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A Welcome Distraction film image; people chatting at what looks like a house party

A Welcome Distraction

Standby What is Standby?

World Premiere

Ernest (Simon Farrell) is a wayward twentysomething living in Vancouver. Stuck in a rut after a breakup and grieving a recent family tragedy, he does whatever he can to avoid reconnecting with his family. He visits his dealer, who is concerned he’s self-medicating. His sister drops in, begging him to call his mom. Then, while hiking, he meets Mallory (Madison Isolina), who persuades him to join her group, led by a spiritual leader who claims to hear sounds from the Earth. A cult in the Pacific Northwest makes for a great place to hide from your problems, but as the seasons change, Ernest finds space within himself to heal.

The need for connection and a sense of place takes centre stage in Brian Daniel Johnson’s debut feature — a sprawling character study that unfolds over a year. Vancouver plays itself, lensed with warmth and familiarity by Andriy Lyskov, in a story that should be relatable to anyone who has felt lost and alone in the city.

 

Oct 9 & 12: Q&A

 

Presented by

Telefilm logo

Media Partner

Global BC logo    CKNW logo

Director
Cast

Simon Farrell, Madison Isolina, Adriana Marchand, Liam McCulley

Credits
Country of Origin

Canada

Year

2025

Language

English

Film Contact
Links
18+
97 min
BC Spotlight Catalyst Program Alumni Drama
Diem Film Co., Longbranch Film Company, Lucky Pictures

Book Tickets

Thursday October 09

6:00 pm
Guests/Q&As Hearing Assistance
The Cinematheque

Saturday October 11

3:15 pm
Hearing Assistance
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema

Sunday October 12

12:45 pm
Guests/Q&As Hearing Assistance
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema

Credits & Director

Executive Producer

Mike Johnston

Producer

Maddy Chang, Dide Su Bilgin

Screenwriter

Brian Daniel Johnson

Cinematography

Andriy Lyskov

Editor

Sam Mohseni

Production Design

Clara Salameh

Original Music

Zachary Treble

Brian Daniel Johnson headshot

Brian Daniel Johnson

Brian Daniel Johnson is a writer and director based in North America. He is known for his music video work with Vancouver artist Haley Blais, as well as his short films After Dinner (2020) and Side Walks (2022), the latter of which received a healthy festival run and a nomination for the Best of BC award at the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival. In addition to his directorial work, Johnson is a film editor and short story writer. A Welcome Distraction (2025) is Brian’s debut feature, which he made alongside his beloved team of collaborators.

Filmography: Visiting Hours (2019); After Dinner (2020); Side Walks (2022)

 

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