Check out what’s playing at Cinematheque in the Now Playing section and purchase advance tickets. Download a PDF copy of the May/June program guide.
“In 2004, Daniel Eskin was the first ever recipient of the Manitoba Emerging Filmmaker Award (now the Manitoba Film Hothouse Award). Both Eskin and Trevor Mowchun were working at the Cinematheque when they started work on World to Come (May 12–15), a feature film a decade in the making. It is a satisfying full circle to have this film, loosely based on events within the Winnipeg Jewish community in the late 80s and 90s, come home. Apichatpong Weerasethakul is one of cinema’s most innovative and accomplished filmmakers, working on an experimental edge. Cemetery of Splendor (May 27–June 1) is a must-see for anybody who considers themselves a world cinema connoisseur”
— Cecilia Araneda, Executive Director
“DirectorOne of my favourite films of this decade is definitely Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, a very quiet and surreal film which explored death with a very unique and mystical, dreamlike approach. Weerasethakul’s new film Cemetery of Splendor looks like a companion piece that offers his magical realist take on dreams and sleeping. Also, you’ll notice from our photo that we are doing some upgrades — this will include all new theatre seating and a projection/screen upgrade to accommodate 3D! We hope to be back in August, so check our website for details. Our revamped program guide will return in September. We are currently fundraising for our upgrades and you can support us by buying a seat in our theatre, thank you in advance for your donation!”
— Jaimz Asmundson, Cinematheque Programming Director
“Almost every week in May and June includes fantastic cinema from special one night events to treasures from around the world. I haven’t seen a film as good as Mustang (May 5–June 2) in ages. This astonishing feature was nominated for Best Foreign Film at the recent Academy Awards and features incredible performances by five teenaged sisters trying to break free of their circumstances. Theeb (May 4–12) is another great film and has now screened in 25 countries and won 18 major film awards. The beautiful desert vistas will remind you of Lawrence of Arabia. Filmmakers Trevor Mowchun and Daniel Eskin’s feature debut World to Come is reminiscent of the films of Terrence Malick with its long beautiful takes. Filmmaker Ryan McKenna has remarked it is one of the best photographed films ever to come out of Winnipeg. Ten years in the making, it features a strong Winnipeg cast of actors including Tom Keenan, Blake Taylor and John Bluethner.”
— Dave Barber, Cinematheque Programming Coordinator
“When I first saw Mustang I could barely hold back my tears; tears of frustration and tears of sadness. In my opinion, when a film really makes you feel something, then it has done its job. Mustang does just that. A well written and incredibly acted first feature from Deniz Gamze Ergüven, this film is a must-see! World to Come follows Daveed through his journey of reflection and strife as he re-enters his quiet Jewish community. In the wake of a controversy in the 90s that shook the lives involved, Daveed must confront the silence and guilt that has his community plagued. I have had my eye on this film for quite a while and cannot wait to take it all in. Thursday May 26th, don’t miss Everyone’s Child curated by Jason Ryle, Daniel Northway-Frank and Michelle Latimer from the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival — this short film series is sure to be enlightening and entertaining!”
— Kaitlyn McBurney, Cinematheque Operations Coordinator
“I am very excited for Mustang to be back after playing to a sold out crowd during the French Film Festival. I also can’t wait to see Theeb. Set during the First World War it tells the story of a young boy who journeys across the harsh desert to guide a British Officer to his secret destination. Also included in the Program is From Juke Joints to Church Halls: Jazz and Blues Film Fest (June 3–19) which includes a selection of recent Jazz and Blues films including Born to be Blue (June 4–12) the brand new biopic on musician Chet Baker.”
— Eric Peterson, Cinematheque Box Office & Projection