Tony Wohlfarth
The Academy Award nominations are out with Oppenheimer leading the way. This month, I pay tribute to Canada’s Grammy Award winners from February 4 and review The Promised Land.
The ByTowne Cinema (325 Rideau St.)
The Promised Land is screening at The ByTowne from February 16-25 and had its world premiere at the 80th Venice Film Festival last September. Filmed in Danish with English subtitles, the script is based on the book The Captain and Ann Barbara by Ida Jessen.
The year is 1755. Jutland, a remote region of Denmark, is the setting for an entertaining historic drama.
Ludwig Kahlen (performed by Mads Mikkelson) is a 25-year veteran of the German army. He presents his credentials to the Danish Royal family and asks for a land grant in the remote region of Jutland. Jutland is covered in heath and occupied by bandits. Kahlen clears the land to plant a mystery crop he brought with him from Germany.
The region is also claimed by Frederik De Schinkel, a rogue nobleman who rules his subjects with an iron fist. The Promised Land tells the story of Kahlen’s epic struggle with De Schinkel. The action is brutal and at times gruesome.
Mikkelson (pictured here) delivers a masterful performance. His facial features are stoic, leaving audiences guessing at his true feelings. I was also impressed with Melina Hagberg, who performs the role of Anima Mus.
Directed by Nilolaj Arcel, the film won three European Film Awards, including one for Mikkelson for best actor. Running time: 2h7m. For show-times:www.bytowne.ca
Mayfair Theatre (1074 Bank St.)
February is Black History Month (BHM) and on February 18, City Limits: Ottawa’s Hip-Hop Story will premiere at the Mayfair Theatre. This feature-length documentary is an exploration of the sounds, stories, history and future of hip-hop within the National Capital Region. For a full list of activities, check out: www.blackhistoryottawa.org
The Academy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 10, and a fun place to watch the pomp and pageantry is at the Mayfair Theatre. The broadcast is shown on the big screen starting at 7 p.m. and admission is limited to Mayfair Cinema members only. To secure your place, book now at: mayfairtheatre.ca/movie/oscars96/
National Arts Centre (1 Elgin St.)
The NAC stages come alive this month with a variety of performances:
- Feb. 18: Les Royal Pickles;
- Feb. 19: Underground Comedy Railroad;
- Mar. 8: the comedy of Seth Meyers;
- Mar. 9: guitarist David Lafleche;
- Mar. 13: Newfoundland’s own Alan Doyle;
- Mar. 14: Allison Russell with Aysanabee. This is Russell’s first performance in Ottawa since winning her first Grammy earlier this month.
- Mar. 15: New Brunswick’s own Lisa LeBlanc with the NAC Orchestra.
For tickets and show-times, check out: www.nac-cna.ca
Live on Elgin (220 Elgin St.)
On February 23, the unusual jazz duo of Montreal-based drummer Jacob Wutzke and tenor saxophonist Lucas Dubovik will perform slick arrangements of classic jazz standards, as well as original material. The show will include the release of duo’s debut album, Take It in Stride. Tickets: www.liveonelgin.com/calendar/event/?ID=SB7VSY9
Montgomery Scotch Lounge (750 Gladstone)
- Feb. 17: the Latin jazz of Rachel Beausoleil;
- Feb. 22: Ottawa Jazz Quintet;
- Feb. 24: the Martin Card Laroche Trio;
- Feb. 28: three Ottawa musicians–Boshko Maric, Garrett Warner and Chris Pond;
- Mar. 2: the Peter Hum Trio; and
- Mar. 6: Kristen Martell from Nova Scotia.
Tickets and show-times at: montgomeryscotchlounge.com/
Ottawa Bagelshop (1321 Wellington St. W.)
The Ottawa Bagelshop is offering readings by local authors at 2 p.m. every Sunday in February and March. This is an opportunity to meet the authors while enjoying high-quality bagels. For more information, see: ottawabagelshop.com/pages/events
Gladstone Theatre (910 Gladstone Ave.)
Opening on February 28, Steel Magnolias is playing at the theatre through March 9. Directed by Gabriella Gadsby, the play is a comedy set in a beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana. For tickets and show-times, see: www.thegladstone.ca/steel-magnolias/
The 66th Grammy Awards
The annual celebration of the best music from around the world took place in Los Angeles on February 4. Three Canadians played prominent roles. Joni Mitchell performed her song “Both Sides Now” and won a Grammy for best folk album. Allison Russell won a Grammy for best American roots performer, and Celine Dion presented the Grammy for best album of the year to Taylor Swift.
Out of Town
Ron Sexsmith turns 60 next month. To mark the occasion, he will perform a birthday concert at Massey Hall on February 29. The concert will showcase his most popular tunes, alongside deeper album cuts and fan faves.
Tickets on sale now: masseyhall.mhrth.com/tickets/ron-sexsmith/
Tony Wohlfarth is an Ottawa-based freelance film and entertainment writer. He is currently covering the Berlinale in Berlin, Germany. Special thanks to Mongrel Media for providing the screener for The Promised Land.