On an astral plane

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This article was published 23/04/2024 (852 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As a teen, Nic Kaneski was fascinated by astrology, poring over glossy magazines, hunting for horoscope prophecies and analyzing star-sign quiz results.

“(I was) trying to make sense of myself through my zodiac and how I relate to the world and other people,” says Kaneski, a Leo.

Now, as box office manager for Dave Barber Cinematheque, Kaneski (who uses they/them pronouns) has been able to combine their love of film with their love of astrology through an ongoing screening series called Astral Projection.

At the beginning of each zodiac season, Kaneski selects a movie made by a director of that sign. The screenings include casual discussions about how the film embodies characteristics of its creator’s astrological identity.

It’s a way to celebrate cinema, the cosmos and fans of both.

“The thing I really love about movies and going to the theatre is the communal aspect of it,” Kaneski says. “Having a screening to mark the beginning of each zodiac season feels like a beautiful ritual to share the collective energy of the season and just have fun with other folks.”

On Thursday, the Exchange District theatre is showing Face/Off to welcome Taurus season. The 1997 action/surgical fantasy flick starring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta isn’t an obvious pick.

For one thing, director John Woo may not actually be a Taurus.

“There is some speculation as to his birthday,” says Kaneski, adding some sources claim he was born in May while others say September. “We’re honouring that he’s a Taurus for this.”

Secondly, the movie — which sees Cage and Travolta undergo an experimental face-swap surgery to avert a bomb threat — doesn’t exactly align with the indulgence, luxury and stubbornness often associated with the earth sign.

“I conceptualize them as a really lovely diva,” Kaneski says of Tauruses. “So, I think Face/Off works in the sense of the filmmaker spending so much money on this absolutely bananas film … indulging in a really silly idea and making such a big-budget film about it has such a Taurus energy.”

Astral Projection is approaching its second anniversary this fall. To keep the content fresh, Kaneski scrutinizes their database (a spreadsheet of directors organized by zodiac sign) and collects ideas from Cinematheque staff members and moviegoers. The programming ranges from indie pictures to classic cinema to Hollywood blockbusters.

Showing the first Twilight movie, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, last September in honour of Libra season was a highlight for Kaneski, who loved the vampiric romance series as a teenager.

“Part of me thinks this whole idea was just a vehicle to get Twilight screened,” they say with a laugh. “Libra is the sign of partnership and balance.

“It’s a movie about a teen girl becoming obsessed with this romance and feeling the need for completion through romance … even if it’s not necessarily in a beneficial or healthy way.”

For Kaneski, the Astral Projection series is a creative personal project and a way to get new audiences into Cinematheque, while exploring the crossroads of identity and self expression.

Asked which movie best represents their astrological personality, Kaneski points to Lady Bird, directed by fellow Leo Greta Gerwig. The fire sign is defined by generosity, egotism, passion and obstinance.

“That was a big film that meant a lot to me as a teenager,” Kaneski says. “Astrology isn’t reflective of who you are to a T; it’s the base trends or patterns in your life, and I’ve always been very, very strong-willed.”

Face/Off plays at Cinematheque Thursday at 7 p.m. General admission is $10; visit davebarbercinematheque.com for more information.

eva.wasney@winnipegfreepress.com

X: @evawasney