Media releases

• Brock film series returns to downtown Film House

  Wednesday, September 18, 2019 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 18 September 2019 – R00148

  Death, deception and family dynamics form the unlikely backbone of a heartwarming story about culture and connection.

  The Brock University Film Society (BUFS) season opener, The Farewell, screens at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Film House in downtown St. Catharines Thursday, Sept. 19. Supported by the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film in the Faculty of Social Sciences at Brock, BUFS has been bringing the best in independent and art house cinema to St. Catharines and the Niagara region for more than 40 years.

  The Farewell is a bittersweet comedy-drama from American writer/director Lulu Wang that stars actress and rapper Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean’s 8). Much of the film is in Mandarin with English subtitles.

  When they discover that their Chinese matriarch has only months to live, most members of a family agree to hide the diagnosis from her, using the excuse of a family wedding as their chance to say goodbye. But her American-raised granddaughter (Awkwafina) struggles with the deception and threatens to reveal the truth to her beloved Nai Nai (Mandarin for paternal grandmother). The ensuing conflict pits modern against traditional, new against old.

  The story at the core of The Farewell was originally shared in a segment for WBEZ Chicago’s highly acclaimed This American Life. What You Don’t Know tells the story of how her own family pulled off an elaborate plot to keep one member in the dark.

  Anthony Kinik, Associate Professor in Communication, Popular Culture and Film, explains the transition from radio documentary to film allowed Wang “to introduce many new subtle, yet powerful observations to the mix through her cinematography and editing.”

  The Farewell won the Audience Award at the 2019 Sundance London Film Festival.

  The BUFS screenings take place most Thursday nights at 7 p.m. throughout the school year with some featuring introductions, short presentations and prizes.

  Tickets for all BUFS shows are available at the Film House in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) on the evening of the screenings. General admission is $9.50 or $7 for members. Memberships are available for $30 through the Film House website.

  Visit the BUFS website for a full list of this season’s selections. The full calendar of films coming to the FirstOntario PAC over the next few months is posted on the Film House website. A red B indicates a BUFS-hosted screening.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases

• Hometown Baseball game returns to George Taylor Field

  Tuesday, September 17, 2019 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 17 September 2019 – R00147

  Brock is inviting the community to a free baseball game at George Taylor Field in the Merritton neighbourhood of St. Catharines as part of the University’s Homecoming Weekend celebrations.

  The annual Hometown Baseball game to be held Sunday, Sept. 22 will see the Brock Badgers host the Ontario Blue Jays, a team that grooms up-and-coming elite talent in preparation for high-level baseball.

  Gates open at noon and the first pitch is set for 1 p.m.

  Admission to the Hometown Baseball game is free and the first 100 kids through the gates will receive a free Badgers baseball hat. The event includes free face painting and a family zone, as well a fundraising barbecue for the Brock baseball program.

  George Taylor Field on Seymour Ave. in Merritton has been home to the Brock baseball team for nearly two decades. In that time, the team has won two national championships and four provincial titles.

  “The Hometown Baseball game has turned into a great tradition,” said head coach Marc LePage. “It gives the community a chance to see the high quality of baseball at Brock, plus it’s a great time for the whole family. The players really enjoy interacting with the fans and are very appreciative of their support.”

  Bringing Brock sporting events to the Niagara community continues to be a key focus of the 2019-20 Badgers athletic season, said Brock Sports Associate Director Emily Allan.

  “Off the heels of a sold-out Steel Blade Classic last weekend, Hometown Baseball is another great opportunity to host the community,” she said. “Our Badgers baseball team is one of the best in the country, and they love competing in front of a hometown crowd.”

  LePage said the strength of his team comes from solid baseball fundamentals.

  “Hitting and strong defence have been the keys to our success so far,” he said. “Our young pitching staff is showing promise, but our bats have been a real strength for us.”

  Brock has compiled a record of five wins and four losses to start the season, which is made up of opponents from various Canadian and American colleges and universities.

  Visit GoBadgers.ca for a full schedule and more information.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Stephen Leithwood, Communications Officer, Brock Sports/Ancillary Services sleithwood@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 ext. 4752

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases