DOUBLE HAPPINESS: Mina Shum’s new film, Meditation Park, opened the 36th-annual Vancouver International Film Festival. Showcased as the Opening Night Gala Film, the much-anticipated screening comes on the heels of the movie’s successful debut at the Toronto International Film Festival. Featuring fellow Canadians Sandra Oh and Don McKellar, the film focuses on a devoted Chinese immigrant wife (Cheng Pei Pei). It has already won the praise of critics and distributors. Mongrel Media has picked up the distribution rights and will be releasing it domestically March 9, 2018, according to Stephen Hegyes, the film’s co-producer. Hegyes, along with Oh, reunited with Shum almost 25 years later to work on the project following the success of Shum’s 1994 film Double Happiness, which catapulted the Vancouver filmmaker into the spotlight. The festival, which runs until Oct. 13, is building on the success of its multi-experiential stream model. It will present films, talks, workshops and events to bring audiences and creators closer together to discuss, discover and celebrate the world of film. More than 300 films will be screened during the 16-day cinematic celebration.
DIP FOR DOLLARS: Canada’s pre-eminent men’s choral group Chor Leoni hosted their flagship soiree At Home. Tail-coated singers once again served as hosts and servers, as well as entertainment at the annual house party, this year hosted by Lorne and Melita Segal in their beautiful Southland’s mansion.With wines by Mission Hill Family Estate, and hosting duties by CBC’s Gloria Macarenko, the evening was a fitting launch of the singing Lion’s 25th year. Party chair Lesley Stowe and artistic director Erick Lichte welcomed 125 lucky guests fortunate enough to snap up tickets to the posh cocktail party, sponsored by Blue Shore Financial. Already on track for a record haul, the fundraiser reached its crescendo when Lichte was dared to take a plunge in the Segal pool for an additional $10,000. Without missing a beat, the choral master dropped his trousers and took the plunge. The cannonball pushed the night’s final tally over $100,000. Proceeds benefitted the choir’s MyVoice program, a mentorship initiative that helps young aspiring singers find their voice.
PAPA BURGER CAMPS IT UP: Located on 133 acres along the shores of scenic Howe Sound, Camp Potlatch has been offering unforgettable experiences to campers since 1944. Every year, 1,000 kids from the Boys and Girls Club of South Coast B.C. get to experience the benefits of camp. Four hundred of them do so thanks to the generosity of donors who help families with the fees. With a desire to send as many campers as possible to enjoy the great outdoors, the Boys and Girls Club hosted its annual Clubhouse Gala at the Hotel Vancouver. Three hundred supporters filed into the Pacific Ballroom for the dinner and auction, presented by Scotiabank. Always a raucous affair, guests partied with a purpose. When it was time to give, they did so in spades, led by Vancouver Canadians co-owner and A&W president Jeff Mooney. The businessman and philanthropist sparkplugged the night of giving with a major gift of $50,000. Others soon followed with donations of their own ranging from $100 to $25,000. By evening’s end, CEO Carolyn Tuckwell announced more than $260,000 raised — the second largest haul in the history of the fundraising event.
DIGITAL MEDIA IN SPOTLIGHT: Canada-India Business Council, in partnership with the B.C. Ministry of International Trade and the Indian government, organized the B.C.-India Partnership Summit in Vancouver. More than 175 delegates, B.C. and Indian government officials and private sector experts passionate about growing the B.C.-India relationship convened for the second-annual gathering, which included two days of meetings, forums and networking parties. Sponsored by Creative B.C., this year’s get-together focused on B.C.’s growing digital media and entertainment sector. “As a global centre of excellence in digital media entertainment the summit offers opportunity to showcase B.C. companies and talent and to build partnerships with India," says Prem Gill, CEO of Creative B.C. Gill, along with reception host Robin Dhir, co-chairs of the B.C. Advisory Group of the Canada-India Business Council. Gill made mention of the recent arrival of Mumbai-based Zee Studios, the first Indian broadcaster to set up shop in the city. The production company will create content for television and digital services designed for international markets.
PARQ AND RECREATION: Vegas glitter and glam met West Coast cool when the $640-million Parq Vancouver officially opened, Canada’s newest hospitality and gaming destination. Thousands convened to christen the city’s newest jewel at the opening launch party fronted by Scott Menke and Diana Bennett, pioneers of the Las Vegas circuit. Featuring 60,000 square feet of gaming, event and meeting space, the luxe, light-filled Parq boasts two luxury hotels and 500-plus rooms, a world-class casino, eight restaurants and lounges and a stunning outdoor park for all seasons. Pushing the envelope on hospitality and entertainment, Menke and Bennett look to attract not just Vancouverites but a discerning international market to the blue chip resort, more than 10 years in the making. Both were on hand to greet guests, dignitaries and media for the grand opening festivities. Attendees toured the facility and sampled food and beverage offerings from the property’s many eateries — Honey Salt, Mrkt East and 1886 to name a posh few — before being ushered next door into BC Place to hear from British rock band Coldplay. Bennett, daughter of industry Vegas icon William Bennett, will be inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame this October for her philanthropy and contributions to the industry.
Hear Fred Mondays 8:20am on CBC Radio’s The Early Edition AM690 and 88.1FM; Email: yvrflee@hotmail.com; Twitter: @FredAboutTown
