Telegrams from the New Canadian Cinema
by North Country Cinema
Telegrams presents a rotating program of short and medium length films with thematically inspired theatrical introductions and transitions performed by the filmmakers. This unique showcase of new cinema by award-winning directors from across Canada includes films by Adam Beck, Alexander Carson, Nicholas Martin, Eduardo Menz, Dan Popa, Kyle Thomas, and more.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Not enough has been said about this odd addition to the Fringe - I say odd because it is rare to see a showcase of short films in a largely theatre-oriented festival. Usually the “…and Arts” part of the Fringe’s description is underrepresented and somewhat unknown to the casual Fringe-goer. I was curious to see what Telegrams… had to offer.
It was good. Really good. The five films that I saw ranged greatly in style, matter and length, but they all deserved to be seen, an they all evoked an emotional and aesthetic response in me.
I will mention the short film Ghost Town - its choice of music was wonderfully creepy, its visual style stunning, and it built to a harrowing climax without a single word of dialogue.
An image which also stuck with me was a brief but deliberate shot of Simon Gadke’s character in Nicholas Martin’s Searching for Heartbreak walking into Calgary at sunset. His body split the frame with the urban development of the city on the left and the wild and untouched prairie on the right.
I commend Ottawa’s Alexander Carson as well - Lucy James Part 1 was (like Lucy James herself) beautiful, engaging and an excellent conclusion to the evening.
The skits which accompanied the films were, in my opinion, unnecessary. They added a more “theatre-esque” feel to the show, and it felt like they were largely there to make Telegrams… fit better to the “Fringe format”. I would have preferred to see more introductions or details on the filmmakers instead of dramatised scenes.
Overall, Telegrams… is brimming with young cinematic talent, it is well worth checking out, and holds its own beautifully as a Fringe show. I can only hope we will see more “…and Arts” of this caliber in the next Fringes.
Note: Telegrams… presents a rotation of films, so your experience may vary. The show also ran longer than the 60 minutes specified in the programs, in fact it was closer to 90 when I went. Give yourself ample time between shows.
June 26th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Telegrams is an excellent and unique addition to this year’s festival. This show features a variety of short films by talented young filmmakers (nearly all of whom were present at the screening to preface their film with a monologue, skit, or dramatic reading).
Though the films were very different, the program combined lo-fi shorts with extremely polished longer works. The filmmakers transitions helped to create an easy flow between pieces. The show I saw featured films by Nicholas Martin, Jon Rafman, Kyle Thomas, Dan Beirne and Alexander Carson; other nights apparently feature a slightly different line-up according to the show’s website. See for yourself!
June 27th, 2008 at 1:11 am
I have to express my feelings on this.
Telegrams is a show that nobody should leave the fringe without seeing. I have been attending the fringe for several years now and have often found myself flocking to the shows with buzz, but would stay away from the more “unusual” or “diffrent” forms of entertainment that sneak their way onto the circuit. I am so glad that I took a chance this year and went for a taste of something diffrent.
However, I don’t think diffrent is the right word. I should be saying new because North Country Cinema, the production company behind Telegrams has done what every loyal fan of Canadian entertainment has been asking for. They are telling real stories, and invoking honest emotions, in their case, through cinema.
For those who are unaware, Telegrams offers the fringe viewer a series of short to medium length films produced, written and directed by young Canadain talent from all across Canada. As an experiement and effective one.
The troop has added a series of songs, monologues, and performance based material to introduce and conclude the films. This is something i feel is genius. Film has become way to powerful a medium to be just entertainment and by combining it with the intimacy of being in a theatrical space you are propelled into a whole new experience.
From a cinematic perspective. All the films I saw were of high production value. In fact one, a short experimental film entitled Pinochet’s Women by Eduardo Menz was an examination of the power of images versus sound. An expeirmental film such as this would be almost impossible to be found in a larger film festival or cinema. How it engages the audience is unreal and is perfect for those fringers who want to leave a theatre engaged and full of a reaction.
I hand it to these boys. They know what they are doing! You’ve hooked me onto something new and I thank you for that. I realize that there are two programs of films. Every second night you switch up the films. Well, I’ll be back to see your other set.
Thank you for impressing me.
PS: I heard that the weekend shows were free for volunteers? If this is true, I recommend they all come out and bring friends.
June 29th, 2008 at 2:34 am
I’m not really into film in general, but some of this showcase exceeded my expectations at some points. “Searching for Heartbreak” was particularly brilliant, I thought.
There is little else that I can say about this show, as I know very little about film, but I suspect that those who do will enjoy it thoroughly.
June 30th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I have to congradulate this group of filmmakers. They have done a great job at blowing me right out of the water during a time I felt as though nothing could.
The comedic and insightful introductions served the audience well.
‘Searching for Heartbreak and Curlew Sandpiper’ were two films that had great themes.
‘Lucy James part 1′ ended the evening well.