4 Local filmmaker takes documentary to international stage next month April world premiere for Fractured Land: an environmental film creating a reel buzz By TANYA COMMISSO ith the world premiere of his documentary Fractured Land to take place on April 28, filmmaker and environ- mental journalist Damien Gillis hopes the film will spark a national conversa- tion about indigenous rights and the ramifications of fracking. Told through the journey of indige- nous lawyer Caleb Behn, Fractured Land explores the impact of hydraulic fracturing in the Peace Valley region of northern British Columbia-a region close to Gillis’ heart. “IMy family] lost our ranch to the first big dam in the region-the W.A.C. Bennett Dam-about 50 years ago. That certainly gave my family an apprecia- tion for what big industrial projects can do to your home,” he said. This connection to the region led him to meet Behn, who for Gillis exem- plifies the personal struggle between economic development and a desire to protect the environment that many Ca- nadians face. No stranger to documentary film- making, Gillis served as director of photography for journalist Sean Hol- man’s film Whipped. Holman believes it’s Gillis’ unique combination of activism and journal- ism that makes him a compelling film- maker. “I think Damien certainly isn’t afraid to call bullshit when he sees it and I think that’s a quality you want in a journalist — you want someone who’s not going to take something for face value,” Holman said. Co-director of Fractured Land Fiona Rayher said coupled with her humanistic ap- proach to docu- DAMIEN GILLIS mentary filmmak- Filmmaker ing, it is Gillis’ journalistic lens that made the film- ing experience so impactful. “lve developed as a person at a pret- ty exponential rate - more so than I ever did in academia,” she said. In gearing up for the film’s premiere, Gillis is focused on finding wider inter- national distribution for the film, as he believes the film poses an essential question for all audiences. “This is the crux of the Canadian question today: how do we reconcile our resource development with the economy, the environment and indige- nous rights?” he said. “And it extends far beyond Canada, because these are issues with global implications.” 66 Damien certainly isn’t afraid to call bullshit when he sees itand I think that’s a quality you want in a jour- nalist SEAN HOLMAN PUBLIC EYE FOUNDING EDITOR ZACK EMBREE submitted photo Filmmakers Damien Gillis (left) and Fiona Rayher filming Fractured Land. Warhol keeps Vancouver entertained Warhol - A Different Idea of Love exhibition is extended as crowds keep a’comin out By MONA BUTLER Maison Ai warehouse is not finished with Vancouver yet. The exhibit, Warhol: A dif- ferent idea of love, opened on March 1 and was slated to finish today, but due to great atten- dance, the exhibition has been extended for a whole month. The exhibition, which features 80 pieces, has drawn crowds that have lined up around the block to see it. The lines sometimes stretch as long as three blocks, according to Ryland Beh- Te Andy Warhol exhibit at Yaletown’s “We decided to extend it due to (expected) overwhelming success and interest,” said Beh- rens. Revolver Gallery’s program focuses solely on Andy Warhol and currently holds the larg- est collection of Warhol’s original works. The gallery has partnered with Christie’s Auction House and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Revolver Gallery to tour the exhibit across Canada. The exhibit may come from a U.S.-based gal- lery, but its owner is one of Canada’s own. “The owner of the gallery [Ron Rivlin] is Ca- nadian - from Toronto specifically. Having achieved success with his business, he wants to share the work and life of Andy Warhol and provide cultural and artistic enrichment to the people of Canada,” said Behrens. Sir William Osler Elementary School teach- er Nolan Webb brought his grade 4 and 5 split class to the Yaletown warehouse as part of their Multi-Age Cluster Class program. The accelerated learning program students were attending the exhibition as the kick off to their journalism unit. “The students are taking pictures and will be writing their own article on a piece of art that speaks to them,” said Webb. Shelly Rosenblum, also a teacher, was help- ing to chaperone the field trip as her daughter was in the class. “They are learning how to critique major works,” she said, “they also took public transit to get here in order to explore the city.” The unique collection of original Andy War- hol prints and paintings is now available for viewing at Yaletown’s Maison Ai warehouse until April 30. MONA BUTLER photos People are lining up for blocks outside Maison Ai (left) for the latest Warhol exhibit (above). Langara's pop-up affair Langara students show off their creative side By JOCELYN ASPA and present students, the pop-up gallery in Building A reflects the different paths creative arts students can choose and be successful in the field. The third consecutive creative arts pop-up gallery at Langara College runs March 23 until May 29, exhibiting the best work from various programs in- cluding fine arts, film arts, professional photography, art history, publishing and design formation. Every week the exhibits rotate be- tween programs, beginning with an alumni show and will end with the best of creative arts. “The pieces get chosen by faculty,” said fine arts department chair Milos Campbell. He said the exhibit is benefi- cial for those looking to step into the field as it connects the present student body with those who have been suc- cessful post-graduation. “A number of the artists displayed have their Masters or are practicing in their industry,” said Campbell. Campbell adds one of the benefits of Langara’s fine arts program is that it teaches hands-on skills and students are able to leave with the ability to function as artists in studios. “They can continue on and be suc- cessful at higher levels with their ap- plied skills,” she said. Langara fine arts professor Jake Hill helped set up the exhibit walls and got artwork and statements from alumni. He said it was challenging but worth the effort. “With some of the graduates whose work is exhibited and who are all over the world, it projects that there is a path,” he said. Sue the best works of past