CORNWALL, Ontario – Organizers Melanie Baker-Brown and Janet Martel are looking forward to the 13th annual Aultsville Filmfest, running from Jan. 25 to 27.
The weekend-long event will feature eight films. One film, Expo 67 Mission Impossible, will even hold a discussion period following the screening with the filmmaker.
“We have a real collection, a real variety this year,” said Baker-Brown. “A film festival is important because we do a collection of independent, foreign films and it’s a way to share stories around the world. We open our hearts and minds to different cultures and different situations.”
Baker-Brown explained that the films are run through an outreach program associated with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). She is thankful for the committee support of Pam Maloney and Andrea White who help to run the annual film series at the theatre. Baker-Brown maintains that the festival seeks to engage, enlighten and entertain. She is always pleased with the discussion following a film.
“Everybody that has come to try it has always come back,” said Baker-Brown. “I’m always surprised as to which ones (films) come off as favourites…that’s the fun part. It keeps it interesting… by the end of the weekend, most of the audience have seen them all and want to see more…they’re in the mindset of different experiences.”
Janet Martel, Executive Director of Aultsville Theatre, is always excited to collaborate as a part of this event. Martel admires the pointed messaging of most of the films and commends Baker-Brown on her selections.
“You don’t have to be a die hard film enthusiast to enjoy the filmfest,” said Martel. “Just come, get out of the cold, enjoy a screening.”
Tickets are available online and at the Cornwall Civic Complex box office. Weekend passes cost $130 each and include access to each screening, as well as food and beverages during social breaks. Individual screening tickets are also available for $15 and $10 for students.
Baker-Brown would like to thank all of the generous event sponsors that make the film festival a success.
For more information and film schedules, visit www.aultsvilletheatre.com.
