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ACTOR
Sean BallantyneRob BirdDouglas CouplandJayme Kalino
DIRECTOR
Robin Neinstein
SYNOPSICS
Souvenir of Canada (2005) is a English movie. Robin Neinstein has directed this movie. Sean Ballantyne,Rob Bird,Douglas Coupland,Jayme Kalino are the starring of this movie. It was released in 2005. Souvenir of Canada (2005) is considered one of the best Documentary movie in India and around the world.
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Souvenir of Canada (2005) Trailers
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Souvenir of Canada (2005) Reviews
Review from 2005 TIFF
I saw this film at the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival. Souvenir of Canada is based on the books of the same name by Douglas Coupland (Generation X), who also narrates the film. The film is a nostalgic look at Canadian pop culture and identity, which frames a look back at Coupland's childhood and his relationship with his family. The movie also follows Coupland's efforts to build an art installation called "Canada House" in a soon-to-be-demolished home. Using a variety of techniques, from animation to clips from old films and shows to interviews with Coupland and his family, Souvenir of Canada provides a humorous, quintessentially Canadian look back at our past and our cultural identity. I think that any Canadian who grew up around the late 60's or into the 70's would have an appreciation and fondness for this film. Just seeing some of the artifacts that Coupland digs up evokes a strong sense of childhood and the past, from road trips down the Trans Canada to stubbies to Terry Fox's sock to Windsor salt boxes, stuff that as Coupland puts it, wouldn't be recognizable to anyone except someone who grew up in Canada. Director Robin Neinstein stayed for a Q&A after the screening: - The Canada House installation took about two weeks to make, and was only up for five days.
More than just a trinket
A true souvenir, that brings fond memories of a Canada that is fading fast. "Pre-nostalgia" -as Coupland describes the sensation. The film is remarkably emotional without being overly sentimental. The honest exposure of his relationships (especially with his parents) and his feelings about being Canadian really resonated with me. I also appreciated how the filmmakers selected and weighted the experiences which are uniquely Canadian. Intelligent and informed commentary leads us through each segment or topic, using a varied number of approaches, most of which are refreshing and integral to the topic. The rhythm of the film is gentle, thoughtful, so Canadian. Lots of laughter, much of it self-deprecating, and a bit of teary eyes. And the most violent scene is a raptor-like excavator crunching its way through a meaningful moment which we have all just shared. Beautiful camera-work. Wonderful music from A.C. Newman, and editing that doesn't miss a beat. And how refreshing to see icons which are intensely meaningful, but not clichés. Right on, eh?
Thoroughly enjoyable
Loved the books and have had Doug sign one- also look for his book on Terry Fox- very moving. But I digress... Saw this on opening night at Calgary Film Fest '05 with very appreciative audience- largely gen x'ers. Thoroughly enjoyable- references to your and my childhoods in each of our little Canadian burgs will bring a nostalgic smile to your face. Strong recommend but not sure how it will be handled outside of festivals. It's 70 min. long and CFB has distribution. I checked for a 35mm print but it's DVD format only (according to CFB guy who introduced the film). So, it may show up on TV at some point or at your local library?? Do yourself a favor and buy a copy to watch in 20 years!! MGMitchell Chinook Film Group Cochrane, AB.