Ottawa’s Free Thinking Film Society believes film festivals and art house cinemas in Canada are only showing documentaries and non-fiction films that represent one side of the political/ideological spectrum: The Left.
“Although there are a lot of courageous voices in the non-fiction film industry producing thoughtful pieces of art which reject cultural relativism, central economic planning and American culpability for all that ills the world, you wouldn’t know it by looking at the listings for most art house cinemas,” explains the organization's website.
You know how the old saying goes: If you don’t like the status quo, change it.
The group is doing just that. After several years of holding one-off “conservative/libertarian” film screenings, the society is putting on a full film festival, the Free Thinking Film Fest from November 12-14. The festival will feature 19 films, three gala nights, and a debate between Ezra Levant and Elizabeth May. All events will take place at Library and Archives Canada.
Here’s a look at the most anticipated films coming to the festival:
Kalifornistan, Nov. 12, 7 PM
“In the shadowy Port of Los Angeles, an insane terrorist stalks a beautiful dancer ... while plotting the nuclear apocalypse he hopes will make him a celebrity. KALIFORNISTAN is a darkly comic satire on terrorism made by Canadian actress and filmmaker Govindini Murty and American filmmaker Jason Apuzzo.”
The Stoning of Soraya M, Nov. 14, 7 PM
“Academy Award® nominee Shorheh Aghdashloo stars as Zahra, a woman with a burning secret. When a journalist (Jim Caviezel) is stranded in her remote village, Zahra takes a bold chance to reveal what the villagers will stop at nothing to hide. Thus begins the story of Soraya (Mozhan Marnò), a kind woman whose cruel, divorce-seeking husband trumps up false charges of infidelity against her, which carry an unimaginable penalty.
Soraya and Zahra attempt to navigate the villagers' scheming, lies and deceit to prove her innocence. But when all else fails, Zahra must risk everything to use the only weapon she has left - her voice - to share Soraya's shocking story with the world.”
