Back in February 2019, I joined up with an incredible cast and crew to bring a project I’d been working on for the last 2+ years with Craig Addy to life.
Left Opened is a poetry (Christine Bissonnette), improvised piano (Craig Addy), and improvised dance (Drew Temple and Vitantonio Spinelli) collaboration about the experience of anxiety. Directed (and with cinematography) by Rick Etkin, we filmed Left Opened on February 19th at the Orpheum Annex in Vancouver. Learn more about the project.
There will be two different versions of the film, edited by Trevor Jacobsen and Maddi Dewalt.
This is my first film, and I feel so much gratitude for the team (with special mention going to my co-producers, Craig Addy and Rick Etkin) and everyone who made this project possible.
Join us for the Premiere + TalkBack
We’re very excited to invite you to a private screening of the film at HCMA. Monday, December 9th from 6:30-8:30pm. Address: 675 W Hastings Street, 4th floor.
I would like to acknowledge that this screening will be hosted on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
The film is just 14 minutes long, and will be proceeded by a talk back with the creative team.
We’re specifically curious about:
- Which sections of the film stood out to you?
- At any point, did the film feel prescriptive?
- If you live with anxiety, do you feel that we’ve shared a relevant exploration of the topic? If you had an opportunity to share an aspect of your story with teens and/or adults living with anxiety, what would you share?
For some context, I have plans to develop curriculum around discussing anxiety in schools, with this film as a conversation starter.
Learn more about the project, and view the trailer.
SCHEDULE FOR THE SCREENING:
6:30-7:00 — Arrival
7:00-7:20 — Screening (plus introductions)
7:20-8:00 — TalkBack
8:00-8:30 — Connecting with other guests (we will additionally have some short feedback forms we’d love for you to fill out).
We have a limited number of tickets available. Please only RSVP if you can definitely attend.
I hope to see you there!