The Banff Film Festival: Has it become a reflection of our own excess?

New West Network: “But each year as the adrenaline shots get more and more titillating, and the hairball stunts get nuttier and nuttier, one gets the sense that those of us who applaud what we witness in the Banff Festival are participating in a kind of feeding frenzy that will ultimately consume the best of what we love about the mountain culture we’ve come to celebrate.”

Orlando blooms

orlando_100.jpgVancouver Straight: “It’s proving to be quite a season for Simone Orlando, who’s not only preparing for the lead role in a Ballet B.C. world premiere but has just nabbed one of the most prestigious choreography prizes in the country.” Orlando is the latest winner of the Banff Centre’s Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award for emerging talent.

Arts groups welcome new heritage minister

Toronto Star: “I think [Bev] Oda’s appointment is terrific news,” says Sarah Iley, speaking from Banff, for the Canadian Arts Coalition, a broadly based arts umbrella organization. “This means we have someone who knows the files. As heritage critic, she has been diligent, and she is familiar with all the issues.” Iley is vice-president of programming at the Banff Centre.