The Rider – Showing January 27th

Athena International Film Festival winner 2017 and best female director and screen writer, Chloe Zhao are being showcased in the Okanagan Screen Arts Society presentation of “The Rider” on January 27th at the Vernon Towne Theatre.

Based on a true story, Brady Jandreau plays the part of Brady Blackburn who is a young rising star who suffers a near fatal head injury when he falls off a bucking bronco while competing in a rodeo. The resulting brain injury forces him to search for a new identity and meaning to his life.

Brady is determined to literally get back up onto the proverbial horse as quickly as possible because being a cowboy is all he has ever known. Deep in his heart he knows that returning to the rodeo is something that is probably not in the cards for him without increased risks, as his doctor advised that he cannot sustain another serious head injury without some major consequences. Brady has to come to terms with the fact that his rodeo days are over and he will never again do the sport he loves.

While his father wastes their money away on drinking and gambling and does little to take care of the family, Brady is forced to take a job as a store clerk to help support the family. Brady finds himself wondering what he has to live for when he can no longer ride and compete as that is what gives him a sense of purpose.

As he attempts to regain control of his fate, Brady tries to reinvent himself and redefine his idea of what it means to be a man in the heartland of America. This soft spoken young man takes us on an emotional journey as he tries to figure out his journey forward, reminding us of the dignifying power of work and purpose in human existence and the meaning of life when these things are removed.

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This is a remarkable film that is heartfelt and unafraid as it deconstructs the American masculine ideal as director Chloe Zhao works wonders with a non-professional cast.

Showtimes at 5:15 & 7:45 p.m. Pre-show intro by Matt McDowell, resident film maker, and Sally Evans, local entertainer. Enjoy live music in the lobby before the early show courtesy of Les Copeland. Cash wine bar open for both shows.

Advance tickets available at the Towne Cinema box office and Expressions of Time bookstore.