Antigonish International Film Festival

 

AIFF poster 2011

AIFF poster 2011

The fifth annual Antigonish International Film Festival takes place Oct 21 and 22nd with a wonderful lineup of films for all ages.

Opening night on Friday Oct 21 features “Soundtrack for a Revolution” which tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music.   It features performances by top artists and riveting archival footage and interviews.  Two short films from Cara Jones, a local filmmaker will round out the evening. Venue is 351 Nicholson Hall, StFX, 7:00 PM.

This year’s festival brings together a broad diversity of films that provides something of interest to everyone – from emphasizing positive success stories and reasons for hope, to revealing the corruption of power and squandering of natural resources around the globe.

On Saturday there is a full day of films starting at 9:00 AM at three venues – 2 venues at Coady International Institute and on Main Street at the new People’s Place.  This year AIFF has added a Children’s Film Festival which will be shown in the Youth Room of the People’s Place on Saturday afternoon from 1PM – 2:30PM with a selection of short films.

Since over 25 films will be shown in 3 locations the program booklet or the online schedule will be useful to plan your day.  One ticket will get you in to all the films.

On Saturday evening the dinner will be held at the Prissy Pig Café and Deli with an Indian menu.  This has been a popular event in past years and the tickets for it go quickly.  A month long International Photography Exhibition “With a Conscious Eye” from local and international photographers and development workers. A cash bar opens at 6PM, dinner serving is at 7:15PM. Tickets are $20 and available at Lyghtesome Gallery.

The Sunday Filmmaking Workshop will give insight into the making of a documentary film.  Participants will have the opportunity to “deconstruct” a film and also to have some hands on experience in the process of planning, shooting and editing a film.

In the week following the film festival discussion and conversations will be held at the People’s Place to focus on environmental issues and another on disabilities following up on the issues and ideas raised by films at the festival.

Over 75 sponsors from the community  support the film festival.  A special sponsor “Thank You” evening was held in October at the People’s Place with a film and refreshments.

The film festival is a year-long planning effort by a large number of dedicated and eager volunteers who have worked to select, plan and bring together this wonderful opportunity to engage people with thought provoking, engaging and stimulating films.

For more information see the website www.antigonishfilmfest.org and signup on Facebook for updates.