2008 Paul & Ben Film Festival: Truly Local Cinema

Vancouver's reputation as the film and television capital of the Canada is impossible to debate. The city has earned its nickname of Hollywood North, with nearly half of Canada's foreign film production occurring in BC. In fact, Vancouver is North America's third largest film center, and second only to Las Angeles for global television production. It's almost impossible to spend a night downtown without stumbling into at least one waiflike woman having her makeup adjusted on the side of the street under cameo lights... "oooh -- does that car say NYPD?"

What is open to debate, however, is how much this Vancouver-based production of foreign entertainment impedes on the success of our local artists; arguably drawing attention away from fostering our own creative talent. Many have gone as far as labeling the film industry the Vancouver film service industry; waiters to hungry Hollywood 'creatives' looking for a cheap ocean shot.

Just because the local media has an obsession over reporting the latest sightings of Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Alba doesn't mean there aren't a host of local artists producing great films in the city. From VFS to Emily Carr, this town is home to some of Canada's best film programs and some of our nation's strongest developing talent. On Friday night, Paul FitzZaland and Benjamin Asa Smith will do their part to highlight the best in local cinema as they present the 2008 Paul & Ben Film Festival. Now in its third year running, the Granville Island fest will feature fifteen short films, paying respect to some top Canadian creativity (and future Hollywood highrollers?) More after the jump...

Most of us have a soft spot for the Hollywood thing; I know I'm at least somewhat excited for the Vancouver-lensed Watchmen (though the recently released photos and 300 have me a little scared), but in general one's forced to complain about a major lack of creativity. Mainstream American cinema (don't get me started on television) is staler than a Subway advert, and one can't help but be a little bothered by its relationship to the Canadian market. Seth Rogen's recent flight to Hollywood is merely a symbol for the greater exodus (and exploitation?) of Canadian talent south of the border.

The film 'service' industry isn't something we should completely bemoan, as countless locals find themselves sustained by the jobs created. From sound-men and extras to makeup and food services, a lot of people depend on the legions of films and televisions shows exported to the United States. However, our city's creative community must feel somewhat irked by the current situation; with so much time and money being devoted to American productions, it's hard for local artists to get the attention they deserve.

Paul and Ben are Emily Carr grads who started their first design company together in 1999. In 2006 they hosted their first film festival and on Friday, March 28th will offer another opportunity to combat Hollywood's monopolization of our filmic focus. Doors to the Emily Carr Theatre on Granville Island will open at 7:30, and 15 short films will begin at 8:00. There's door prizes and a reception afterwards at the Granville Island Brewing Company. Full details and a list of films can be found over at the festival's website.

One of the shorts screening is the documentary "1000 Stories", which follows talented local writer Kevin Spenst as he goes on a marathon of guerilla readings, performing fifty stories all over Vancouver in a single day. The man's written a piece of fiction every day for the last three years, and you can read his stories or watch the trailer online. His film was the only one I could find extensive info on, but for the entry fee of $5, you're guaranteed heaps more creativity than you'd find on your average $20 Tinsletown trip.

The Paul & Ben Film Festival takes place Friday, March 28th at the Emily Carr Theatre on Granville Island. Doors are at 7:30, show starts at 8:00, and tickets are $5.00 at the door.

images courtesy of Paul & Ben, who have a line of greeting cards and merchandise available online

As an aside, for reader discussion: what are your impressions of the local film industry? Do you wear 'Hollywood North' as a badge of pride or a view it as a sign of Vancouver's artistic fall?