Category Archives: Commentary

#AIFF2017 Opening Gala: Long Time Running review

September 15, 2017 flawintheiris

The gala red carpet premiere of the Atlantic International Film Festival took place at the Rebecca Cohn on Thursday evening, a lovely venue, especially for the music-filled launch film chosen: Long Time Running, Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier's documentary of the Tragically Hip's 2016 tour. I still had a twinge of regret we weren't…Read More

Atlantic International Film Festival 2017 Picks

September 10, 2017 flawintheiris

I've been attending the Atlantic Film Festival—as either a film fan or a film writer—since 2003. I've seen it grow to a 10 day event with more than 200 films, and I've seen it shrink back down to a more manageable 120 screenings. I've seen red carpet sell-out events at the Oxford Theatre and the…Read More

Blockbuster Blues: Summer 2017 the End of The Oxford

September 3, 2017 flawintheiris

Like you, I am frustrated and dismayed at the announcement that The Oxford Theatre in Halifax is closing September 13. Frustrated at the way this city undervalues its cultural spaces. Frustrated by the way the sale of this beloved cinema happened behind closed doors, before the community had any opportunity to have a say in…Read More

New episode of LENS ME YOUR EARS is up!

July 5, 2017 flawintheiris

In recognition of yesterday's celebration of independence by our friends to the south, a new episode of my film podcast (co-hosted by Stephen Cooke), Lens Me Your Ears, is now available. It's #036, entitled "Make America Great," and you can find it on iTunes and on Stitcher. There's no need to worry, this podcast is…Read More

12 Films To Get Excited About: Summer 2017 (aka the Anti-Blockbuster Blues)

May 15, 2017 flawintheiris

Usually I do a summer preview between now and mid-June—I did in 2015, and in 2014, but last year I couldn't find my thrill for the summer, so just did a post-mortem around labour day. With analysts expecting the Hollywood blockbuster season to be a total dud, thanks mostly to franchise fatigue—did anyone ask for fifth…Read More

2016 in Review: Part 6 of Halifax cinephiles’ best of the year

December 26, 2016 flawintheiris

I’m fortunate to know a group of people as passionate about film as I am. They’re students, programmers, filmmakers, screenwriters, bloggers, critics, and journalists. In this space, when I reference people I know whose opinions I respect—and who often hold positions contrary to my own—that’s who I’m talking about. The debates and conversations are always enriching.…Read More

2016 In Review: Part 5 of Halifax cinephile year-end lists

December 23, 2016 flawintheiris

2016 in Review: Part 4 of Halifax cinephiles’ favourite films of the year

December 20, 2016 flawintheiris

2016 In Review: Halifax cinephiles look forward and back (Part 3)

December 17, 2016 flawintheiris

Why I won’t be reviewing Rogue One today

December 16, 2016 flawintheiris

Went to see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story at its first Halifax screening on Thursday night. I was pretty psyched—I've been a fan of Star Wars since I saw the first movie at seven years old. Since then I've become a film blogger—obviously—and I've also written and talked about movies professionally, as the former Film…Read More