Passenger Side writer and director Matthew Bissonnette
The First Weekend Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting great Canadian films in advance of the oh-so-critical opening weekend. Opening box office numbers are crucial for securing any film's success - especially Canadian ones. Proceeds from ticket sales provide a boost to a film's opening week-end box office.
The First Weekend Club screens monthly at what is unquestionably Vancouver's sexiest theatre, District 319. If you haven't had the chance to check it out, you really should. It's seriously swank and membership is free - yes, free.
Writer and director Matthew Bissonnette appeared via Skype to introduce the film and answer questions from the audience after. Pretty cool.
Also cool was a pre-screning reception (your ticket also buys you a drink!), performance by the Rekkerz (featuring guitarist Ben King of the Yardbirds), and assorted trivia prizes. (If you want to win, you have to bring your game.)
The film itself was excellent and contained one of the best soundtracks I've heard in a while. In addition to a great story, smart dialogue, and strong performances the film included a pretty porntastic cameo from Greg Dulli (The Afghan Whigs).
If you missed Tuesday's event mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 11, which will feature a screening of Jacob Tierney's The Trotsky, starring Jay Baruchel.
Passenger Side opens across Canada on Friday, April 30 and will be playing in Vancouver at Tinseltown.
