Submitted
On Thursday, September 26, Cranbrook will host the second Canadian screening of the new Brooke Shields' comedy, The Hot Flashes and raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.
The movie involves five middle-aged women – former high school basketball champs – who challenge a crew of sassy high school girls to a basketball tournament in order to raise funds to keep a mobile mammography unit operating in their community. Featuring an all-star cast, The Hot Flashes brings humour, passion and a commitment to cancer prevention to the big screen.
"We're so pleased to have been able to share The Hot Flashes with the audience in Kelowna and are thrilled to be a part of bringing the movie to Cranbrook. It's so great to see the community excitement around such a fantastic cause," said Sophie Roux, TVA Films.
The movie premiere is being presented by House of Rose Winery, a Kelowna-based winery that produces Hot Flash wine. Winery co-owner, Aura Rose, said she first heard about the movie when Brooke Shields' assistant requested a couple of cases of Hot Flash wine for the wrap party of the movie's filming last spring. Ever since, Rose has been working to bring an event involving the film to B.C. and hosted its premiere in Kelowna on September 5.
"It's been fun and rewarding to bring this film to Kelowna and now to Cranbrook. As a winemaker you don't tend to get this close to Hollywood! More importantly, it allows us the opportunity to support the Canadian Cancer Society," said Rose. "If we can encourage even one woman to get a mammography during this process, it will truly be a success."
The exclusive event is $25 a ticket and includes a glass of Hot Flash wine, appetizers and a private screening of the movie at Cranbrook's Columbia Theatre. Seats are limited so it's encouraged to get your tickets early. Since the movie is only available in Canada on DVD (will not be in theatres), this is the only time a Cranbrook audience will be able to see the movie on the big screen, thanks to Landmark Cinema's Columbia Theatre and TVA Films out of Montreal. Tickets can be purchased or inquiries made by contacting the Canadian Cancer Society's Cranbrook office located at 19-9th Avenue or at 250-426-8916.
"We are excited to be part of this film screening and a fun 'ladies night out' in Cranbrook. Unique fundraising events like this go a long way in helping us to make a real impact in the fight against cancer," said Allison McCarthy, Annual Giving Coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society. "We are truly honoured to have this support and to be able to raise awareness about women's cancers and the importance of early detection and screening while watching a fun, empowering movie."
The film's stars showed their support for the cancer fight during the American launch of the movie in late June, even filming a PSA to raise awareness about the importance of mammograms. The U.S. premiere served as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
The Hot Flashes features Brooke Shields, Wanda Sykes, Daryl Hannah, Virginia Madsen and Camryn Manheim. The movie is directed by Susan Seidelman.