The Cinematheque

“Owen Ellis makes small awkward molehills into mountains of the human condition. He discovers a film where you wouldn’t expect one to be.”

Justin Gradin, author of Pissing in the Fountain of Youth

Since the rise of MTV’s hegemony, bands have needed music videos. Since 2012, local mainstay filmmaker Owen Ellis has been the go-to director for Vancouver’s DIY music scene. Macabre, tongue-in-cheek, and joyfully crass, programmed here together are Ellis’s completed works: a collection of music videos featuring bands that any scenester of the last 15 years would be nostalgic to see again. With the alleyways of East Van playing a bittersweet supporting role—as do Red Gate (two locations), Guys and Dolls, Avenue Gallery, and the Lido (still going strong!)—Ellis’s music videos are a testament to artists and musicians who take their craft seriously but could take or leave MTV. Come celebrate the persistence of Vancouver’s underground music scene, featuring the premiere of YEP’s new single ​“Hit & Miss” from their long-anticipated full-length album, Wrought.

“Poetry in motion isn’t a phrase I use often, but, like tortellini in my gastrointestinal tract, Owen’s films are poetry in motion.” Doug Wideen, artist

Post-screening Q&A with Owen Ellis, moderated by programmer Casey Wei, followed by a live set by YEP.

​“Clay Face Meat Boots” by the SSRIs • Canada 2014 • 7 min. • Digital ​“Cherry Lane” by Johnny de Courcy • Canada 2013 • 4 min. • Digital ​“Kissed Dust” by Peace • Canada 2013 • 5 min. • Digital ​“Alien Lake” by Johnny de Courcy • Canada 2013 • 4 min. • Digital ​“Wind Chimes” by Johnny de Courcy • Canada 2014 • 7 min. • Digital ​“Normal Again” by B‑Lines • Canada 2015 • 4 min. • Digital ​“Truth or Consequences” by lié • Canada 2016 • 3 min. • Digital ​“Hit & Miss” by YEP • Canada 2026 • 7 min. • Digital