DERBY LINE — The Haskell Opera House, a historic establishment straddling the Canadian and American border, announced an ambitious cinema experience starting August 24. Curated by globally recognized film programmer, Danny Lennon of Sherbrooke, Quebec, the venue promises a rich cinematic blend of fiction, animation, documentaries, and more for audiences from both nations.
Opening night is set to captivate attendees with the screening of “WAR PONY,” a gripping drama directed by Gina Gammell & Riley Keough. The film, running for 115 minutes, dives deep into the lives of two Lakota boys from Pine Ridge Reservation, chronicling their intersecting journeys towards adulthood.
The American drama, already recognized as a Camera d’Or Winner at the Cannes Film Festival 2022, is gearing up for its Quebec premiere. Adding a regional touch to the evening, the movie will be preceded by “45TH PARALLEL” by Lawrence Abu Hamdan, filmed right at the Haskell.
Lennon’s expertise in the realm of film is no stranger to the international cinema community. In 1999, he pioneered ‘Prends ça court!’, celebrating short films globally. He has since lent his programming prowess to over 60 festivals worldwide and has been the name behind Air Canada’s in-flight film selection for 15 years.
His cinematic journey also boasts titles like the former film distributor for Vans OFF THE WALL in California and a decade-long film curator for Montreal’s Phi Centre. With a passion for promoting short films, Lennon has also been the powerhouse behind the Quebec Short Film Gala for 19 years, aiding Quebec’s cinematic talent with over 6 million dollars in awards.
For the cinephiles eager to indulge in this cross-border cinematic venture, details and subsequent programming can be found at Haskell Opera House’s official website.
🎬 Opening Night Feature:
Date: Thursday, August 24th Time: 7 pm
Ticket Price: $5