Slasher flicks aren't getting much respect from Canadian theatre chain Magic Lantern Cinemas, based on its decision not to screen three movies in Saskatoon, based on titles and posters alone.
"Dead Hooker in a Trunk," a satirical low-budget grindhouse film directed by identical Vancouver twins Jen and Sylvia Soska, had its April 22 screening, sponsored by the Dark Bridges Film Festival, cancelled by the Roxy Theatre.
This is the beginning of the article about the banning of our film in Saskatoon as reported by Yahoo News. When I first heard about a theater banning 'Dead Hooker in a Trunk', I thought the issue would be quickly remedied after the film was looked into or the backstory or the press the film has garnered or the filmmakers behind the film. But no. The banning decision by Tom Hutchinson of The Roxy Theater stands firm much to the surprise of.. well, free society.
It doesn't end there, as this seems like a situation where one bad decision now must be paired with more poor decisions. If only the man could be accountable for his error in judgment, but no, instead he is flapping like a chicken thrown into a river trying to stay afloat. What's next on Tom Hutchinson's tirade against freedom of expression through the arts?
Another critically acclaimed Canadian grindhouse film has apparently been caught in the crossfire, as the Roxy also cancelled a booking of "Hobo With a Shotgun," with the official explanation there wasn't enough public interest to bother with a second-run screening based on recent box office grosses from the Cineplex Odeon Centre Cinemas.
A reporter from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, who was suspicion of the timing, noted 90 people on Facebook expressed a desire to attend "Hobo With a Shotgun" at the Roxy.
By contrast, just two people attended a second-run Roxy matinee of "Black Swan."
This is beyond revolting. It's a very exciting time for Canadian cinema with all these new creative voices coming out and having their own brand of Canadian entertainment. Jason Eisener's HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN is a triumph in originality and storytelling. It is appropriate for everyone. No. But that's why the rating system is in place.
I am shocked that Tom Hutchinson is being allowed to do this. It's complete and utter horse shit. Click here to read the whole expository piece by Yahoo News.
What is being forgotten here is that Canada is not always known for its cinema. American made films seem to have almost a monopoly on what is made and what is released and what teams are being hired.
It is such a cool time to see Canadian-made films by Canadian teams that show that we can make good films too. We have unique voices too. It's so backwards that it is sickening that those grand accomplishments have been overlooked because they are not the things that are being focused on.
A very sad day for Canada indeed.
~Sylv
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