The Victoria Film Festival has been evolving and blooming since 1995. Bringing “a diverse selection of Canadian and international films. (We) support the practice of all media artists with particular focus on Canadian independent media artists through exhibition of their work.”
“We are at 25 years. We have a solid place in our community.”
-Kathy Kay, Executive Director, the Victoria Film Festival
To kick off the festival? A hilarious screening of Sink or Swim at the Victoria Conference Centre followed by a 70s disco-themed gala at the former Staples space. The film’s about a group of 40-something men bent on shaking midlife malaise by forming a synchronised swimming team. Synchronised swimming + disco?!? Sounds like an epic way to “dive in” to the festival, right?
“The opening gala’s always incredible. We go all-out with creativity.”
-Kathy Kay, Executive Director
With 79 films across seven venues, screening films in all genres from all over the world, there’s something for everyone. In honor of the 25-year milestone, there’s a screening of Smoke Signals. This memorable film came out in 1998 and explores the Indigenous psyche with both lightheartedness and “tugging sadness”. Host Richard Crouse will interview director Chris Eyre and actors Tantoo Cardinal and Even Williams onstage after the showing.
“A single film will attract people of all ages. It is something that people connect with.”
-Kathy Kay, Executive Director
Here’s a few of the films to whet your appetite:
Charts the rise to stardom of a female comedienne through the 1970’s and 1980’s. It is set against the backdrop of working men’s clubs and the stand-up comedy circuit of the North of England.
A loving tribute to Bosnian grandparents and an earnest attempt to better understand the place of Bojan Bodružić left as a child during the war in Sarajevo.
A powerful and moving film about refugees in Europe – Switzerland’s Official Entry for the Oscars.
A quirky and complex dark comedy about a lowly pig farmer with nowhere to dispose of his pigs.
Madeleine Olnek’s witty ensemble comedy does away with Emily Dickinson’s reclusive persona by reimagining her vivacious years later with her sister-in-law.
And that’s just four of 79 films. So. Many. Amazing. Films.
Happy Birthday Victoria Film Festival!
For more information and tickets, visit the Victoria Film Festival website. And here’s a sweet feature, you can check out here what’s sold out and what’s almost gone!
