Andre’s double debut (again)

By Adam Goetz

Motivation is a hard thing to find these days, even for local filmmaker/writer Andre Rodrigues. After months and months of diligent labour he has finished putting together his third annual film festival.

“I really dropped the ball last time,” Rodrigues explains with a hint of disappointment in his voice. “So I had to do this one to prove to myself that I was capable of doing it right.”

The event takes place on Saturday April 12 at the Den. Four short films, two of which are premieres for Rodrigues, will be screened, and nine intermittent musical performances will round out the evening.

The completion of the two additions to his film fest this year was definitely an accomplishment for Rodrigues. Each film definitely carries Rodriguez’s unique sense of humor and charisma.

“The films don’t always turn out the way you had envisioned, but sometimes it’s for the better,” he says as he noticeably makes the comparison in his mind.

His film R.C. is about a man’s inner conflict between his lethargy and his desire to turn on his idiot box. The film has been showcased on a national broadcast of CBC’s ZeDTV and screened at the 2002 Montreal World Student Film Festival.

Blackbelt Jonez vs. Kung Fu Disco Lesbian Chicks speaks for itself.

Victory is one of the two premieres this year. It stars Marc Vagrevan and singer/songwriter Brent Bain, who will also perform earlier in the evening.

A revenge story, Brrrrrr may hit home with all of the lawn gnome enthusiasts. I am told that the special effects are reason enough to come out this Saturday and I am sure that Jerry Bruckheimer is drawing up a contract for a feature length as I write.

The list of the eclectic musical entertainers that are going to be on hand is just as impressive. Brent Bain, Chris Ewart, Anne Klazek, Dave Flanders, Dan Heffner, James Dangerous, Cort Bulloch, Jeremy Price Jones, and Jamie Cullen are all sure to surprise and delight like the rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust.

I will confidently guarantee that you will not find better entertainment value for a measly five dollars anywhere in Calgary. The Den’s doors open at 8 p.m. and the first film will start at 8:53 p.m. It should be a great time for all, and it’s not like you have anything better to do.