Pride Movie Night in Canada: David C. Jones on Grown Up Movie Star

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      It's that time of the year when rainbows come out everywhere, people either get overdressed  or take it almost all off, people are happy and gay, and there's more dancing going on than people infected by Saturday Night Fever.

      Yes, Pride Week is kicking off this weekend and what better way to get you in the mood than to watch some Canadian queer cinema.

      We asked some people from Vancouver's LGBT communities what their Cancon queer flick picks and the first response we got was from comedian, actor, and filmmaker David C. Jones.

      Jones, who has made 12 short films, won the Turquoise: Art award at the Pride Legacy Awards this year.

      The film he chose is the Newfoundland-set 2008 feature Grown Up Movie Star by writer-director Adriana Maggs.

      The film stars Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), in one of her earlier roles, as high school student Ruby whose mother has abandoned them for the bright lights of Hollywood and her disgraced hockey-player father who has returned home after being kicked out of the NHL.

      When Ruby discovers her father is in a relationship with a man, she sets off on an awkward, risky, and often uncomfortable-to-watch exploration of her own sexuality with others. Her actions trigger fault lines both inside and outside the dysfunctional family.

      Here's what Jones had to say about why he recommends it:

      One of my favourite little Canadian Films with a queer twist is Grown Up Movie Star. I knew nothing about the film when I saw it and was captured by the small town kids but it is the sub-plot with the father, a washed up hockey player, that warmed my heart and made this film stick in my head. His struggles with his kids and with his desires make the film interesting. It is not often listed on LGBT Film Lists but it is one to look for if you want a very Canadian drama with a touch of queer.

      The Georgia Straight's Janet Smith gave it a thumbs up in her review, stating that in spite of its flaws, "this small, unpolished movie gets under your skin".

      Here's the trailer to get a sample of the film:

      More recommendations for Canadian queer cinema are in store so stay tuned, all of you proud Canadians.

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