Outdoor film screenings return to Cates Deck every Thursday from June 25 to August 27
VIVA Alliance is pleased to return as a screening supporter of Deckchair Cinema, The Polygon Gallery’s annual outdoor film series presented on Cates Deck, along the North Vancouver waterfront.
Now in its fifth year, Deckchair Cinema invites audiences to enjoy ten evenings of classic films under the stars. Beginning Thursday, June 25, screenings take place every Thursday throughout the summer and are complemented by music and entertainment leading up to curtain time.
This summer, it is game on as Deckchair Cinema presents a lineup of memorable sports films exploring competition, rivalry, resilience, community, and the many ways people come together through sport.
The season opens on June 25 with Offside, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s acclaimed 2006 social comedy, presented with the screening support of VIVA Alliance.
Opening Night: Jafar Panahi’s Offside
Made in 2006, Offside reflects a particular time in Iran’s history, while offering a powerful look back at the longstanding resistance of women and ordinary people against exclusion and state-imposed restrictions. Much has happened since the film was made, and that resistance has only deepened and expanded.
Jafar Panahi’s acclaimed film uses sharp humour and social observation to expose the absurd restrictions placed on women in Iranian society. It follows a group of young women who separately disguise themselves and attempt to enter a World Cup qualifying match between Iran and Bahrain, where women are prohibited from attending. After being discovered, they are detained outside the stadium under the watch of several young soldiers.
Partially filmed during the actual football match it depicts, Offside moves between comedy, tension, and social critique, revealing the contradictions of a patriarchal system. The film was banned in Iran.
Offside
Directed by Jafar Panahi
2006 | 1 hour 33 minutes
Persian with English subtitles
Thursday, June 25
Music begins and the concession stand opens at 7:00 PM
Film begins at approximately 9:25 PM
Cates Deck, directly in front of The Polygon Gallery
Screening supported by VIVA Alliance
About Deckchair Cinema V
Deckchair Cinema V opens with two films offering very different takes on the Beautiful Game: Jafar Panahi’s Iranian New Wave classic Offside and Stephen Chow’s exuberant kung fu comedy Shaolin Soccer.
Prince’s electrifying concert masterpiece Sign O’ the Times forms a double bill with his legendary 2007 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The season also features the trailblazing ballplayers of A League of Their Own, the underdog determination of Ryan Coogler’s Creed, and the BMX cult favourite RAD.
Christopher Guest’s hilariously competitive mockumentary Best in Show, featuring one of cinema’s celebrated ensembles of comedians and canines, headlines Bring Your Dog to the Movie Night.
The annual North Shore Pride Week Drag Party will feature Speed Racer, the candy-coloured cinematic spectacle by the Wachowskis, creators of The Matrix. Skate or Die Night will showcase two landmark local skateboard films: the surreal DIY production Machotaildrop and the acclaimed short film Joe Buffalo, produced by Tony Hawk.
The season concludes by asking an enduring question: Who is the greatest fighter of all time—Muhammad Ali or Bruce Lee? Throughout the summer, audiences will be invited to choose their fighter, culminating in an audience-choice screening of either the Academy Award-winning documentary When We Were Kings or the legendary Enter the Dragon.
Deckchair Cinema V Schedule
Music begins and the concession stand opens at 7:00 PM each evening.
June 25 — Offside
Directed by Jafar Panahi
Film begins at 9:25 PM
Screening supported by VIVA Alliance
July 2 — Shaolin Soccer
Film begins at 9:15 PM
July 9 — Sign O’ the Times + The Halftime Show
Film begins at 9:15 PM
Greg Girard Opening Celebration
July 16 — Best in Show
Film begins at 9:00 PM
Bring Your Dog to the Movie Night
July 23 — Machotaildrop + Joe Buffalo
Film begins at 9:00 PM
July 30 — Speed Racer
Film begins at 8:45 PM
North Shore Pride Week Drag Party
August 6 — Creed
Film begins at 8:45 PM
August 13 — A League of Their Own
Film begins at 8:45 PM
August 20 — RAD
Film begins at 8:45 PM
August 27 — Audience Choice: When We Were Kings or Enter the Dragon
Film begins at 8:45 PM
Admission and Visitor Information
Admission to Deckchair Cinema is by a suggested donation of $10–$20, courtesy of BMO Financial Group. Admission includes popcorn and access to The Polygon Gallery’s summer exhibitions.
The concession stand will offer food from Nook and drinks from Strathcona Beer Company.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and make themselves comfortable by bringing blankets or low chairs. A limited amount of seating will also be available.
Seats and VIP picnic tables may be reserved by donating in advance.
About The Polygon Gallery
The Polygon is one of Canada’s most acclaimed photography and media-art galleries. In 2017, the Gallery moved into its Governor General’s Medal-winning building after operating for 40 years as Presentation House Gallery.
The organization has presented more than 300 exhibitions and has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most adventurous public art institutions.
Admission to The Polygon Gallery is always by donation, courtesy of BMO Financial Group.
