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Photo courtesy Netflix

Photo courtesy Andy Kim

Photo courtesy Netflix

Our City Tonight

By Jim Gordon and Leeta Liepins

Published 3:13 PST, Tue December 2, 2025

SPOTLIGHT ON SPOTLIGHT ON HOME VIEWING & A CONCERT

THE VIEW #1 – NOUVELLE VAGUE

One of the 20th Century’s most creative film movements occurred in France in the late 1950’s, when a group of film critics, who were also aspiring filmmakers, finally starting making their own films. Led by Francois Truffaut’s critically acclaimed film, The 400 Blows, (1959), French New Wave took world cinema by storm with their rejection of traditional filmmaking, and new approaches to the telling a story, as well as editing and visual style. Now comes a film about one of those young filmmakers and his landmark first feature, Breathless (1960). It was written and directed by the now legendary Jean-Luc Goddard, and it starred Hollywood actress, Jean Seberg, and newcomer (and also, now legendary), Jean-Paul Belmondo. It was a chaotic shoot, the producer threatened to pull financing, Seberg threatened to quit, and Belmondo was told his career (which had barely begun) would be ruined. But today, it is considered a masterpiece. That is the setting for Richard Linklater’s wonderful new film, Nouvelle Vague, which takes viewers behind the scenes - from Goodard’s desire to see his work on the screen, to convincing the “money men” to back him despite having very little in the way of a script, to keeping his cast and crew intact when most had lost faith in what he was trying to accomplish. This film is not for everyone, but if you’re a lover of classic film or wish to learn more about its history, then Nouvelle Vague is definitely worth viewing. It’s now available on Netflix. www.netflix.com

THE SHOW – THE ANDY KIM CHRISTMAS

He is a Canadian music icon, with legend ary songs and plenty of awards (including the Officer of the Order of Canada). He is also a gracious and kind individual, something we discovered recently when he appeared on Our City Tonight. He is Andy Kim, and from those first hit singles in the late 1960’s, How’d We Ever Get This Way and Sugar Sugar, to his 1970’s world #1, Rock Me Gently, he has never stopped making music and entertaining fans all over the world. Which leads us to this good news: Andy Kim will be here in Richmond December 13th at the River Rock Casino with the Westcoast debut of his annual Andy Kim Christmas. Along with his great talent, guest artists will include an all-star roster of Canadian music icons like Tom Cochrane, 5440, Dan Hill, Men Without Hats, and Lee Aaron. Even more good news: proceeds will benefit Variety – the Children’s Charity of BC, supporting children with disabilities and complex health needs across the province. “We’re honoured to be the beneficiary of the first-ever Andy Kim Christmas event in Vancouver in an inspiring evening of music and generosity,” said Andrea Tang, CEO of Variety – the Children’s Charity of B.C. www.andykimmusic.com & www.variety.bc.ca

THE VIEW #2 – IN YOUR DREAMS

Recently, on Our City Tonight, we had opportunity to chat with another kind and gifted artist, this one is Writer/Director, Alex Woo. He is also the Founder and CEO of KuKu Studios. Their first animated feature is called In Your Dreams and it’s now available for home viewing on Netflix. It tells the story of Stevie and her kid brother, Elliot, who are worried that their loving mom and dad may be having problems. Adding to that worry, there’s a chance mom may except a job in another town. With the assistance of an old book Eliot has, the two siblings find themselves on a wild adventure in their dreams to a strange and absurd landscape. Their goal – if they can avoid the queen of nightmares, zombie breakfast foods and, most importantly, waking up - is to find a way to the Sandman who can grant their one wish: to have a perfect family. There’s lots here for the whole family to enjoy – and to possibly discuss afterwards, including family and the challenges they sometimes face. Alex Woo – who spent years as a Story Artist at the iconic animation studio, Pixar - has taken all that he learned there, along with experiences from his own childhood, and put it all into this wonderful film. www.netflix.com