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MOPA student Zac Hoffman’s film awarded Best Canadian Film at VIMFF

“We truly believe this film can make a positive impact on people.” ~ Zac Hoffman

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Tag(s): Awards & Accolades, Current Students, Fine & Applied Arts

Crux, a film by Capilano University student Zac Hoffman, is premiering at the 2021 Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival.

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) has named CapU Motion Picture Arts student Zac Hoffman’s festival entry as “Best Canadian Film.” His film Crux will premiere later this month at the festival, which runs online from February 19-28, 2021.

Crux follows Harvey, a recovering addict who uses rock climbing to work through his ongoing struggle with mental health. Hoffman and co-director Casey Dubois hope to amplify the conversation around mental health and sport to promote the idea of vulnerability through their 34-minute documentary film.

Crux: Film Trailer

Hoffman, a former member of the Canadian National Mogul Ski Team, came to filmmaking with an interest in sport psychology and a firm belief in the connection between mental health and sport.

“I wanted to dive deeper into this idea,” said Hoffman. “When I started hearing about Harvey’s story, one in which the stakes are a lot higher than the average athlete, it seemed like a really interesting and inspiring way to tackle this subject.”

Having Crux released during his last term of the Motion Picture Arts program feels like a launching point for Hoffman, who plans to become a documentary filmmaker with a focus on telling sports stories.

“I think sport is a very powerful thing and I would love to continue telling stories from the world of sport that make a positive impact on people,” said Hoffman.

Reflecting on his time at Capilano University, Hoffman says his greatest takeaways are learning the power of story and the ability to put his trust in others. He now works on films with the confidence of knowing each person on the film team brings a different perspective that adds value to the film.

“Learning how to tell stories effectively, but also economically is something that I find myself using in my life every day, and this absolutely came into play while making Crux,” said Hoffman.

Crux at VIMFF

Crux can be viewed with a ticket to the Festival’s Climbing Show, a film only pass or an all access pass. Festival pass holders can activate their pass any time between February 19 and 28; once activated, passes will be active for one month.

                                                          Zac Hoffman-reduced size image
                                                          Zac Hoffman

Submitted by: Linda Munro, Communications