An award-winning filmmaker will be in town this week to kick off Barrie Film Festival's 25th Screen One Film Series Season. Sean Cisterna, who directed the multi-award winning comedy drama From The Vine, will be at all four screenings for a Q&A Jan.8-9.
“It's a chance to hear any feedback and see what people are laughing and reacting to,” he said. “It's different in every country and city.”
Some of the most frequently asked questions center on the wine in film and what it’s like to work with Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos, Momento). Pantoliano marks his first lead role with this film. He won’t be at the Q&A, but another actor in the film, Paula Brancati (Being Erica, Degrassi: The Next Generation) will be attending the 7 p.m. Wednesday screening. She also served as co-producer on the film.
The film has a local connection. Larissa Mair, who founded Theatre by the Bay in Barrie was the casting director.
Cisterna has been to Barrie numerous times. He grew up in Orillia before going to York University for screen writing and film production. Since then, he has directed numerous feature films including the critically acclaimed youth romantic drama "Kiss and Cry" (2017), which topped the English-Canadian box office upon its release. He is also a successful television producer/director.
From the Vine tells the heartwarming story of a middle-aged corporate executive (Pantoliano) who travels abroad to his hometown in Italy and finds a new purpose in reviving his grandfather’s vineyard. It was based on Kenneth Canio Cancellara's successful novel, Finding Marco. The film also stars Wendy Crewson (The Santa Clause, Air Force One, The Good Son, Saving Hope, Suddenly Naked).
Screenings are Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Uptown Theatre, 55 Dunlop St. W., Barrie. For tickets see https://barriefilmfestival.ca
