Award-winning Okanagan film set to premier in Kelowna and Penticton theatres

An award-winning psychological drama that was filmed in the Okanagan Valley will be screened in theatres across Canada, including Kelowna and Penticton, on March 20.

Until Branches Bend, from Vancouver-based writer-director Sophie Jarvis, has won several awards including Best BC Film at the Vancouver International Film Festival, the prestigious Prix de Soleure 2023 at Solothurner Filmtage, and a CMPA Indiescreen Award.

The feature film observes Robin, a pregnant cannery worker who discovers an invasive insect in a peach.

Her struggle to prove to her community that the danger the insect poses is real is underscored by her personal struggle to seek an abortion.

As her obsession alienates her from friends and family, she sinks deeper into her task.

Until Branches Bend reveals how trouble beneath the surface will always come to light.

For one night only, it will be screened at Kelowna’s Landmark Cinemas Grand 10 and Penticton’s Landmark Cinemas.

Penticton’s screening will also include a Question and Answer session with Jarvis and guests.

The film’s cast includes award-winning actor and filmmaker Grace Glowicki, Alexandra Roberts, Quelemia Sparrow, Antoine Des Rochers and Lochlyn Munro.

Jeremy Cox was the cinematographer, Kane Stewart was the editor, and Kieran Jarvis was the composer.

The producers are Tyler Hagan, Sara Blake, Magali Gillon-Krizaj, Michela Pini and Olga Lamontanara.

The film was nominated in six categories at the Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards and has been nominated for two Canadian Screen Awards including Original Screenplay for Jarvis and Achievement in Visual Effects.

Until Branches Bend received support from Telefilm Canada, CMF, Crave, Swiss Federal Office of Culture, Creative BC, Harold Greenberg Fund and Radiotelevisione Svizzera.

The film is distributed in Canada by Photon Films.

Tickets can be purchased here on March 15.