Mushroom Documentary April 3-6 2009

KNOW YOUR MUSHROOMS

"Mann puts the 'fun' in fungus. But more importantly, he puts the 'us' in mushrooms" — National Post

April 3-6 2009 // 7:00 pm & 8:30pm

Director: Ron Mann // Canada 2008 // 73 min // 35mm

VANCOUVER PREMIERE // VANCITY THEATRE EXCLUSIVE

Ron Mann, director of the acclaimed Grass and a host of paradigm-shifting films that reappraise the backwaters of popular culture, invites you to enter the miraculous, near-secret world of edible fungi.

Though the oldest and largest living organisms recorded on Earth are both fungi, the world of mushrooms and their integral relationship with the planet's health have only recently been appreciated. And their use by a new, maverick breed of scientists and thinkers has proven vital in the cleansing of sites despoiled by toxins and as a "clean" pesticide, among many other environmentally friendly applications.

Inspired by a chance conversation with fellow mushroom buff Jim Jarmusch, Mann set off to the annual Telluride Mushroom Festival in Colorado, where he encountered the unique sub-sub-subculture surrounding fungi that includes an unlikely assortment of nerds, nuts, hipsters, tripsters, artists, chefs, musicians, foodies, foragers, and seekers all paying homage to the mighty mushroom. Know Your Mushrooms follows uber myco visionaries Gary Lincoff and Larry Evans (two unforgettably mercurial 'shroom experts) as they lead us on a hunt for the wild mushroom and the deeper cultural experiences attached to the mysterious fungi.

Combining material filmed at Telluride with animation and archival footage and a neo-psychedelic soundtrack by the Flaming Lips, Know Your Mushrooms opens the doors to perception, takes the audience on a longer, stranger trip and delivers them to a brave new world where the fungi might well guide humanity to a saner, safer place.

"...with its recipe of eccentric characters, goofy animations, freaky factoids and original music by the Flaming Lips and The Sadies, Know Your Mushrooms is a satisfying addition to a body of work that doubles as a sort of cinematic encyclopedia of boomer arcana." — Eye Weekly

"A fascinating film that forces us to finesse our feelings about fungi, Mann has a last reached the tallest heights of the tiniest of pursuits...As with all of Mann's films, his enthusiasm is infectious." — Toronto Star

Vancity Theatre Web Site: www.vifc.org

VIFC TICKETS AND INFO

Call the FILM INFO LINE: 604.683.FILM (3456) for the latest info and listings. Tickets can be purchased in advance on-line at www.vifc.org or in person 30 minutes before showtime.

Adult tickets: $10 (Double Bill - $13)
Student/Senior $8 (Double Bill - $11)
Matinees $8

As a registered non-profit society, the VIFC screens films that have not always been seen by the BC Film Classification Board. Under BC law, any person wishing to see these unclassified films must belong to the VIFC Society and be 18 years or older. Valid for one year based on the date of purchase, the VIFC basic membership cost is $2.50.

For More Membership Information go to http://www.vifc.org/membership.html.

Vancity Theatre is located at 1181 Seymour St. (at Davie)