Panida gets into swing of Winter Carnival fun
Before the Oscars on Sunday the Panida brings one more important contender. “Lion” is a powerful true story of loss and hope starring Dev Patel as Saroo, as well as Nicole Kidman, and Rooney Mara who all deliver remarkable performances.
It may be the first feature film for Garth Davis but his approach and ability to draw out compelling performances do not reflect this.
“Lion” is a tale of tragedy and loss, of pain and heartbreak — but also a tale of hope and mercy, of faith and love, and of how sublime moments of grace that are in our lives can often come from the aftermath of suffering. The smallest star steals your heart as well. Sunny Pawar, the 5-year-old actor who portrays Saroo in childhood, shows a broad range of emotions and carries your heart with him.
“Lion” reminds us that sometimes we struggle between the place from which we came and the place we’ve made our own and that feeling of being caught between them is painful and confusing until we learn how to either leave one of them behind, or learn how to bring them both together. Movies tell stories and this true story is extremely well told. The film is rated PG13 and is showing at the Panida Saturday, Feb. 25 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 26 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door or online at panida.org.
The Panida joins in the theme of “Weird and Wonderful” Winter Carnival with The Dating Game — Sandpoint Style. Single or married the event offers something for everyone and will be a fun evening. Come re-live the fun of the Dating Game! Winter Carnival brings with it all forms of entertainment and the Panida is participating with the Sandpoint Style version of the classic show “The Dating Game” with three bachleors and two bachelorettes who will take the stage to pick a date for a limo ride, dinner and a movie.
Dan Young will be the emcee and brings his humor and heart to the stage. Bring your own love connection, come to make a love connection, or just come to cheer (and maybe share a laugh with) the contestants. Watch, vote, and join the fun. Tickets are $5 to attend. There are raffle tickets for your own date components. Funds raised will go toward repairing the marquee.
Liquid courage drink specials in the lobby, the audience gets to vote, and special raffles all night for great date components. A singles mixer to follow the show. Join the Panida for a bit of fun on Friday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Patricia Walker is the executive director of the Panida Theater. She can be reached at patricia@panida.org.