Winter Film Preview

It’s always exciting to see locals with East Side ties making a splash in the movie world. Currently, there are two filmmakers – one a Woonsocket-born resident now living in the Blackstone neighborhood and the other a Brown University grad – doing big things. Grab some popcorn and and prepare to rediscover your love for all things film this winter. Here’s a round-up of some of the most exciting events and openings you can expect over the next few months.

Be a Film Extra
Blackstone neighborhood resident Nicholas Jon Beaubien, who worked as a film editor and designer at Providence’s Optic Sugar Studios from 2006 until 2011, has several credits under his belt, including film shorts done in collaboration with the Rhode Island-based 989 Project. Beaubien is currently knee-deep in his most ambitious project to date; he is co-producing and directing feature-length horror/suspense film entitled Erebus. Working in collaboration with Rhode Island native Ricky Adelon Laprade and Cut to the Chase Productions, the film will be shot entirely on Block Island, beginning in March. Building on the foundation of their last soon-to-be-released feature, Villanelle, the Rhode Island natives plan on taking both the gore and the thrill factors up a few more notches.

Erebus is “an anthology horror film inspired by the well-documented history of supernatural phenomenon in Rhode Island.” Much of the action will take place in and around the Gorham House, a mysterious old hotel with a history of bone-chilling occult activity. “In Erebus, we don’t just spit out ghost stories,” says Beaubien. “We make you feel as if you lived one.”

As part of their Kickstarter campaign, Beaubien and Laprade offer the rare opportunity for anyone to be in the movie as an extra. Spend the day on Block Island – ferry fees covered – with the entire cast and crew. Receive full makeup and wardrobe services, an official call sheet and an IMDB named cast credit. It’s an opportunity to live out your actor fantasy while also supporting local indie film; pledge rewards will be finalized by February 17, so don’t delay.

For the Kids
Since its birth in 2009, the Providence Children’s Film Festival has been bringing high-quality children’s films, both international and independent, to our city. This year, the event takes place from February 16-21. Organizers are picky in the content they select, scouring the globe for documentaries, animations and features that give positive messages to children of all ages and diverse backgrounds. The festival is made even more exciting by its use of live action performance; several of the films have been made by Rhode Island youngsters.

The board of directors and committee members abide by a mission based in education: during each festival there are opportunities for youth to learn about the filmmaking process via workshops led by experts in the field. At last year’s workshop, participants learned about stop motion animation, with a focus on cut paper animation and direct animation. To register your young ones for an upcoming workshop, email provkidsfilm@gmail.com.

FIRSTWORKS
First Works presents a gripping film screening of Made in Pakistan, an “insider’s look into the most dangerous country in the world.” Filmmaker Ayesha Khan takes inspiration from a cover story in Newsweek to follow four young Pakistanis as they go about their professional lives; it is a story of breaking stereotypes, filmed in the most poignant of ways. The screening will be at 7:30pm on February 7, venue to be announced. (Check FirstWorks' website for updates.)

At the Cable Car
As part of the 2012 Providence French Film Festival, the Cable Car will show Bus Palladium, which marks the directorial debut of Brown University alum and writer Christopher Thompson. The film follows the break-up of a French rock group that – while talented – falls victim to the aftermath of jealousy and competition, which rips their friendships and band apart.

While you might go for the story, you’ll stay for the soundtrack; it’s sure to have you dancing in your seat. Music from the Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Blondie will transport you to a time when people used lots of hairspray, wore lots of neon and rocked out really, really hard. The ‘80s are alive at the Cable Car this winter – be sure to check out this matinee feature on Sunday, February 26 at noon.

Another French film of note is Le Gamin au Velo (The Kid with a Bike), which will warm your heart this season. The main character is Cyril, a young boy who sets out to track down the father who left him at an orphanage when he was just a tot. He finds friendship and solace in hairdresser Samantha, who is kind enough to foster him on weekends and buy back the child’s bicycle that had since gone missing. The film opens Friday, March 2.

At the Avon
Feeling adventurous? Check out the silent film that took Cannes by storm. The Artist is set in 1920s Hollywood and is chock full of glamour, dance and romance. This black and white is surprisingly modern, a loving tribute to silent films shot at 22 frames per second, lower than the standard 24p-30p. The Artist is playing the Avon Cinema for six weeks, beginning January 6.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, opening mid-March, takes you through the exotic lands of India as retired Brits move into what they believe to be a newly remodeled luxury hotel. Fox Searchlight Pictures describes the couple’s rude awakening: “They arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self.” Still, charm is unearthed in unexpected ways.