EIFF: Most cancers survivor Steven Csorba's Classes from the Sunflower

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Searching for inspiration, Steven Csorba found the sunflower.

He started rising them across the time of COVID-19, however the humble, leggy plant quickly got here to signify all he had conquered by way of the numerous years previous, and his hopes for the longer term, too.

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At 38, Csorba was identified with neck and throat most cancers — all of the extra terrifying contemplating he had misplaced his mom to most cancers when she was 37. A divorced father of three boys underneath the age of 12, he’d spend the subsequent decade, and extra, combating simply to outlive. A number of surgical procedures to his head and neck left him wanting little like himself, and remoted from employment, family and friends. And but Csorba, an artist and passionate health advocate, managed to rally regardless of many painful obstacles.

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In her 81-minute documentary, Edmonton director Ava Karvonen explores the native man’s life and psyche, and divulges what retains Csorba (who’s 58 on the time of filming) transferring ahead in pleasure.

The extra skills of author Scot Morison, cinematographer Sergio Olivares and editor Brenda Terning contribute to creating Karvonen’s movie a heart-warming reflection on what it means to be resilient. Edmontonians will even relish scenes shot within the river valley and references to the November Undertaking. Whereas the documentary feels longer than essential, there’s a lot to ponder in its perspective.

*There can be a Q-and-A with director/producer Ava Karvonen and Steven Csorba following the movie’s screening Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. on the Stanley Milner Library’s Muttart Theatre.

REVIEW

Classes from the Sunflower

Directed by Ava Karvonen

That includes Steven Csorba

81 minutes

Canada

The thirty seventh Edmonton Worldwide Movie Pageant will function 115 movies screening from Sept. 21 to Oct. 1 at 4 venues: Garneau Theatre, Telus World of Science, the Artwork Gallery of Alberta and Stanley Milner Library downtown. See edmontonfilmfestival.com for particulars, tickets and showtimes.