VIFF 2012: Random Acts of Romance
byThe Vancouver International Film Festival will be hosting the World Premiere of Random Acts of Romance, the latest offering from award-winning Director Katrin Bowen.
Love is never perfect, and director Katrin Bowen’s follow-up to Amazon Falls (VIFF 10) shows us just how messy it can be. This anti-romantic comedy revolves around two couples whose relationships are falling apart: David and Holly, newlyweds who have quickly settled into a monotonous married life; and Dianne and Matt who are headed for trouble. Other players in this tangled web of love are quirky singles, including an eccentric receptionist who favours stalking her conquests, and a self-involved, bachelor-playboy who treats women like disposable pleasures.
Sanctuary star Amanda Tapping shines as Diane, the fed-up wife who sacrificed her career to be with, and eventually marry, her former student Matt—a sacrifice that continues to wedge itself between them. Vulnerable and frustrated, Diane is ready to leave, if given the right provocation. Meanwhile, Holly and David live in blissful ignorance… until fate plots a collision course for these two couples. Here, Bowen throws intense characters into extreme relationship situations. The result is a hilarious exploration of the crazy and obsessive behaviours that spring from that thing called love. The story is paced like an emotional roller coaster, punctuated by moments of uncomfortably familiar humour, as characters confront situations we can all identify with. No doubt, Bowen’s film proves that it’s love’s imperfection that makes us all human.
Pre-film festival, Director Katrin Bowen has been cutting trailers, getting posters out online, and making sure the world is ready to receive the film. “We literally finished it two weeks ago,” she told me over the phone. The project has been in the works for about four years as she signed on with VFS Writing for Film & Television grads Kevin McComiskie and Jillian Mannion to re-work McComiskie’s original script.
“The three of us went into a great headspace and worked together. I’m really glad they were so open to ideas.” Bowen said working with the pair was an incredibly positive experience and while they won’t be in town for VIFF, Random Acts of Romance will be sent to several European and UK film festivals where they will hopefully get the chance to show it off to the international audience.
“It’s all Vancouver. Everything is Vancouver in it, really.”
When looking at the film’s listing there are some things that immediately jump out, like the impressive roster of Canadian actors that include Amanda Tapping, Zak Santiago, Ted Whittall, Robert Moloney, Laura Bertram, Katherine Isabelle, Sonja Bennett. Bowen said there’s a sense of humour and a sense of humanity that shines through from each of them. “A lot of the actors are playing against type and playing in roles that you would never see them in normally. They’ve been very brave and exciting.”
Another standout for Random Acts of Romance is that the cast, crew, and director are all based in Vancouver and the film is set in Vancouver. Bowen also took great pride in selecting local music to use. In fact 95% of the music in the film is local, from acts like Adaline, Guilty About Girls, Mother Mother, and others that Bowen found by going to the Biltmore or having friends send her links and playlists. “We’re really going to town. I think it’s a very sort of Rock and Roll film.”
Random Acts of Romance premieres at VIFF on October 5th at 6:00pm with additional screenings on October 9th at 12:00pm and October 12 at 6:00pm. Tickets are now available for all screenings and I have a pair to give away to the premiere as well. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment giving one quick piece of relationship advice (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Monday, October 1, 2012. Follow Random Acts of Romance on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
Miss604.com is a proud media sponsor of the 2012 Vancouver International Film Festival and Random Acts of Romance at VIFF.
Update The winner is Emily!
27 Comments — Comments Are Closed
Sounds good! I’d love to go.
go for after dinner walks!
An ex is an ex for a reason!
Be patient, be loving, be kind, be forgiving 🙂
You have to love yourself first before you can truly love someone else.
Never take your relationship for granted. Always show your appreciation.
You need to be able to be alone to be happy with someone.
Be honest and communicate with each other
Choose someone who is kind and who has a great sense of humour.
be yourself on the first date til the last date:)
Relationships are built on trust – like a house, building trust can take time but it will last a long time when done right.
never go to bed angry at each other.
Have hobbies that you share and hobbies you do on your own. And watch love or unromance movies.
laugh together, lots!
Don’t go to bed angry, this is very important.
Communicate!!!
Be grateful and show it!
Don’t be afraid to admit to it when you realize you were in the wrong. Make admitting you’re wrong ok. Make it funny if you can. My sweetie and I (of 21 years) have even developed a ritual of doing an “I was wrong” dance.
When you are angry with your partner try to remember what you love about the person!
Communication is key!! Don’t keep your feelings from each other.
learn to say ‘no’ to the good so you can say ‘yes’ to the best.
Always talk to your partner and always tell the truth 🙂 makes for a happier relationship.
never cheat
love yourself first, the rest will follow, honesty is the best policy
Always talk it out, even if talking is yelling 😉
[…] this TV actress, her film at VIFF serves as sanctuary Sep 28 2012 VIFF Press Release Sep 25 2012 Miss 604 – VIFF 2012: Random Acts of Romance Sep 19 2012 Vancouver Courier – Film festival gets anti-romantic with Random Acts Sep 6 2012 The […]
Compliment him on something every day…