Here is a list of entertaining, engaging, and educational films that UBC students clubs and other UBC organizations are presenting this term, on and off-campus.
Jan 25: Grand Unified Theory
Description: During one fateful weekend, the family of brilliant astrophysicist Albert James has a complete meltdown, setting in motion a raucous and hilarious series of events that mirror his radical theories of the behaviour of the universe.
Cost: Free
Where: Performance Theatre, AMS Nest, UBC Point Grey Campus
Hosted by: UBC Arts Undergraduate Society & UBC Film Society
Jan 27: Making Peace with Creation
Description: In an era that has seen growing concern about climate change and the impact of industry and technology, Professor Loren Wilkinson has insisted that this is a critical sphere for Christian thought and action. Through personal reflections (set both in the beautiful Gulf Islands where he lives and in the urban context of Vancouver, where he continues to teach), stimulating conversations with leading thinkers, artists and activists, and specially created art work, together with extracts from his poetry, Loren Wilkinson presents his own compelling and beautiful vision for human life in the 21st century.
Cost: $5
Where: Ballroom A, Regent College
Hosted by: Regent College & Missions Fest Vancouver
Jan 29: Naked Cinema
Description: Each year, students from the Department of Theatre and Film, spearheaded by award-winning Professor Tom Scholte, come together to create something especially audacious: a new feature film inspired by Lars von Trier’s Dogme 95 Manifesto and stripped of all cinematic artifice.
Cost: $10
Where: Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St.
Hosted by: UBC Theatre and Film
Feb 7: Random Acts of Legacy
Description: “Random Acts of Legacy” utilizes an abandoned set of home movies to explore the extraordinary, and yet very normal, lives of a Chinese American family from the time of the Great Depression to the post-war period. The film presents an intimate portrait of an amazing man and woman, and their legacy.
Cost: Free
Where: Royal Bank Cinema/UBC Chan Centre, 6265 Crescent Rd
Hosted by: UBC Department of Asian Studies & UBC Theatre and Film
Feb 8: Abdullah Ibrahim: A Struggle for Love
Description: A meaningful tribute to one of the world’s most legendary jazz musicians, this 2005 documentary by Ciro Cappellari explores the life of South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim (aka Dollar Brand), covering his extensive musical career and inspirations, his fight against Apartheid, and his subsequent relationship with the great Duke Ellington. Winner of a 2005 Adolf Grimme Award.
Cost: $13/$11 (for students and seniors)
Where: The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St
Hosted by: The Cinematheque & The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
March 1: Hecho en Mexico
Description: This vibrant, uplifting, and highly musical 2012 documentary beautifully portrays the richness and complexity of Mexican arts, culture, and identity, using the country’s lively folk, pop, rock, and rap traditions as a driving force. Set against breathtaking landscapes and featuring a stellar soundtrack — including upcoming Chan Centre performer Lila Downs — the film takes you on a journey to the heart of a country filled with poignant customs, thrilling artistry, and innovative creative collaborations.
Cost: $13/$11 (for students and seniors)
Where: The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St
Hosted by: The Cinematheque & The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
April 12: Heart of a Dog
Description: Initially approached to create a film about her “philosophy of life”, visionary multimedia artist Laurie Anderson tells a dreamlike tale of loss and love, primarily starring her beloved rat terrier, Lolabelle.Narrated by Anderson and dedicated to her late husband Lou Reed, the documentary muses about trauma and grief, relationships with loved ones, and the fragility of life—all with a poetic, rather sublime intonation.
Cost: $13/$11 (for students and seniors)
Where: The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St
Hosted by: The Cinematheque & The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts