CIFF kicks off with gala showing of Canadian movie Maudie

Hundreds of movie buffs hit the red carpet Wednesday to kick off the Calgary International Film Festival.

Dozens of films will be screened nightly at the Eau Claire Market theatres and the Globe Theatre until Oct. 2. The opening gala featured a presentation of Maudie, a bio-pic featuring the life of Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis.

"To be able to open a festival like Calgary with a Canadian film is quite something," director Aisling Walsh told the Homestretch.

"It brings her story to all of Canada and Ithink that's fantastic."

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The film follows the romance of Canadianfolk artistMaudLewis, played by Sally Hawkins,and the reclusive Everett Lewis, played by EthanHawke.

Living in Nova Scotia, Maudie rose to fame in the 1960s as an internationally celebrated artist while living with crippling juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Walsh was drawn to the script mainly because it was "the most wonderful love story."

"I think most probably she was a painter, because I was trained as a painter, but also because it's the most wonderful love story and the most wonderful friendship story. And also it's a character piece."

Actress Kari Matchett partly grew up in Lethbridge and plays the role of Sandra who first recognizes Lewis' talents. She described herself as a fan of Lewis' work.

"She had such a pure expression and nothing really got in the way of that," she said.

"I was incredibly attracted to that."

Three films are shown nightly during the week, at 5, 7 and 9 p.m., and there are five showings on the weekends, noon, 2, 5, 7, and 9 p.m.

A full schedule can be found on the CIFF website.