After a multi-year break due to the pandemic, Reel Alternatives is back.
The not-for-profit organization has been screening both Canadian and international alternative films for local audiences since 1998.
“We’re looking forward to seeing our Reel Alternative patrons again,” says Reel Alternatives board member, Rob Saunders. “We’ve all missed going and we’re looking forward to getting back to it.”
First in the 2022 Reel Alternatives line up is Belfast, screening on April 18.
In addition to winning an Oscar for best screenplay (by Kenneth Branagh), Belfast was nominated for Academy Awards in six other categories: best picture, best director, best supporting actress (Judi Dench) and best supporting actor (Ciarán Hinds), best original song, and best sound.
Among the film’s many other accolades are a Golden Globe award for best screenplay and a Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) people’s choice award.
According to the Reel Alternatives website, Belfast is “a coming-of-age drama set during the tumult of late-1960s Northern Ireland [which] follows young Buddy (Jude Hill) as he navigates a landscape of working-class struggle, sweeping cultural changes, and sectarian violence. Buddy dreams of a glamorous future that will whisk him far from the Troubles, but, in the meantime, he finds consolation in his charismatic Pa (Jamie Dornan) and Ma (Caitríona Balfe), and his spry, tale-spinning grandparents (Ciarán Hinds and Judi Dench).”
Other confirmed films for this spring are Night Raiders on May 9 and The Vinland Club (Le Club Vinland) on May 30, with more to come.
With the Capitol Theatre now closed, Reel Alternatives’ new home is the Algonquin Theatre, where audiences will find twice the amount of seating and the ability to purchase tickets in advance online. Tickets will also be sold at the door on screening nights, based on availability.
“We are thrilled to welcome Reel Alternatives audiences to the Algonquin Theatre. It’s a fantastic venue for enjoying some of the best films to be found on the film festival circuit,” says Matt Huddlestone, manager of the Algonquin Theatre. “We are excited to be partnering with Reel Alternatives, and hope to continue long into the future.”
Reel Alternatives board members have been attending film festivals over the years to preview films and choose an exciting and interesting selection for local audiences. The organization hopes to return to consistent twice-monthly offerings this fall, particularly as film festivals around the world provide more streaming options.
“People like good films,” notes Saunders, adding that although some films may be available via online streaming services, “people like to get together and have a good social evening as well.”
Check out the Reel Alternatives spring 2022 line-up of films here.
The organization will likely break for the summer months before returning in the fall with even more great films.
Advance ticket sales are available at algonquintheatre.ca or by calling 705-789-4975 or 1-877-989-4975. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night of screening between 6:30-6:55 p.m.
Follow Reel Alternatives on Facebook here.
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