Movie offerings through Queen Scarlet Cinema
The “golden years” of television may be long past, but it’s obvious movies are here to stay. Organizers of the Lethbridge International Film Festival have announced selections for their no-charge event, March 19-24. But there are many features lined up for Lethbridge audiences before then.
A new group, the Queen Scarlet Cinema, will be launching its season on Friday with “A Better Man,” a feature “that shifts the conversation on violence against women.”
Organizers say the National Film Board production “offers a fresh and nuanced look at the healing and revelation that can happen for everyone involved, when men take responsibility for their abuse.”
The film also “empowers audience members to play new roles in challenging domestic violence, whether it’s in their own relationships or as part of a broader movement for social change.”
The screening is set for 7 p.m. at Casa, with admission by donation.
••• Over at the public library’s Crossings Branch, an “alt love” series is being presented in partnership with Queen Scarlet Cinema. On Tuesday, “Sid and Nancy” portrays the friendship between Sex Pistols musician Sid Vicious and his American girlfriend.
The following Tuesday, Feb. 20 will reprise the Robin Williams classic “The Birdcage,” with “Let the Right One In” set for Feb. 27. The shows begin at 7 p.m., admission is free.
••• The downtown library screens nocharge movies on Fridays — with a European flavour this month. Steve Coogan and Rob Bryden romp through “A Trip to Spain” on Friday, and then the sudden death of painter Vincent van Gogh is explored Feb. 23 in “Loving Vincent.” Showtimes are at 7 p.m. in the Theatre Gallery.
Meanwhile, the New Media folks at the University of Lethbridge will continue their no-charge series in the Theatre Gallery with the horror film “The Invitation,” Wednesday at 6 p.m.
••• Always a focus of activity, the Theatre Gallery will also be the setting for another no-charge event presented by the university. It’s a Tuesday concert, “Music to Warm the Heart and Touch the Soul,” featuring Fine Arts faculty members and students.
The program will include songs by Claude Debussy, Gabriel Faure and Richard Strauss, a Slavonic dance for duo pianos written by Dvorak, a Haydn piano sonata and more. Music professor Brian Black will introduce the selections, starting at 7 p.m.
•• • More music: Mike Spencer at the Geomatic Attic has announced a spring lineup — (winter can’t last forever, can it?) starting with “Tri-continental” on March 4, featuring Bill Bourne, Lester Quitzau and Madagascar Slim. Two days later, Matthew Barber and the White Buffalo will share the stage, followed on March 23 by Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands. A day later, it’s ”outlaw country” music by Tin and the Toad.
Next Friday, as previously announced, Texas country singer Whitney Rose will perform. Check Blueprint Records for tickets.
••• Music is also a big part of traditional powwows. So here’s a reminder of the annual International Peace Powwow being held Feb. 24 and 25 at the Enmax Centre. Dance competitions are a further attraction, along with booths and displays. Tickets are available from the Ticket Centre at the Enmax.
••• So here’s a change-up: all interested are invited to a poetry symposium at noon on Thursday at Andy’s Place at the U of L. Seven southern Alberta poets are scheduled to present brief selections along with Jayme Wong, editor-in-chief of the literary Whetstone magazine. Lethbridge poets will include Ken Sears, Ian McAdam, Blaine Greenwood and Richard Stevenson.
The free event is scheduled for 12:15 to 2:30 p.m. at the south end of Anderson Hall, just off the main parking lot.
••• Just a little further ahead, Alberta parks and historic sites are offering nocharge events on the Family Day weekend. On Feb. 17 and 18, families can enjoy an ice fishing or snowshoe experience at Beaver Mines Lake, and then a hot drink.
Then on Feb. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the “Full Moon of the Eagle” will be celebrated at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, including kids’ crafts, storytelling, a buffalo hunt reenactment, and an up-close visit with some of the residents of the Birds of Prey Centre.
••• For some last-minute reminders: Tonight at 7 p.m., the Lethbridge Folk Club is presenting the bluegrass sounds of The Bix Mix Boys at The Cave in Lethbridge College.
From Tuesday through next Saturday, the Agatha Christie classic “The Mousetrap” will be staged in University Theatre, with a 7:30 p.m. curtain time.
And downtown on Thursday, the university's free “Public Professor” series continues when religious studies professor Tom Robinson presents “Sex, Drugs, Jesus and Gin.” It’s set for 7 p.m. at the Lethbridge Lodge, with snacks and refreshments available.