 Hi, art lovers! | | |  | Matthew Miller | | | It’s the story of the world’s first smartphone — a dramatic miniseries that “bristles with chaotic comedic energy.” BlackBerry is now streaming on CBC Gem, and before you send me an email explaining that you already watched that movie six months ago, please allow me to clarify. Yes, BlackBerry is a movie! CBC Arts (and Vanity Fair) are already very excited about Glenn Howerton’s Oscar chances. But it’s also a miniseries from the same creative team: a three-part story containing new footage that never appeared in the film.
Why, though? We got in touch with BlackBerry’s co-writer Matthew Miller to talk about just that. (Find that interview below.)
The project marks a new approach for film and TV in this country — a “big experiment,” per the Globe and Mail, that can open more access to funding. (Here’s another link — sans paywall — which breaks down the details of BlackBerry’s production journey.)
But that’s all money talk. Are there any creative reasons for wanting to tell a story two ways?
Toronto filmmaker Matt Johnson didn’t just direct BlackBerry, he’s the co-writer and one of the stars, and this CBC interview captures some of his thoughts on the subject — plus another talking point: why are people nostalgic for a time before smartphones?
If you happen to agree, this virtual museum is for you. Someone should tell them to update their Phones in Movies exhibit, though. It’d be easy. They’ve already got plenty of vintage RIM gadgets in their collection. | | | | | And because we promised you eye candy ... | | | | |  | Sabrina Ratté | | On the subject of obsolete tech … a new audiovisual installation from Montreal artist Sabrina Ratté imagines a post-human future, one where mutant mushrooms and other living things exist in harmony with electronic waste. It’s called Inflorescences and it debuted Friday at the Mira Digital Arts Festival in Barcelona. | | | | |  | Heather Talbot | | From digital mushrooms to woolly ones! Textile artist Heather Talbot is one of 80 (!!!) artists showing work at this year’s Eastside Culture Crawl preview exhibition. The crawl itself happens Nov. 16 to 19 in Vancouver, but the multi-venue group show is already open. Get all the info here. | | | | |  | Naomi Rincón Gallardo | | The Toronto Biennial of Art will return next fall (Sept. 21 to Dec. 1). Some early programming details were revealed last week, including the first round of participating artists. Naomi Rincón Gallardo is on that list. (Pictured: a still from her project, The Formaldehyde Trip. It’s a surreal story about murdered environmental activist Bety Cariño.) | | | | |  | IFC Films/Elevation Pictures | | | | | Not every movie can be turned into a miniseries — and vice versa. So why does it work for BlackBerry? Co-writer Matthew Miller weighs in. | | | | |  | Andrew Paynter/Courtesy of Dress Code | | | | | Geoff McFetridge: Drawing a Life arrives in Toronto this weekend after its award-winning debut at SXSW. Born and raised in Alberta, Geoff has found acclaim in the worlds of art, design and even Hollywood. What’s the secret to his success? Filmmaker Dan Covert set out to find the answer. | | | | |  | Audible Canada | | | | | | | And no, it’s not Encino Man 2. The actor stars in the Canadian audio drama The Downloaded. | | |  | Meera Sethi | | Meera spoke with us about her two (!!!) new exhibitions: Outerwhere and Cotton Exchange. This pic is from Outerwhere, on now at Cambridge Art Galleries in Cambridge, Ont. The show captures the experience of South Asian newcomers to Canada, and centres on 12 winter coats — second-hand parkas with extraordinary linings. | | | | | Share this newsletter | | or subscribe if this was
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I’m Leah Collins, senior writer at CBC Arts. Until next time! | | | | | |
