10 <strong>Sled</strong> <strong>Island</strong> <strong>2016</strong>
— FILM FILM For me, <strong>Sled</strong> <strong>Island</strong> has always been about discovery. Every year I find a ton of bands, comedians and artists that I previously didn’t know, and they soon become my favourites. This year, the <strong>Sled</strong> <strong>Island</strong> film committee sought to program films that would offer this same sense of discovery, whether it be <strong>by</strong> introducing audiences to new filmmakers, new subject matter, new experiences or a new perspective on someone they thought they knew (see Miss Sharon Jones!). I’m especially thrilled about our screening of EMOCEAN – a funny, kaleidoscopic film from the Berlin-based band Fenster, who we’re bringing to Calgary to perform a live score. Elsewhere, explore the first pirate TV station in the US, the counterculture movement in 1969, love and Berlin city streets, and the original blues musicians of the American South. Most screenings are early, giving you lots of time to get to <strong>Sled</strong>’s must-see shows! Adele Brunnhofer Film <strong>Program</strong> Coordinator DESIRE WILL SET YOU FREE GERMANY, 92 MINS, 2015. DIR. YONY LEYSER Wed 7:00pm - Theatre Junction GRAND Studio Selected <strong>by</strong> <strong>Sled</strong> <strong>Island</strong> <strong>2016</strong> guest curator Peaches, Desire Will Set You Free is a funny, vibrant narrative that explores artistic and marginalized life in Berlin. Through Ezra, an American living in Berlin, we take a journey through Berlin’s underground and queer scenes, touching on the city’s complex identity shaped <strong>by</strong> Weimar, WWII and David Bowie. Waltzing through the film are “Godmother of Punk” Nina Hagen, Peaches and Blixa Bargeld (formerly of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds), among others. Presented with community partner Fairy Tales Presentation Society. EMOCEAN GERMANY, 67 MINS, 2015. DIR. JONATHAN JARZYNA, JJ WEIHL AND LUCAS UFO / FENSTER Tue 9:15pm - The Hifi Club Get to know Berlin-based multinational synth band Fenster (performing a live score at the screening!) via their wild, visionary documentary/mockumentary/musical. En route to record their third album, the band members go missing in a parallel MISS SHARON JONES dimension where emotions are forbidden. Cue a psychedelic trip through an absurd reality that can only be told via VHS cameras, kilometres of tape and a cast of, oh, 100 people. Made almost in full <strong>by</strong> the band, EMOCEAN is a totally engrossing visual and auditory experience that’s sure to become a cult classic. Bonus: Fenster will be in attendance to perform a live score! HERE COME THE VIDEOFREEX USA, 79 MINS, 2015. DIR. JON NEALON & JENNY RASKIN Thu 9:15pm - Theatre Junction GRAND Studio In 1969, a CBS executive created a secret project to broadcast the American counterculture that was being ignored <strong>by</strong> mainstream media. The Videofreex, a group of renegade journalists with handheld video cameras, sought to democratize media on CBS’ dime. Over two years, the collective covered the anti-war, Black Power and women’s movements, and in 1971, they launched the country’s first pirate television station at a hippie commune in the Catskills. Insightful and at times humorous, this documentary is a time capsule of America on the brink of huge change and a timely addition to <strong>Sled</strong> <strong>Island</strong>’s <strong>2016</strong> film lineup. Presented with community partner Calgary Cinematheque. I AM THE BLUES USA, 106 MINS, 2015. DIR. DANIEL CROSS Thu 7:00pm - Theatre Junction GRAND Studio This documentary introduces us to original blues greats living in America’s Deep South. Though many are well into their 80s, their personalities and music are as big, vibrant and soulful as ever. This musical odyssey through the swamps of the Louisiana Bayou and the juke joints and BBQs of the Mississippi Delta is compulsory viewing for anyone who has ever picked up a guitar. I Am The Blues is a film for new and dedicated blues fans alike. MISS SHARON JONES USA, 93 MINS, 2015. DIR. BARBARA KOPPLE Tue 7:00pm - The Hifi Club Directed <strong>by</strong> two-time Academy Award winner Barbara Kopple (Harlan County, USA, American Dream), this moving documentary follows Sharon Jones and her band The Dap-Kings as they face Jones’ pancreatic cancer diagnosis—right as they’re poised for greater success. Tour dates are pushed and an album is postponed, all taking a toll on Jones and the band. If you’ve heard the 2014 album Give the People What They Want, you’ll know this doc has a happy ending, but Sharon Jones’ courage and soul have to be witnessed. Presented with community partner the Calgary Underground Film Festival. <strong>Sled</strong> <strong>Island</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 11