‘Re: Uniting’ & ‘Finality of Dusk’ Set for Canadian Premieres at the 2023 Whistler Film Festival

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Jesse L. Martin as Michael in Laura Adkin’s RE: UNITING. (Photo Courtesy of @sydwonphotography.)

It’s festival season, and that means wonderful films are making their debut all across the globe. Some of which, we’ve had the honor of seeing, and reviewing, and breaking down with the cast and crew. Important films in fact, such as Re: Uniting. A powerhouse drama that tackles some stunningly timely topics about life, and it just so happens, that following its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival… it is now set to make its Canadian Debut. 

For this weekend, it will be screened at the 2023 Whistler Film Festival on Sunday, ahead of its Video on Demand Digital Debut on the 4th, and that’s quite the treat for Canadian audiences. So, they too can enjoy the majesty of this film and spread the word so more can see this moving feature. But it is not the only movie making its Canadian debut this weekend. For the post-apocalyptic drama, Finality of Dusk is also screening at the festival, and that too is another treat for audiences. Since its plot is compelling to say the least, and well… if you’re heading to the festival and if these films have caught your eye, here are all the details on these features and their screening times to help you plan accordingly at this year’s Whistler Film Festival. 

‘Pender PR is pleased to announce two highly-anticipated Canadian premieres set for the 2023 Whistler Film Festival. Award-winning director Madison Thomas’ post-apocalyptic drama FINALITY OF DUSK will have its Canadian premiere on Thursday, November 30th at 5:30 pm at Village 8 and acclaimed Vancouver writer/director Laura Adkin’s feature film RE: UNITING has been selected by the festival as a Special Presentation. RE: UNITING will have its Canadian premiere on Sunday, December 3rd at 8:30 pm at the Rainbow Theatre. We are representing some of the best and brightest filmmakers and up-and-coming talent from Canada in our lineup of feature films and the festival will also see a special Work In Progress private screening of Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin's ANGELA'S SHADOW. The Whistler Film Festival runs from Wednesday, November 29, 2023, through Sunday, Dec 3, 2023.’

To learn more about ‘Re: Uniting’, check out our spoiler-free review, and interview with select members of the cast and Laura Adkin, the film’s writer and director, here and here.

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RE: UNITING, Canadian Premiere ​

Jesse L. Martin and Michelle Harrison as Michael and Rachel in Laura Adkin’s RE: UNITING. (Photo Courtesy of @sydwonphotography.)

Writer/Director Laura Adkin, producer Krista Rand, cinematographer Stirling Bancroft and cast Michelle Harrison, Bronwen Smith, Lennox Leacock & Daphne Bibbings will all be in attendance for the screening.

After earning rave reviews during a very successful world premiere at the Austin Film Festival in October, BC-based writer/director Laura Adkin’s highly-anticipated feature film debut RE: UNITING will have its Canadian premiere on Sunday, December 3rd at the Whistler Film Festival as a Special Presentation. The Bowen Island set and shot film is an ensemble drama that has been compared to The Big Chill. The film's all star cast includes Law & Order and Rent's Jesse L. Martin, Michelle Harrison (The Flash), Roger Cross (War For the Planet of the Apes), David James Lewis (Child’s Play), Carmen Moore (Nancy Drew) and Bronwen Smith (Firefly Lane) as six best friends from college who reconnect for their 25 year reunion. 
 
When Rachel, played by Michelle Harrison, receives life-changing news, she secretly grapples with her mortality while playing host to her friends who have grown up and gone their separate ways since college. Carrie, a mother of 3, Natalie, a workaholic neurosurgeon, former football star turned sportscaster Collin, and playboy man-child Danny join Rachel and her husband Michael (Jesse L Martin) at their picturesque home on the beautiful and secluded Bowen Island. As soon as they are all together it’s like no time has passed; they laugh, drink and dance the night away. Rachel’s nostalgia is echoed by the group as they realize how much time has gone by, and how much they have all changed. As secrets are revealed, they are forced to change the way they look at their futures.

Laura Adkin, born and raised in Vancouver, BC, began her career in the film and television industry almost 20 years ago. She started as an actor then moved behind the camera as a producer, writer and director. As a filmmaker, Laura has produced numerous films that have played in film festivals around the world. Her directorial debut The Goodnight Kiss received the prestigious Bravofact grant and went on to play festivals around the world earning many awards and accolades. Laura was handpicked for a female directors initiative through Disney and was a competition finalist at the Austin Film Festival.

Screening Information:

SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Sunday, December 3rd at 8:30 PM 
(with select cast & crew in attendance)
Rainbow Theatre, 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4 (Inside Whistler Conference Centre)

The film will also screen virtually starting on Monday, December 4

FINALITY OF DUSK, Canadian Premiere & Borsos Competition

Survivors Navigate a Changed World in FINALITY OF DUSK.

Katarina Ziervogel (co-writer), Kyle Irving (EP), Gabby Levesque (DOP) and cast Cherrel Holder, Marika Sila and Chris Dodd will all be in attendance at the Whistler Film Festival.

After an incredible world premiere at the Red Nation Film Festival, FINALITY OF DUSK will have its Canadian premiere at the Whistler Film Festival in BC. Directed by Winnipeg-based International Emmy award- winning writer/director Madison Thomas, this epic feature film was co-written by award-winning Ojibway-Mohawk and Deaf filmmaker Katarina Ziervogel, and was created to offer a full theatrical experience for all audiences, including Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences. The sound mix of FINALITY OF DUSK is unique in that you can feel the sound of the film. Katarina participated in the post-sound process to ensure an authentic experience for Deaf and Hard of Hearing viewers. The music’s sound was done by Canadian Screen Award winning Sound Designer Daniel Pellerin and the music in the film was done by last years' Variety Top 10 to Watch Justin Delorme.
 
FINALITY OF DUSK stars Inuvialuk actress, content creator, social activist, and current VFS student Marika Sila (The Twilight Zone), Trinidadian-Canadian Cherrel Holder (Burden of Truth) and Edmonton-based Deaf playwright, actor, accessibility advocate, and Governor General Innovation Award finalist Chris Dodd in a riveting journey of survival and resilience set amidst a devastating environmental disaster in a perilous future. 
 
The year is 2045. Worldwide environmental devastation has pushed the scattered humans left into the wild spaces. Even in the brush of Manitoba’s prairies, those who remain must wear air filtration masks at all times. Ishkode (played by Marika Sila), a strong-willed Ojibwe woman, meets Niife (played by Cherrel Holder), a Nigerian climate refugee. Having lost her last remaining companion, and with a mask that is rapidly breaking down, Ishkode tries to ditch Niife. Though they don't speak the same language, Niife offers Ishkode her pristine mask for a few hours a day in exchange for food and the safety of an ally. Ishkode’s failing health motivates her to take the deal. The arrangement works, until a Deaf man, Odin (played by Chris Dodd), begins to track the women for their masks. 

Languages featured include American Sign, Anishinaabemowin, English, Yoruba

As a part of the industry conference, Katarina Ziervogel, Cherrel Holder and Chris Dodd from the FINALITY OF DUSK team will also be on a panel called TELLING OUR STORIES - DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION in the Garibaldi Room, Whistler Conference Center on November 30th at 3:00 pm.

SCREENING INFORMATION: 

Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 5:30 pm at Village 8 in Theatre 5 
(with select cast & crew in attendance)
4295 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0X2

Friday, December 1, 2023 at 12:30 pm at Village 8 in Theatre 5 
(with select cast & crew in attendance)
4295 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0X2

The film will also screen virtually starting on Monday, December 4