Movie Nights Across Canada partners with the Vancouver International Film Festival for gala screening of Mina Shum's Meditation Park

Vancouver is the final leg of the year-long celebration of Canada 150 that touched down in eight Canadian cities from coast-to-coast-to-coast

VANCOUVER, Sept. 26, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - On Thursday, September 28, 2017, Canadian Screen and Leo Award-winning actor Gabrielle Miller (Corner Gas) and multiple award-winning actor/writer/director/producer Ben Ratner (Down River) team up as talent ambassadors and emcees for a combined Movie Nights Across Canada and Vancouver International Film Festival Opening Night gala presentation of Meditation Park at The Centre For Performing Arts.

"In true West Coast form we are bucking the trend and blowing the lid off our Opening Gala announcement today, in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday and the Movie Nights Across Canada initiative!" said Jacqueline Dupuis, Executive Director of VIFF. "As we think about our dedication to this monumental event, this Vancouver-based story by audacious filmmaker, Mina Shum, honours family, tradition, community and the unique culture of our city. It is certain to create a sense of pride for Vancouverites and touch the hearts and minds of all those who have an opportunity to experience it." 

Mina Shum returns to the themes that propelled her early success in her latest feature, Meditation Park. Maria (Cheng Pei Pei) has spent decades of devoted marriage dutifully excusing the prejudices and vices of her husband Bing (Tzi Ma). But when she discovers another woman's thong in his pocket, she is forced to re-consider her world as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.  What begins as a gentle slice of life, eventually develops into a powerful and emotionally rewarding film that will resonate with audiences long after the final frame.

The film reunites Shum's long-time producer-collaborators Stephen Hegyes (Double Happiness; Drive, She Said) and Raymond Massey (Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity), as well as key cast members Cheng Pei Pei, Tzi Ma, and Alannah Ong, who will all walk the red carpet.

Also present on the red carpet are cast members Zak Santiago, Jemmy Chen, and Sharmaine Yeoh.

Joining the filmmakers will be the evening's co-hosts the Honourable Lise Beare, British Columbia Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Dr. Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre.

For tickets, please visit https://www.viff.org/Online/seatSelect.asp.

About Movie Nights Across Canada
Movie Nights Across Canada started more than a decade ago in Ottawa as Movie Night on the Hill. Touching down in eight cities, Movie Nights Across Canada events are where decision-makers, local film fans, industry supporters, private and public broadcasters and the country's top talent converge to experience the wealth of creativity, unique storytelling, entrepreneurship and passion that resides in the hearts and minds of Canadian filmmakers. The roadshow has travelled to Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Iqaluit, Calgary, and Vancouver. In each city, Movie Nights Across Canada is partnering with regional film festivals and cultural agencies. 

About Vancouver International Film Festival
Founded in 1982, the Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society is a not-for-profit cultural society and federally registered charitable organization that operates the internationally acclaimed Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and the year-round programming of the Vancity Theatre at the Vancouver International Film Centre. VIFF produces screenings, talks and events that act as a catalyst for a diverse community to discover, discuss and share the creativity and craft of storytelling on screen. In its 36th year, the Vancouver International Film Festival welcomes the world to Vancouver from September 28-October 13, 2017 as it showcases the top international, Canadian and BC films and plays host to industry professionals from around the globe. viff.org 

Follow Vancouver International Film Festival
Website: https://www.viff.org/Online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VIFFest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/viffest
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VIFFest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viffest/

Follow #MovieNightsCA
www.movienightscanada.ca / www.soireescinecanada.ca

SOURCE Telefilm Canada

Media enquiries: Darren Johnson, VIFF, [phone], [e-mail]; Andrea Archibald, Telefilm Canada, [phone] ext. 2047 or 1-800-567-0890, [e-mail]