Hello Members & Guests;
We are so fortunate this month to get a chance to talk with iconic Canadian filmmaker Larry Kent. His journey as a filmmaker is in so many ways the classic path of the determined artist, at first misunderstood, often reviled, and then ultimately in the fullness of time, recognized for being a bold, and original voice. In a time where the most original, & memorable cinema is very much the result of independent film production, it is no small compliment that Larry is seen as Canada’s first independent filmmaker
More About Larry Kent;
Born in South Africa, Larry Kent emigrated with his family to Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1957.
While studying theatre, and philosophy at UBC, motivated by his desire to break free of the constraints of writing stage drama, and the conventional mindset he saw around him, in 1962 Larry wrote and directed the The Bitter Ash now recognized as Canada’s existential indie, post-beatnik, pre-hippie classic film.
After censors & controversy prevented The Bitter Ash from being screened in conventional theatres Larry took his film on the road screening it at universities across Canada, becoming the first feature film to do so.
Larry’s follow-up film, Sweet Substitute made money in the United States, a first for any Canadian independent picture. Together with his third picture, the proto-feminist film When Tomorrow Dies, these three movies comprise Kent’s “Vancouver Trilogy”.
Though he slowed down in the 90’s somewhat, he made a stunning return to form in 2005 with what is perhaps his finest effort, The Hamster Cage, a demented black comedy/psychodrama that is as funny as it is disturbing. The Hamster Cage won the jury prize at the 2005 Austin Fantastic Fest.
In 2015 Larry directed the film She who must Burn in Vancouver.
his latest film with the working title “ The Last Film” set to start production in late 2021 or early 2022.
Considered to be Canada’s first Independent Filmmaker, Larry Kent shows no signs of slowing down at the age of 87 as he prepares for his latest film with the working title The Last Film set to start production in late 2021 or early 2022.
For a preview of Larry’s work visit:
https://vimeopro.com/trianglevideo/larry-kent
Select filmography
- The Bitter Ash (1963)
- Sweet Substitute (1964)
- When Tomorrow Dies (1965)
- High (1967)
- Facade (1968)
- The Apprentice (1971)
- Keep It in the Family (1973)
- The Slavers (1977)
- Yesterday (a.k.a. This Time Forever) (1981)
- High Stakes (1986)
- Mothers and Daughters (1992)
- The Hamster Cage (2005)
- Hastings Street (1962 photography / 2007 post-production) 20:28
- She Who Must Burn (2015)
- Short Film No. 6 (2020)
Meeting Details
People can start joining the meeting at 6:45 pm, and the meeting will start at 7 pm. If you have never used Zoom before, please join early to download and troubleshoot.
How it will work: You can connect with both Windows and Mac computers / laptops, Apple and Android cell phones, and tablets with the Zoom video app. This link will give you a prompt to download and run Zoom if you have never used Zoom before. If you have used Zoom, it will open a box with Zoom Meetings highlighted – click the Open Link button. When you connect you can test your headphones, webcam, and microphone with Zoom, before you join the talk.
Audio: This is the most important part. We want/need to avoid feedback -so wear headphones. If members don’t wear headphones, the audio from everyone else will feed into their microphone and this can cause a feedback loop.
Microphone: Most laptops and mobile devices have built-in microphones (and webcams). These will work just fine. Your mobile devices likely shipped with headphones with a built-in microphone – this works great too. If you have and headphones with three rings on the connector then your headphones have a microphone built-in. If you are using an external USB webcam, then it probably has a microphone too. If you haven’t used it in a while, you may want to plug it in and possibly update the driver.
Webcam: If you are joining with a mobile device then take the time to mount your device on a stand at eye level. The same basics that apply to videography apply to webcam usage: add some soft front-light, avoid back-light, and be aware what is in your background.
Tuesday, May 26 6:45 – 9:45pm
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89147061450
Meeting ID: 891 4706 1450 Password: 784612
Stay Well and See you all online May 26th!!
Sincerely,
BCPVA Exec Committee