the weekend when old rivalries erupt and secrets and lies are exposed.  Featuring a superb ensemble cast, with a carefully woven Shakespearean subtext, A Wake takes you on a visceral ride that will engage your thoughts long after you’ve left the theatre.

Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society will host an informal discussion in the studio about the filmmaking process of A Wake led by Writer/Director Penelope Buitenhuis in conversation with fellow filmmaker Katrin Bowen (Amazon Falls). The dialogue for A Wake is entirely improvised by the actors, yet there are no long rambling conversations, the dialogue is tight, the story complex. Made for a low budget, it was shot in ten days.  The film has garnered acclaim in the press and at festivals, including Best Feature at the Carmel Arts and Film Festival 2010, Best Film at the Female Eye Festival in 2010 and a nomination for a DGC award for directing and editing.  Showing clips from the film, Penelope will discuss topics including acting, story, casting, shooting, lighting, crew, and music. For further information on Penelope:  http://www.penelopebuitenhuis.com

A Wake film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZxAAlq1bMU

DATE AND TIME: THURSDAY APRIL 28, 7-9 pm

PLACE: Cineworks Studio, 1131 Howe St. (back lane entrance) 

COST: $10 Suggested Donation