Thinking of Christmas gifts for those arts-friendly buddies of yours? Nordlys Film and Arts Festival in Camrose is turning 10 and they have an exciting weekend of film, special guests and music planned for you.
This year’s line-up boasts films from Russia, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, USA and last, but certainly not least, Canada!
Camrose’s own Nordlys Film and Arts Festival is turning ten years old. Family Day weekend, February 15-17, 2019, kicks off the anniversary with a series of ten films, an opening reception, a Saturday night concert and lots of good conversation at the Bailey Theatre.
Opening night will feature an opportunity to meet Mary Sexton, producer of the award winning film Maudie starring Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke. Maudie will be the first film of the Festival. Following the film, Mary will be available for a Q/A about how the film came about, what drew her and the lead actors to this unusual story and the challenges involved in its making. Audience members will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
Maudie is the mostly true story of Nova Scotia artist Maud Lewis. Maud suffered from juvenile arthritis, a very painful and crippling condition. Rejected and demeaned by her family, Maud realized she would need to make her own way so despite her physical frailty, she took a job as housekeeper for the curmudgeonly fishmonger, Everett Lewis. So began the unlikely and at times harrowing love story of Everett and Maud.
Despite her hardscrabble life Maud found beauty and joy in the world around her which she expressed through her art. Pictures she sold for pennies during her lifetime, have come to command six figures. Though now best known for her art, it is Maud’s indomitable spirit and the relationship between Maud and Everett that are the heart of this beautiful, award-winning movie.
There are nine more outstanding films to look forward to over the weekend including Loveless (Russia, 2017), This Mountain Life (Canada, 2018) and The Divine Order (Switzerland, 2017).
Saturday Concert: The Blake Reid Band
The Blake Reid Band www.blakereid.comwill be bringing their authentic music rooted in the traditions of country and great storytelling to the Nordlys stage on Saturday night.
Prior to the concert, we will be screening the band’s award-winning documentary, No Roads In, No Roads In (trailer) which showcases the group as they turn an abandoned house in the middle of an endless Alberta wheat field into a recording studio. Here they capture the raw energy of songs recorded live over five days in the summer of 2016. The film celebrates what is really important in music, and in life. Special guest filmmakers will be in attendance.
Get your 2019 Early Bird Passes
Early Bird Weekend Passes are now on sale for the discounted price of $85. Buy before January 14th and save $30! Tickets can be purchased at the Bailey Theatre Box Office with cash or cheque, or online at www.nordlysfestival.com. What a great Christmas gift idea!
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