In Vancouver, politics have always ben anything but boring.
The year is 1986. Expo ’86 has just ended, and affordability is at the top of everyone’s mind. Harry Rankin — World War II veteran, criminal lawyer, city councillor, and outspoken socialist — decides to run for mayor against a young upstart named Gordon Campbell.
What do the results of an election that took place more than 30 years ago have to do with the current state of Vancouver?
The issues that Rankin fought for—affordable housing, equality, and accessibility—have become lightning rods in the city. And what elevates Alfeld’s film from a simple biography is ‘the road not taken’ aspect of it all.
Rankin’s mayoral fight came at a pivotal moment for Vancouver, when critical decisions were being undertaken. The values that determined the course of the city’s development hung in the balance,.
And we all know where things ended up.
Saturday, May 12
3 – 4:30 PM
SFU Woodward’s – Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema (map)
Information & tickets here
The Documentary Film Festival (DOXA) is happening now through Sunday, May 13 in Vancouver.
one could be interested by how he imagined what will become the skytrain:
https://voony.wordpress.com/2010/03/21/the-case-for-rapid-transit-in-1970/