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
Ari Kinarthy, Allan Slade BMT MTA, Johannes Winkler, Leah Kinarthy, Elior Kinarthy
Canada
2024
In English with open captions
May frighten young children
Open to youth!
Book Tickets
Indigenous & Community Access
Indigenous Access Tickets Community Access Tickets Ticket Donation Requests
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
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)
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
Ali & Ava
Bradford, West Yorkshire. Ali (Adeel Akhtar) is a music nut, and the most sympathetic landlord you will meet in a movie this year. Ava (Claire Rushbrook) is a teacher, a widow, and a grandmother. Clio Barnard's love story has music, humour and hope.
Everybody to Kenmure Street
This rousing documentary (100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) never puts a foot wrong as it recreates a tense, prolonged stand-off between the police and the citizens of Glasgow when an Immigration Enforcement squad attempt to arrest two men from their homes.
The Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) gives FBI serial killer hunter Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) pointers from his maximum security cell. But is he trying to aid the investigation, or just messing with her head?
Thelma & Louise
In this iconic feminist road movie BFF Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon take off for a weekend getaway that turns violent when one of them is attacked. The stakes get higher as they flee the scene. Winner: Best Original Screenplay (Callie Khouri).