The Papal Chase is a 2004 Canadian micro-budget feature-length guerrilla-style mockumentary directed by Kenny Hotz of Kenny vs. Spenny fame, and written by Hotz and Paul Johnson. The film features cameo appearances by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, as well as footage of Toronto mayoral candidate Kevin Clarke. It is also the only comedy feature that has an appearance by Pope John Paul II. Among its awards, the film won the Phillip Borsos Award for Best Canadian Feature Film at the 2004 Whistler Film Festival,[1] and won 'Best Documentary' at the 2005 Canadian Filmmakers' Festival.[2]

The Papal Chase
The Papal Chase movie poster
Directed byKenny Hotz
Written by
  • Kenny Hotz
  • Paul Johnson
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography
  • Kenny Hotz
  • Sebastian Cluer
Edited byMarco Porsia
Music byBrendan Michie
Production
company
Massey Films
Distributed byFilms Transit International
Release date
Running time
53 minutes
CountryCanada
LanguageEnglish
Budget$800

Plot

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When Pope John Paul II is visiting Canada in 2002, Kenny Hotz's friend Paul bets him $1000 that Kenny (who is Jewish) can't meet him. Over the course of six days, Kenny wears various disguises and makes multiple efforts to meet the pope in order to win the bet. Kenny's attempts include becoming a "Pope-arazzi", fighting his way through millions of pilgrims and onlookers, thousands of cops, security guards, Vatican Special Forces, and precision snipers. Along the way, Kenny crosses paths with various members of The Rolling Stones.

Cast

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Release

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The film debuted on December 2, 2004, at the Whistler Film Festival and had its US premiere at the Brooklyn International Film Festival in June 2005.

Recognition

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Reception

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Awards and nominations

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References

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  1. ^ a b "WFF Winners: Borsos Award for Best Canadian Feature Film". Whistler Film Festival. Archived from the original on January 5, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c "Papal Chase, The (2004)". Top Ten Reviews. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c "The Papal Chase, Winner: Audience Award". Brooklyn International Film Festival. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d "Kenny Hotz". Buddy TV. March 3, 2008. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  5. ^ "Brooklyn International Film Festival Announces 2005 Winners". creativeplanetnetwork.com. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
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