Memory for Max, Claire, Ida and Company

VANCOUVER – Recently selected as the only documentary in Canada’s Top 10 films of 2005, Memory for Max, Claire, Ida and Company is Vancouver-born Allan King’s
latest “actuality drama”. With his signature documentary style of no
narration, no direction of action and no conventional interviews, Allan
King turns his attention to the subject of how ageing affects the mind,
as he follows the lives of eight elderly residents with varying
cognitive skills over four months at the Jewish Home for the Aged at
the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care in Toronto.

In similar vein to his crticially acclaimed Dying at Grace (2003), Memory for Max, Claire, Ida and Company
provides an objective, up-close and intimate look at the lives, fears,
hopes and dreams of the documentary participants. King witnesses the
residents coping with the demands of assisted living, failing minds and
family, and pays tribute to their abiding strength of character and
obstinacy. His honest, transparent approach reflects his aspiration
that his subject’s experiences would offer useful insights for others. The
result is a masterpiece of cinéma vérité – difficult to watch at times,
but ultimately a celebration of the indomitable human spirit and a
reminder that sustained respect, attention and affection are necessary
for the happiness of us all.

Pacific Cinémathèque is pleased to present Memory for Max, Claire, Ida and Company and
to welcome Allan King as part of Frames of Mind, a monthly event run in
conjunction with UBC’s Department of Psychiatry. Frames of Mind
utilizes film and video to promote professional and community education
on issues pertaining to mental health and illness.

King offers enormous dignity and humanity. Incredibly moving, involving and empathetic.
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

Post-screening discussion with director Allan King,
one of Canada’s foremost documentarians and a recipient of the Order of
Canada, whose other award-winning films of “actuality drama” include Warrendale, A Married Couple, Come on Children, Who’s in Charge?, and Dying at Grace.

Moderated by Dr. Harry Karlinsky,
Director of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development,
Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia.

Co-sponsored by the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia  and the Vancouver Jewish Film Festival

The media sponsor of Frames of Mind is The Ubyssey.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, see the January + February Pacific Cinémathèque Program Guide,
or visit http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca/jan_feb_06/frames_of_mind.html

COMING IN FEBRUARY

First Love (Primo Amore)
– a psychological drama, based on a true story, about the lengths
people will go to to receive love and affection in a dysfunctional
relationship. Tackling issues of body image and eating disorders.
Co-Sponsored by the B.C. Provincial Eating Disorders Program. Post-screening discussion with Dr. Laird Birmingham,
Director of the Eating Disorders Program at the UBC Department of
Psychiatry and Director of the B.C. Provincial Eating Disorders Program.
Wednesday, February 15 – 7:30 pm