VIFF Previews #8

Crime After Crime - USA


This documentary follows the incarceration of Deborah Paegler, changes in California law and the long battle to free her. Paegler pleaded guilty to killing her then husband almost 30 years ago out of the threat due the to the threat of the LA DA's office. What's also important is the amount of abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband that drove her to the crime. The film focuses on the time 2002 to present when two lawyers hear of Debbie's plight and fight for her release. Sentenced 25 years to life, Debbie had already been in prison for 20 years and denied parole 3 times even though she was a model prisoner and her victim's family had forgive her. At the same time California had a new law in place to review cases where women like Debbie had suffered abuse and was now in prison for murder. Having gathered the evidence, they embark on that long journey for release as roadblocks such as corruption in the DA's office, and the fact that Debbie should've been imprisoned for voluntary manslaughter instead, with a 6 year maximum sentence, lends to a film very much worth watching.
Debbie's story is heartbreaking and she is a woman you can't help but feel for, as do her lawyers who is working on it pro bono.


4.5/5 plays Tuesday October 4th at 1045am, Wednesday October 5th at 615pm and Tuesday October 11th at 250pm

Patang - India


A family drama about tensions within their relationships set against the backdrop of the kite festival. 


The pacing of the film drags a little as we are introduced to a larger cast in a short amount of time and some problems they have with each other are repeated several times such as Chakku's issues with his uncle Jayesh that doesn't get revealed for awhile.  The kite festival while beautiful to look at almost overpowers the family tension happening on the rooftops.
Some might like this film, but if you are one who prefers a more traditional narrative with building action, this might not be for you. 


2.5/5 plays Saturday October 1st 930pm, Monday October 3rd at 230pm and Wednesday October 12th at 4pm.

Letters from the Big Man - USA


Sarah Smith heads off to the wilderness to nurse a broken heart and sort her life out. On her first hike she feels someone is watching her, and as she remains in the area living in an isolated cabin, we find out it's not exactly someone but something who has developed a secret admiration.


Not a lot of action happens in this film as it focuses on Sarah and how she changes overtime living on her own in the wilderness, her few friendships and a love interest that fizzles out, but she emerges stronger and with a sense of direction of what she wants to do next.  The scenery is beautiful with the forests and rivers, something to check out if you have a pass and a time slot open.


3/5 playing Thursday September 29th at 250pm, Wednesday October 12th at 930pm and Friday October 14th at 250pm