Photographer: Tim Matheson

The Opera itself is Madama Butterfly, which promises to be a tear jerker. A tale of a broken heart and unrequainted love. Sort of sounds a little like my past week at the Yorkton Film Festival.  Although, maybe that’s more of one of star crossed lovers, kept apart by circumstance, or in my case geography. Rather hoping its the later, and not simply that in Yorkton I am just a love of convenience (or am I the young naval officer, from Madama Butterfly, that leaves, as I was the one that left after all?). Really all very circumspect and silly as NOTHING happened in Yorkton (aside from spending quality time with a number of folks whom I love and admire).

As for tonight’s Opera, here are a few Opening Night Reviews:

… and the voice of the absolutely scrumptious male lead:

More after the show. For now, packing my kleenex and off to grab my cheap parking spot before they are all gone.

And don’t worry, if you miss tonight’s ticket deal, you can still catch Madama Butterfly at the Vancouver Opera and Queen Elizabeth Theatre June 5th, 8th and 10th.

In honour of the festival kicking off today and one of my favorite film festival goers and gin lover, Richard Gustin, I am raising a rather delectable glass of Sapphire Barcelona. A very lavish and luxurious tasting gin drink, made for kicking off film festivals in exotic locals, like Yorkton, Saskatchewan. So that you too can toast the launch of the film festival, here is Merlin Griffiths and Vancouver darling, Lorraine Murphy, concocting this delectable bevie:

It’s not too late to join me.  Early Bird Rate is still on for one more day!

No pics of me (Erica squirted lobster juice all over me), but yes, I was wielding a firearm too!!!!  And I fully nailed two skeet!!  Yeehaw!!!

Oh and fyi, watch out for Tris.  Have discovered that not only did he use to compete in axe throwing contest, but he’s also a damn good shot.  Must be something about his American heritage. (Keeping one eye open)

Photo by Tris Hussey

So tonight’s party hotline:

• 5 pm  Kickoff BBQ in beautiful downton Yorkton (sponsored by Yorkton Business Improvement District) .  So hurry up and put on your jeans, t’s and cowboy boots, it starts shortly and yes I will likely be fashionably late and no, I am not sure where in downtown Yorkton, but just follow the sound of the hoot’in and holler’in. (PS You need a BBQ pass for this one)
• 7 pm Screening of 45 RPM at the Painted Hand Casino (no idea what it’s about, but I understand it is a feature length film and is free for all)
• Post Screening Reception (hoping and guessing there will be drinks)
• Stay tuned for post, post screening festivities in the comments (and feel free to post the fyi on events for this evening that you know about there)

Bright-eyed and bushy tailed this AM (despite ugly rumors from Mr Hussey suggesting I was over imbibing – really people, who are you going to believe) and excited to be getting on the Yorkton Party Train (bus) in a few short hours.

Cast & Crew of 'Corner Gas' Whooping it up in Yorkton (Photo by Richard Gustin)

At any rate, wanted to drop a quick note, mentioning that I am going to endeavor to publish the evenings parties here each day (hopefully before the evening – I should be up by then). I am guessing that like at the Banff Television Festival, there are a slew of parties that happen that are not in the ‘official festival schedule’, so I need your help, especially since I am a ‘Yorkton Vigin’.  Know of a Yorkton Film Festival Party?  Drop me a note on it with details here or on twitter and I will post it in my daily Yorkton Party Hotline Manifesto.

Prairie Horizon Kisses,

Emme  xoxo

Photo by Richard Gustin

On the note of parties, I do hear that the Yorkton Film Festival is not only THE oldest film festival in North America, but THE best party.  And I do promote safe partying, so if your looking at how to get to Yorkton and are coming from Regina, leave the car behind and get on the bus.

That’s right!  I’m busing it on what I like to call the ‘Yorkton Party Train’ (yes, I know a bus and train are two different vehicles, but ‘train’ just sounds so much cooler).  You too could bus to Yorkton and hang with me (and Tris and Erica).  And you can do it for free!!!  Here are the details of the ‘Yorkton Party Train’ (aka the SMPIA Bus):

SMPIA in partnership with the Yorkton Short Film and Video Festival is pleased to announce that for the first time, transportation to and from Yorkton will be completely free to all delegates departing from Regina!

Join us for a unique networking and screening opportunity as we roll our way across the prairies!

This year, the party starts at home as the ride out there becomes a social event itself!

Why ride up and back alone?  Get on the bus!

Bus Schedule

May 21, 2009

• 9:30 am departure from Victoria Square Mall (233 Victoria Ave East) by Sportscheck
• drop-off in Yorkton at the Ramada Yorkton and Comfort Inn & Suites

May 24, 2009

• 10 am departure from Yorkton Ramada
• 10:15 am departure from Comfort Inn & Suites
• drop-off at Victoria Square Mall and Regina International Airport

Space is limited, so book your seat now by emailing Megan: megan@smpia.sk.ca

You really gotta love a Film Festival with their own ‘Party Train’!  Woohoohoo!