Message from the Director
It is always interesting to see the faces of our patrons as they exit the theatre. Sometimes there is quietly profound emotion as they process their feelings; other times a broad smile appears from being warmed by a humourous story; often times they are quite animated as they engage in intense discussion with their fellow filmgoers. Sharing great movies with our audience is really what it’s all about and this year’s selection of films will not disappoint! We have the sensational documentary Act of God as our festival opener about the metaphysical affects of being struck by lightning. Director Jennifer Baichwal and Producer/Director of Photography Nick de Pencier will join us for a Q&A after this screening. Since we will be uptown for this screening, we thought that it might be interesting to hold a festive event in an available retail space in order to create a cafe environment for this informal and sure-be-lively discussion.We have experienced some change with respect to our venue this year but with change comes opportunity. The new relationship with Bayfield 7 Cinemas has brought us the chance to reach a wider audience and we are most fortunate to now enjoy the use of two main screening facilities. There will be showings at the Bayfield and, thanks to new owner Mark Porter, the Imperial will re-open its doors for a portion of the festival. This reappearance of our downtown locale will allow us to expand the total number of screenings and to experience some events in a unique way, such as having the Filmmakers' Party as well as the Showcase itself at the theatre. This evening is sure to be an exciting one: we’ve received an increase in the number of films submitted to our Short Film Competition and the jury has made their final selections – never an easy task!
After a truly exciting week of film screenings, the feature presentation on Friday October 23rd will be the Canadian gem Crackie, which was filmed in Newfoundland and stars the brilliantly gifted Mary Walsh. To round out the East-coast theme, this gala presentation will then be followed by The After Party at the Southshore Centre where we can all kick up our heels to the foot-stomping music of the folk/celtic band The Purveyors and munch on some fabulous food prepared by local chefs.
On Saturday October 24th at 2:00 pm the BFF is delighted to be welcoming one of Canada’s most innovative documentary filmmakers, director Kevin McMahon who will attend the screening of his film Waterlife at Imperial 8 Cinemas for a Q&A. This compelling documentary tells the epic story of the Great Lakes and underscores the critical role that fresh water plays in all of our lives.
In another first, we have moved the location of what was formerly known as the Director’s Brunch to the Downtown Community Theatre for October 25th at 3 pm. Renamed the Director's Wine and Cheese, we will be focusing on the filmmaking talents of director, writer and video artist Lester Alfonso and screening his moving documentary film Twelve, which captures the universal need for identity and acceptance.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who helps to make this event possible: our audience for their passion and enthusiasm, our many volunteers who have contributed their valuable time and input and our sponsors who have donated their generous support – I am grateful to be sharing the excitement of film with you all!
Claudine Benoit, Director
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