Much like the Cannes Film Festival in France is used to demonstrate that European cinema is art, not just entertainment, so, too, will the local festival with a similar name demonstrate movie patrons care about more that just taking in a flick.
"It's one of our annual fundraisers," said Linda Swarner of the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank in regard to the Cans Film Festival being held today at the Kambe Theatre in Kenai.
Movie patrons who bring three cans of food for the food bank today only will not only get to view a movie for free, but also receive a small popcorn for their donation.
Swarner said she is looking forward to the fundraiser because the supplies are much needed.
"It'll be very helpful because our shelves are empty," she said.
Swarner added that while no canned goods will be turned away, there are a few items that are specifically sought.
"We need protein items, like tuna fish, but we can use anything fruits and vegetables, chili, tomato soup. We're really low on all canned goods," she said.
Swarner said the donated items will be used in a variety of ways.
"We distribute close to 30,000 pounds of food per month through our warehouse. Canned goods help the 60 members agencies from Homer to Moose Pass that are part of the food bank and shop here for their food pantry and food programs. We also send boxes of food to elders in Tyonek, and we will use (the canned goods) in our soup kitchen, which serves, on average, 1,750 meals a month," she said.
Swarner said according to the information she has received from the Kambe, all the films that will be shown are rated R, and these include "3:10 to Yuma," "The Brave One," and "Resident Evil: Extinction."
According to information provided by the Kambe. "3:10 to Yuma" chronicles the story of the grudging respect formed between Ben Wade (Russell Crowe), and outlaw who terrorizes 1800s Arizona until he is finally captured, and Dan Evans (Christian Bale), the owner of a drought-stricken ranch who volunteers to escort Wade to a train that will take him to his trial.
Another alternative, "The Brave One" is the tale of New York radio host Erica Bain (Jodie Foster) who begins prowling the city streets at night to seek revenge on men who brutally attacked her and killed her fiancˇ.
The final flick, "Resident Evil: Extinction," is the third installment in this series and features Alice's (Milla Jovovich) ongoing efforts to eliminate a deadly virus that threatens to make every human being a flesh-eating zombie, only this time Alice has been subjected to experimentation that results in her having super-human strengths, senses and dexterity.
For more information on the Cans Film Festival or to make a donation, contact the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank at 262-3111. For more information on the featured films and their show times, contact the Kambe Theatre at 283-4554.
Joseph Robertia can be reached at joseph.robertia@peninsulaclarion.com.
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