Cinequest 2024: Opening Night

Cinequest starts off in electric fashion as per usual with the official opening night festivities of a world premiere and a celebratory after party with the filmmakers and friends old and new. Coming upon the scene this time around, there is a sense that, though all the beautiful people are out in force either gathered inside The Continental Bar & Lounge, or scattered out front of the historic California Theatre, the event is shaking off the last remnants of the disaster that was the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, which effectively shut down Cinequest that year, and forced organizers to get creative. 

Cinejoy was the solution, and the direct result of the 2020 lockdowns. The virtual version of the festival was a way for the remaining films to be seen; the idea was popular enough that it remains a part of post-covid Cinequest set up as a separate festival, which will begin four days following the closing night event of the festival proper on March 21st. But there’s plenty of time before we get to that. For now though, we hit the ground running with the world premiere of the film The Island Between Tides, based on JM Barrie’s gothic play Mary Rose, about a young girl who disappears.

You know what comes next. Fire up the old Wulitzer, just as it would have been played during the 1920’s and get ready for an experience. The Island Between Tides  is an introspective mystery that is a moving rumination on childlike innocence as much as it is about growing up and mortality. It’s a well acted, beautifully shot affair in British Columbia. A decidedly tamer offering for an opening night celebration at Cinequest, but the heart of the picture is just as layered and rich as any other project at the festival. 

Following the screening was a lively conversation with filmmakers and actors on the project. Writing/directing duo Andrew Holmes and Austin Andrews, along with actors Paloma Kwiatkowski, David Mazouz, Matthew MacCaull and others were on hand to discuss their experiences working on the film where topics ran the gamut from Andrews’ obsession with Barrie’s play since his high school days, to lighting techniques for some of the scenes and costumes, to the extensive search and casting of Paloma Kwiatkowski (she was the 2,501st actor who auditioned for the lead role of Lily.) 

Kwiatkowski was open about the role being “quite a challenge to find the right emotional play [and] there’s also the fact that Lily is kinda stuck in time so playing these moments where you have this little kid energy with Lily, but [it] still feels natural and grounded [was a] serious challenge for myself artistically.” She was more than capable of meeting that challenge.

To get a taste, view the trailer here:

Cinequest is officially on the move. You might consider dropping by and taking part in some of the fun if you haven’t already. You’ll be glad you did.

The Island Between Tides  premiered on March 7th, 2024. Cinequest: Film & Creativity Festival continues through Sunday, March 17th.