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Ari's Theme film image; pages fluttering through air down to man in wheelchair

Ari's Theme

VIFF Opening Film

Special Presentations

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Ari Kinarthy’s existence is marked by worry and vigilance around his health, as he struggles with spinal muscular atrophy which has progressively weakened his muscles and left him vulnerable to infection and sickness. Yet he was born with the soul of an artist and a passion for music and remains curious and eager to collaborate with other musicians despite his limited physical strength. Anticipating the end of his life, Ari has an ambitious goal: to create music that will capture his experiences and memories and to leave a legacy through which people will remember him.

This documentary is a rare gem, borne of profound contemplation and insight. Intimate, honest, and inspiring, Ari eloquently narrates his own story and shares his artistic process. Ari’s Theme is visually captivating, incorporating animation, dramatic recreations, and imaginative dream sequences. Thoroughly engaging and beautifully made, this film demonstrates what a determined soul can achieve. It will make you weep and smile, all the while appreciating life’s tender workings and the constant movement of time.

The September 30 screening of Ari’s Theme is a Relaxed Screening. Relaxed Screenings are open to ANYONE who would benefit from a less restrictive and sensory-friendly experience. Learn more about Relaxed Screenings here.

 

Sept 28: Q&A with directors Nathan Drillot & Jeff Lee Petry and Ari Kinarthy

 


Opening Gala Screening – September 26, 6:30 pm – Standby Tickets

Standby tickets will be available to the Opening Gala screening of Ari’s Theme on September 26 at 6:30 pm at the Vancouver Playhouse. At the Opening Gala screening, members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will live score key passages within the film and lend Ari’s compositions even greater resonance.

 

In Partnership with

     

Supported by

Media Partner

Directors
Featuring

Ari Kinarthy, Allan Slade BMT MTA, Johannes Winkler, Leah Kinarthy, Elior Kinarthy

Credits
Country of Origin

Canada

Year

2024

Language

In English with open captions

Film Contact
Links
Content Warning

May frighten young children

G

Open to youth!

98 min
Art, Music & Photography BC Spotlight Documentary U18 May Attend
Out There Productions

Book Tickets

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Credits & Directors

Producer

Nathan Drillot, Jeff Lee Petry

Screenwriter

Nathan Drillot, Jeff Lee Petry, Ari Kinarthy

Cinematography

Nathan Drillot, Jeff Lee Petry

ANIM

Scott Lougheed

Editor

Benjamin Schuetze, Graham Fortin

Nathan Drillot headshot; Ari's Theme director

Nathan Drillot

Jeff Lee Petry headshot; Ari's Theme director

Jeff Lee Petry

Nathan Drillot and Jeff Lee Petry have been working under the moniker SALAZAR for over a decade producing and directing award-winning documentaries. Highlights include their feature documentary Wizard Mode premiering at Hot Docs and being acquired by Netflix US, showrunning a ten-episode docu-series, The Wrestlers, premiering on Viceland, and a Juno and Grammy nomination for best full-length music documentary with Tegan and Sara. Their short documentary Handsome and Majestic (2016) was included in the BFI Flare Film Festival’s 5 Films for Freedom campaign.

Filmography: Wizard Mode (2016)

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