I wrote this article for Beatportal.com in September 2008.
Sunday night in Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival in the heart of downtown (Little Italy to be exact), Paul Kalkbrenner stood outside of the Royal Theatre as people lined up to go inside.
He, as the star actor, along with film director Hannes Stohr of the new film Berlin Calling, waited in anticipation of the North American premiere of their film.
The rogue screening organizers, Platform Events and Xanuradio.com were bustling around – promoting, and doing press releases and media outreach - earlier that week up until the last minute to ensure that things went smoothly.
That night as people entered the theatre and seats began to fill, the anticipation started to dissipate.
It was clear that the screening would be well-attended by electronic music fans in Toronto.
As the lights dimmed and the opening credits rolled, the audience cheered as Paul Kalkbrenner’s impressive soundtrack kicked in.
After the film, which portrays DJ Ikarus in a journey through drug addiction, the creation of his full-length album, and mental health illness and recovery, the audience clapped and cheered.
The lights came up and Paul Kalkbrenner and Hannes Storh walked to the front of the theatre stage and invited everyone to the after-party at the TIFF after-hours hot spot, The Drake Hotel.
At the Drake guests were treated to some sets by Greg Gow, Jamie Kidd, and Felix and Gani.
In addition, Paul Kalkbrenner’s live set was energetic and full of passion.
He dropped some of his hit and recognizable tracks (also featured in Berlin Calling): ‘Sky and Sand’ (which is produced and arranged by Paul Kalkbrenner, written and performed by Fritz Kalkbrenner - and is not yet available on Beatport), and ‘Gebrunn, Gebrunn’.
People at the event seemed thrilled to have a chance to hear the man from the film play.
Paul’s work as an electronic music artist continues to impress as did his surprisingly good ability to act for cinema!
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People interested in Montreal can see Berlin Calling in the 2nd screening ever in North America.
The Montreal screening takes place at Cinema du Parc (3575, av. du Parc) on September 15th at 7pm.
Tickets can be obtained at 6pm at the theatre or in advance online at
wanttickets.com.
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Photo for this article taken by Jofus (
www.thefuss.ca)