The Capitol Theatre hosted several long-awaited, sold-out Canadian and world premieres this year, namely:
The Tall Man: Two years after the low-budget thriller was shot in Salmo, Ymir, and Nelson, the Capitol finally hosted its Canadian premiere in September.
The movie stars Jessica Biel as a small-town nurse investigating the disappearance of several children at the hands of a mythical figure. Several locals — including Lucas Myers, Pat Henman, and Michelle Mungall — got bit parts and there were lots of recognizable backdrops.
Proceeds from the premiere were split between the Capitol and a children’s charity chosen by the film’s producer.
Where the Trail Ends: Produced by Nelson’s Freeride Entertainment, this film took three years to complete.
With some of the world’s best mountain bikers in tow, the filmmakers explored six locations around the globe, including Argentina, Nepal, and China.
“We went out and searched for locations that have never been ridden,” said Nelson-raised director Jeremy Grant. “We wanted to bring the audience along on what goes into finding these new locations.” Among the athletes on that quest for the ultimate ride were Nelsonites Kurt Sorge, Garrett Buehler, Mike Kinrade and Robbie Borden.
The Change Agents: Originally titled Project Turquoise Snowflake, this L.V. Rogers production, written and directed by Robyn Sheppard, centres around Carly Dutoff, 17, and her peers who begin to question the state of the planet and legacy they’re inheriting.
“Whatever we do is really going to decide the future of the earth,” said producer Alecia Maslechko. “It could be inspiring to see that youth really do care.” The film was shown in Belgium for a test audience and then screened locally in November.
KHAOS: Nelson’s home-grown opera was a collaboration between some of the city’s most talented people including Nicola Harwood, Don Macdonald, and Allison Girvan.
The re-imagining of the ancient Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone was set in the contemporary world of climate change and looming global catastrophe.
The show, which debuted in March, earned national media attention and solidified Nelson’s reputation as an arts community.
“The whole response at every level has been extremely gratifying and makes it all worthwhile,” producer Marty Horswill said.
