Category Archives: Ben Ratner

ACTOR/WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER BEN RATNER’S HARD-HITTING SHORT FILM “GANJY” TO PREMIERE AT 2016 VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Multiple award-winning actor/writer/director and producer Ben Ratner is gearing up to debut his latest film Ganjy, which had him working both in front of, and behind, the camera. The dramatic short film will make its world premiere at the 2016 Vancouver International Film Festival.

Ganjy tells the story of a retired boxer, portrayed by Ratner, who is suffering from dementia pugilistica. The film follows what unfolds when his friends try to come to his aide – before it’s too late.

At advance screenings, industry experts have been knocked out. Award-winning writer/director of Facing Ali and I Am Bruce Lee, Pete McCormack says this about the film: “In Ganjy, Ben Ratner’s exquisite performance as the eponymous lead character tenderly but powerfully reminds us of the undeniable side-effects of the boxing trade.”

Bestselling author (“The Power of the Actor”) and acting coach Ivana Chubbuck worked with Sylvester Stallone for his Golden Globe winning, Academy Award nominated performance in Creed, and worked closely with Ratner as he prepared to play “Ganjy.” Says Chubbuck, “In his touching, yet unsentimental self-directed short film, Ganjy, Ben Ratner gives a performance, and directs a piece that is a testament to the human spirit. No matter how much battering, both emotionally and physically a human being can withstand — there is a survivor in all of us. Ganjy is this, and more.”

Ratner handpicked a group of Vancouver’s busiest actors – Aleks Paunovic, Zak Santiago and Donny Lucas – to play Ganjy’s former boxer friends. Ratner wrote the parts specifically for these film and TV veterans, all of whom were competitive amateur boxers in their younger days.

Ratner felt a very real connection to the film’s lead. “In some ways, I am Ganjy. I’ve been at this a long time, and I know what it feels like to take some hits from showbiz. But I’ve still got a whole lot of fight left and a whole bunch of stories in me, and with cast mates like Aleks, Zak, and Donny in my corner, along with my producing partners Tony Pantages and Helena Marie, I’m confident we can take this film out into the world and make an impact,” said Ratner.

One of the film’s producers, Tony Pantages, says this movie couldn’t come at a more pertinent time. “The topical subject matter of dementia, particularly in sports-related head injuries, and the recent passing of Muhammad Ali makes Ganjy hugely relevant, and in our opinion, very important at this time. Of course, when we shot the film we didn’t know Ali would pass away only months later as we were in our final post, but we were honored to be able to pay tribute to him with the film.”

Plans are being made to develop Ganjy into a feature film. In the meantime, a crowdfunding campaign is being launched to assist with the costs associated with the making of this short film, and get it the opportunity to be seen by a wide audience on the festival circuit.

The film was produced by Tony Pantages (of Glass Factory Pictures) and Ben Ratner (of Haven Films). Both are available for interviews upon request.

For interviews, photos and more information please contact:
Lesley Diana | Lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726- 5575

Social Media Handles

Trailer #1: vimeo.com/179831341
Trailer #2: vimeo.com/179831337
Facebook: facebook.com/GanjyMovie
Twitter: @ganjymovie
Crowdfunding Campaign: indiegogo.com/projects/ganjy-film

The Promotion People

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

BEN RATNER – BIO

With over 100 film and TV credits, multiple award-winning actor/writer/director and producer Ben Ratner has starred in numerous feature films that have played at top international film festivals, including Sundance, Berlin and Toronto, and has had series regular, recurring and guest starring roles on TV shows in both the US and Canada. He will next be seen in a supporting lead role with Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay (Room) in Wonder, a feature film from Lionsgate, slated for release in April 2017.

As a writer-director, Ratner has helmed two award-winning, theatrically released feature films: Down River (9 wins and 12 nominations, including Best World Showcase Feature at the 2014 Soho International Film Festival, NYC) and Moving Malcolm (4 wins and 1 nomination, including Best Feature Film at the 2003 Washington D.C. Independent Film Festival). He also wrote and directed the short film Power Lunch (2006 Vancouver International Film Festival) and in 2005, directed an episode of the popular TV series Robson Arms for CTV.

Multiple Award-Winning Actor/Writer/Director & Acting Coach Ben Ratner Brings His Scene Study Intensive Workshop to Toronto October 23rd to 25th

Students are series leads on Sense8, Marco Polo, Gangland Undercover, Bomb Girls, Being Erica

Multiple award-winning actor/writer/director and acting teacher Ben Ratner is returning to Toronto to teach another one of his always sold-out workshops October 23^rd to 25^th at The Underground Dance Centre.

Known for bringing out the best in Canada’s top performers, Ben has directed some of Canada’s most distinguished actors in his own films, including Helen Shaver (in Down River) and John Neville (in Moving Malcolm). He continues to work with a great many of the new generation of Canadian stars including Damon Runyan (Gangland Undercover, Prisoner X), Ali Liebert (Bomb Girls, Lost Girl), Nicholas Lea (Continuum, The X Files), Gabrielle Miller (Good Witch, Corner Gas), Brian J. Smith (Sense8, The Good Wife) and Olivia Cheng (Marco Polo, Arrow) both in scene study classes and as a private coach.

When Canada’s top working actors are seeking a challenge or in need of inspiration, they study with Ben Ratner at Haven Studio, both in Vancouver and Toronto. In addition to series regulars, film leads and top stage actors, up and coming actors will also find Haven to be a challenging and rewarding studio to develop and define their craft on an ongoing basis.

No false promises. No gimmicks. No shortcuts, just hard work, high standards, and uncompromising passion for the craft of acting. Utilizing scenes from the great contemporary playwrights, this is a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of actors’ creativity and commitment with one of Canada’s most highly respected and influential acting teachers. Obstacles will be identified, addressed and overcome in a highly challenging, but always respectful and collaborative atmosphere.

To quote one of Ratner’s favorite playwrights, John Patrick Shanley, “Theatre is a safe place to do the unsafe things that need to be done.” For ambitious new actors wanting to raise the bar, or for veterans in need of some new inspiration, Haven Studio will provide just that place.

Ben Ratner’s Scene Study Intensive Toronto Workshop:
Date: October 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th, 2015
Location: The Underground Dance Centre, Toronto

For more information or to sign up, contact Angela Besharah at: angelabesharah@gmail.com

The testimonials speak for themselves:

“Ben is a treasure – a rare combination of instinct, intelligence and compassion…”
~Brian J. Smith (series lead Sense8, The Good Wife, The Glass Menagerie on Broadway, Outer Critics Circle Award winner, Tony Award & Drama Desk Award-nominated actor)

“The combination of the demanding material, the commitment and talent of my classmates and Ben’s forceful, passionate direction and guidance made me into the actor I am today – a confident and working one!”
~Ali Liebert (Strange Empire, Lost Girl, series lead Bomb Girls, Canadian Screen Award & Leo Award-winning actor)

“I credit many of my ‘breakthroughs’ to Ben’s insight, support, and trust, and highly recommend him to any actors seeking to go deeper into the work…”
~Erin Karpluk (Rookie Blue, Saving Hope, series lead Being Erica, Gemini Award & Leo Award-winning actor)

“Ben Ratner is an amazing teacher and mentor…and an inspiring talent.”
~Ryan Robbins (Ascension, Falling Skies, Continuum, multiple Leo Award-winning actor)

“After too many years of lazy television acting, Ben reminded me what my tools are, provided an environment where I felt safe to take risks and gave me permission to jump!”
~Sonja Bennett (Mistresses, Motive, star/writer of Preggoland, Gemini Award & Genie Award & Leo Award-nominated actor)

“Working with Ben is an incredibly deep experience for me as an actor. I feel challenged to ground my work and find truth.”
~Gabrielle Miller (Good Witch, Call Me Fitz, series lead Corner Gas, Gemini Award & multiple Leo Award winner, Genie Award-nominated actor)

“Ben’s class is an artistic sanctuary. He cultivates an atmosphere based on kindness, professionalism, and integrity where actors feel inspired to offer their craft the focused discipline that will bring out their best.”
~Leah Gibson (The Returned, iZombie, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce)

“I can draw a straight line between Ben’s class and the next few jobs that I was cast in…I’m having a ball, I feel more empowered in my work and that journey was kick-started at Haven.”
~Nicholas Lea (Continuum, The X Files, The Arts Club’s international tour of Helen Lawrence to Edinburgh/Munich/Toronto/Montreal/Vancouver, Gemini Award & UBCP Award-nominated actor)

“I cannot say enough about how much I have benefited from working with Ben Ratner…He’s invested in your success and I’ve learned how to work smarter and harder to reach my goals.”
~Olivia Cheng (series lead Marco Polo, The Flash, Arrow)

“Ben Ratner has guided me through years of training, he’s enabled me to break through many barriers and enabled me to fly with confidence and vulnerability.”
~Damon Runyan (series lead Gangland Undercover, Prisoner X, Amber Alert)

Ben Ratner’s Bio:
A professional actor for 25 years, Ratner started teaching in 1994 as a protégé of internationally acclaimed acting teacher and author Ivana Chubbuck. He opened his own “Haven Studio” in 2002 and rapidly earned a reputation for his highly demanding and thoroughly rewarding scene study classes. Today, he is sought after as a coach, teacher and mentor to many of Canada’s busiest actors, a great number of who are working internationally.

While teaching in both Vancouver and Toronto, Ratner’s own acting, writing and directing career continues to flourish. With over 100 film and TV credits and numerous awards and nominations under his belt, he most recently received the 2013 “John Juliani Award of Excellence” from UBCP/ACTRA. A Jesse Award nominee for his portrayal of “Bobby” in American Buffalo, Ratner returned to the stage in 2012 to co-star in Dinner with Friends, and in 2014 he directed the Canadian Premiere of Tommy Smith’s White Hot, both of which opened to rave reviews.

Ratner wrote, directed and co-starred in the feature film Moving Malcolm that won him a “Best First Feature Award” at the 2003 Montreal Film Festival. He directed an episode of CTV’s Robson Arms in 2005, and wrote and directed the short film Power Lunch in 2008. Most recently, he wrote and directed the feature film Down River, which has won 8 awards to date, including “Best World Showcase” at the 2014 Soho International Film Festival in New York. He is currently developing his next feature film Original 6, a TV series called Rachel, and is also producing Big Feelings, a documentary about a group of his acting students sharing true stories from their lives, and how this process transforms their experiences into creative empowerment.

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @Haven_Studio, @HavenStudioTO
Facebook: facebook.com/BenRatnerSceneStudy, facebook.com/HavenStudioToronto
Website: benratner.com

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

Congratulations to our many talented clients who have been nominated for 2014 Leo Awards

Good luck this weekend!

Gabrielle Rose

– 3 Nominations

Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Television Movie
Let It Snow

Best Performance by a Female in a Short Drama
The Corpse and The Courier

Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture
The Dick Knost Show

William Ainscough

– 1 Nomination

Best Performance in a Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series
Seed – Ill Conceived

Down River

– 13 Nominations

Best Motion Picture
James Brown, Ben Ratner, Andrew Halliwell, Jack Ong – Producers

Best Direction in a Motion Picture
Ben Ratner

Best Screenwriting in a Motion Picture
Ben Ratner

Best Cinematography in a Motion Picture
Larry Lynn

Best Picture Editing in a Motion Picture
Rob Wenzek

Best Overall Sound in a Motion Picture
Randy Kiss, Michael Mcdonald, Brian Lyster

Best Musical Score in a Motion Picture
Chris Ainscough, Kevin House

Best Production Design in a Motion Picture
Josh Plaw

Best Costume Design in a Motion Picture
Gloria Tsui

Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Motion Picture
Brian Markinson

Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture
Jennifer Spence, Colleen Rennison

Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture
Helen Shaver

Andrea Menard

– 1 Nomination

Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series
Blackstone – Burn Baby Burn

Lighthouse Pictures

– A slate of four Lighthouse Pictures’ productions have been nominated for 9 Leo Awards.

THE COLOUR OF RAIN
Best Television Movie: Shawn Williamson, Jamie Goehring – Producers
Best Direction: Anne Wheeler

SCARECROW
Best Cinematography: Eric Goldstein
Best Picture Editing: Tony Dean Smith
Best Overall Sound: Kirby Jinnah, Iain Pattison, Kevin Belen
Best Sound Editing: James Wallace, Jay Cheetham, Kevin Townshend, Shane Shemko
Best Musical Score: Matthew Rogers

LET IT SNOW
Best Supporting Performance by a Female: Gabrielle Rose

HATS OFF TO CHRISTMAS
Best Supporting Performance by a Male: Sean Michael Kyer

3 Days in Havana

– 3 Nominations

Best Motion Picture
Gil Bellows, Tony Pantages, Sidney Chiu, Gordon MacDonald
Kim Wakefield, Rob Neilson, Tim Brown – Producers

Best Cinematography in a Motion Picture
Pieter Stathis

Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Motion Picture
Christopher Heyerdahl

Some Assembly Required

– 5 Nominations

Best Youth or Children’s Program or Series
Tim Gamble, Dan Signer, Howard Nemetz,
Michael Shepard, Alexandra Raffé, S. Lily Hui – Producers

Best Screenwriting in a Youth or Children’s Program or Series (2)
Jennica Harper – Philharmonica
Ryan W. Smith, Nathaniel Moher

Best Performance in a Youth or Children’s Program or Series (2)
Ellie Harvie – Strong Suit
Dylan Playfair – Rainbow Bunny

Lawrence & Holloman

– 9 Nominations

Being nominated for 9 Leo Awards makes the debut feature film Lawrence & Holloman the 2^nd most nominated film this year.

Best Motion Picture
Producers: Paul Armstrong, Daniel Arnold, Matthew Kowalchuk,
Mary Anne Waterhouse, Andrew Currie, Robyn Wiener, Don Thompson

Best Direction of a Motion Picture
Matthew Kowalchuk

Best Screenwriting of a Motion Picture
Daniel Arnold & Matthew Kowalchuk

Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Motion Picture
Daniel Arnold

Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Motion Picture
Ben Cotton

Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture
Katharine Isabelle

Best Casting of a Motion Picture
Candice Elzinga

Best Picture Editing in a Motion Picture
David Legault

Best Sound Editing in a Motion Picture
Miguel Nunes, Gord Hillier, Don Harrison, Ian Mackie, Geoff Hollingshead

Agam Darshi

– 1 Nomination

Best Supporting Performance by a Female
in a Dramatic Series
Played – Poison

Jennifer Spence

– 2 Nominations

Best Supporting Performance by a Female
in a Motion Picture
Down River

Best Supporting Performance by a Female
in a Dramatic Series
Continuum – Second Opinion

Aubrey Arnason and Sarah Groundwater

– 6 Nominations

Best Information or Lifestyle Series (2)
The Proposal
Wedding Belles

Best Screenwriting in an Information or Lifestyle Series (3)
The Proposal – The ‘A’ Team
Sarah Groundwater – Wedding Belles – Modern Pin Up
Aubrey Arnason – Wedding Belles – Vintage Chic

Best Host(s) in an Information or Lifestyle Series
Wedding Belles – If The Shoe Fits

The Canadian Premiere of Tommy Smith’s ‘White Hot’ starring Loretta Walsh, Noel Johansen, Stefania Indelicato and Charlie Carrick to be directed by Ben Ratner at The Shop Theatre from May 8th to May 17th, 2014

Playwright Tommy Smith will be in attendance on Opening Night May 8^th

Director Ben Ratner and Actor/Producers Loretta Walsh and Noel Johansen are teaming up again for the highly anticipated Canadian Premiere of Tommy Smith’s ‘White Hot’ coming to Vancouver audiences from May 8^th to May 17^th at The Shop Theatre.

Fresh off the theatrical release of his award-winning film Down River, Ratner has assembled a fine cast to take on this provocative and challenging script. Produced by Walsh’s Kindred Entertainment, this promises to be another top-notch production from strong new voices in the Vancouver theatre scene.

After a successful collaboration last year with the play ‘Dinner with Friends’, Ratner (Down River) will be directing, while Walsh (When Calls the Heart) and Johansen (Adeline) are acting, joined by fast-rising actors Stefania Indelicato (Annual Getaway) and Charlie Carrick (The Borgias) in the Canadian Premiere of this powerful and engaging play.

” **** Incendiary … [Tommy Smith’s] dialogue has brass on its knuckles … WHITE HOT brands Smith forcefully as a talent to watch and to stomach.” — Adam Feldman, TIME OUT NEW YORK

“A beautifully written study in nihilism … revealing why so many marriages, based on such blind attempts at controlling another person and some understandably devious responses to it, lead to duplicitous affairs.” – Steven Leigh Morris, LA WEEKLY

“White Hot is a fever blister of a play. It’s not nice. It’s not pretty. It’s raw and tough and meaty, grown up theater for adults who crave intellectual and artistic drama.” – Michael Strangeways, SEATTLE GAY SCENE

‘White Hot’ is a darkly comedic psycho-drama crammed into a love triangle between a troubled woman, her opportunistic husband, and her trashed sister. Burrowing fearlessly into themes of sexual deviance and social depravity, White Hot playfully struts the razor’s edge between hilarity and horror.

New York based Playwright Tommy Smith will be in attendance opening night on May 8^th

Photography Credit: Chara Berk

Social Media Handles

Website: kindredentertainment.com, lorettawalsh.com, benratner.com
Twitter: @kindredent, @loretta_walsh, @noel_johansen, @Haven_Studio, @IndelicateStefa
Facebook: facebook.com/kindredentertainment

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People

HAVEN STUDIO AND THE BABZ CHULA SOCIETY BRING YOU A BIG PARTY DEC 19TH IN VANCOUVER

Haven Studio and Babz Chula have organized a fundraiser party for actor and dear friend Violet Cameron.

“Sometimes we need to take care of each other.” – Babz Chula

Despite having had cancer twice and having undergone months on end of brutal treatments, Violet Cameron has remained positive and grateful for every moment. Her words have inspired Ben Ratner‘s students in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg. Loretta’s students at Haven Studio have also been deeply touched and inspired by Violet’s bravery. She made many people remember how lucky they are to be able to do what they want to do, and showed them what true tenacity looks like. Violet wants to live, act and inspire others, but she needs our help to have a chance.

“Because of your letters, words of encouragement, love and support, I have gotten my fight back. I am looking forward to the near future when I can walk thru that door to the studio as a free person. Acting is everything to me …thank you for giving me hope.” – Violet Cameron

What: Violet Cameron Fundraiser
When: Thursday, December 19th, 2013
Time: 7PM to 1AM
Where: The Anza Club, 3 W 8th Ave, Vancouver
Tickets: $20

Please GET TICKETS IN ADVANCE. This party will sell out fast — it’s a small venue with a great musical line-up.

For more info on Violet’s wellness plan check out: violetcameron.com

Social Media Handles

Website: violetcameron.com, benratner.com
Twitter: @Haven_Studio, @babzchula, @loretta_walsh

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People

Indiecan Entertainment has acquired the Canadian distribution rights for Ben Ratner’s feature Down River

Down River is written and directed by multiple award-winning writer/director Ben Ratner (Moving Malcolm) and produced by James Brown. Executive Producer is Jack Ong.

Down River had its World Premiere at the Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival and also screened at the Calgary International Film Festival. The film will get a special Gala presentation on October 5^th as part of the ‘Spotlight on BC’ section of the Vancouver International Film Festival and will screen again on October 9^th.

Down River is the emotionally stirring story of three young women teetering on the edge between creative breakthroughs and personal breakdowns, and their connection with the older woman they rely on for guidance, support and inspiration.

Inspired by Ben Ratner’s long-time comradeship with actress Babz Chula who passed away in 2010, Down River is a film about mentorship, friendship, living life to the fullest, and ultimately letting go.

“I am very excited that Indiecan will be releasing Down River. Ben has done a masterful job with this sweet, passionate and memorable film. I am looking forward to sharing this wonderfully acted and executed film to Canadian audiences across the country,” said Indiecan’s Avi Federgreen.

“We are very excited to have IndieCan as our Canadian sales agent for Down River. As a boutique company, IndieCan gives us the reassurance that our film will be very well looked after and promoted to the widest possible audience. Avi’s passion for Canadian film and commitment to getting independent films into the marketplace serves us extremely well and we are delighted to have him aboard.” Producer – James Brown

Down River stars three Gemini award-winning actors Helen Shaver, Gabrielle Miller, Colleen Rennison and Ratner’s real-life wife, Leo award-nominated Jennifer Spence. Other actors joining this first-rate cast include Jay Brazeau, Ali Liebert, Brian Markinson and Teach Grant.

Director of Photography is Larry Lynn. Edited by Rob Wenzek. The sound track includes original songs by Kevin House, Colleen Rennison and The Boom Booms.

BEN RATNER is an award-winning actor, writer and director. His directorial debut, Moving Malcolm, received a Best First Feature honour at the 2003 Montreal World Film Festival and played at festivals all over the world, from Vancouver to Kolkata, India. Down River marks his second time as a writer/director.

GOSSAMER CREATIVE INC. AND HAVEN FILMS produced Down River, The film was made in part with the financial participation of Telefilm Canada and additional financing was provided by the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) and Film Incentive BC (FIBC).

HAVEN FILMS is a Vancouver based Production Company, owned and operated by writer/director/actor Ben Ratner. Haven Films previously produced the feature comedy ‘Moving Malcolm’ which Ratner wrote, directed and starred in and which won Best First Feature at the 2003 Montreal World Film Festival.

GOSSAMER CREATIVE is a Vancouver-based film production company with ties to Gossamer Threads, a leading internet technology firm with deep roots in data storage and online distribution founded in 1996. “Down River” is Gossamer Creative’s first feature film credit and the company has several other projects in development.

INDIECAN ENTERTAINMENT focuses on Canadian independent, low-budget (less than $1.5 million) films. As a distributor, Avi Federgreen follows the same principle that earned him his reputation as a filmmaker; bringing Canadians films they want to watch. Aside from the traditional distribution route, INDIECAN leans heavily on digital delivery. INDIECAN helps films find more opportunities with audiences through TV, Netflix, iTunes, websites, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. INDIECAN’s vision is to not only support Canadian production but to encourage the viewing of Canadian films by Canadian audiences. Indiecanent.com

Social Media Handles

Website: benratner.com, downrivermovie.com, indiecanent.com
Twitter: @Haven_Studio, @DownRiverMovie, @indiecanent
Facebook: facebook.com/DownRiverMovie, facebook.com/IndiecanEntertainment

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People

Helen Shaver, Gabrielle Miller, Jennifer Spence and Colleen Rennison star in actor/writer/director Ben Ratner’s feature film Down River screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival, Cinefest Sudbury and the Calgary International Film Festival

Down River has been selected to be the Gala Film for the October 5th spotlight on BC screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival

Gossamer Creative and Haven Films are pleased to announce that Down River has been selected to be the Gala Film for the October 5th Spotlight on BC Screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

Vancouver International Film Festival – Showtimes
October 05, 6:30 pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC

October 09, 4:30 pm
Rio Theatre
1660 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Down River will also be screening at Cinefest Sudbury on September 22nd and the Calgary International Film Festival on September 28th and 29th.

Calgary International Film Festival – Showtimes
September 28, 7:00 pm
Globe Theatre
617 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB

September 29, 1:30 pm
Eau Claire
200 Barclay Parade SW, Corner of 2nd St & 2nd Ave SW, Calgary, AB

Written and directed by multiple award-winning writer/director Ben Ratner (Moving Malcolm), Down River is the emotionally stirring story of three young women teetering on the edge between creative breakthroughs and personal breakdowns, and their connection with the older woman they rely on for guidance, support and inspiration.

Gemini award-winning Gabrielle Miller (Corner Gas, Call Me Fitz, Moving Day) portrays an in-demand but insecure actress. Gemini award-winning Colleen Rennison (DaVinci’s City Hall and lead singer of fast-rising band Nosinner) plays a gifted but self- destructive rock singer. Ratner’s real-life wife, Leo award-nominated Jennifer Spence (Continuum, Stargate Universe, The Killing) plays a dynamic abstract artist hiding under a paint-stained hoodie. And Gemini award-winning Helen Shaver (The Color of Money, Desert Hearts) plays their charismatic and caring neighbour who eventually leaves them to face the future on their own.

Inspired by Ben Ratner’s long-time comradeship with actress Babz Chula who passed away in 2010, Down River is a film about mentorship, friendship, living life to the fullest, and ultimately letting go.

Other actors joining this first-rate cast include Jay Brazeau (Fathers and Sons, Insomnia), Ali Liebert (Bomb Girls, Harper’s Island), Brian Markinson (Continuum, Mad Men) and Teach Grant (Cult, Gunless).

Written and Directed by Ben Ratner. Produced by James Brown. Director of Photography is Larry Lynn. Edited by Rob Wenzek. Executive Producer is Jack Ong. Original songs by Kevin House, Colleen Rennison and The Boom Booms. Down River was shot in Vancouver.

Social Media Handles

Website: downrivermovie.com
Twitter: @DownRiverMovie
Facebook: facebook.com/DownRiverMovie
YouTube: Down River Movie Teaser

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People