Flick Picks: Holocaust Remembrance Day, Glenn Gould

Two upcoming local film events will address  notable figures in  history—one is  about a  heroic Italian man during  the Holocaust, and the other is about a highly influential  Candian in classical music.

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Vancouver Jewish Film Festival and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre are presenting a free screening of the 2002 Italian film Perlasca, An Italian Hero. The movie, by director Alberto Negrin, dramatizes the real story of a disillusioned Italian Fascist who saved thousands of Hungarian Jews.

It'll be shown on Sunday, January 24 (7 p.m.) at the Norman Rothstein Theatre (950 West 41st Avenue, reservations recommended 604-264-0499 or IICVancouver[at]esteri.it) and will commemorate the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

Later this month, the Vancouver Jewish Film Society will also present Sons of Sakhnin United, a documentary about the first Israeli-Arab team to win the Israel State Cup in 2004 as they struggle to survive in the Israeli Premier League. This film, part of their A Sporting Chance: Inspiring Athletes from the Jewish Community series, will be shown on January 31 (4:30 p.m.) at the Peretz Centre (6184 Ash Street).

Meanwhile, classical music lovers might want to attend a special presentation on Tuesday (January 26)  of Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould by the First Weekend Club's Canada Screens Vancouver. The documentary examines the eccentric Toronto-born Gould, who became one of the most influential pianists in the classical music world.

To add to the festivities, there'll be a pre-show celebration (6:30 p.m.) and wine reception with a piano recital by Nicholas Rada at District 319 (319 Main Street). Director Peter Raymont will introduce the film via Skype. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased (at the First Weekend Club Web site or by calling 604-983-5373) by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 25.