From March 5 to 14, the historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Kamloops will be kicking off its 30th annual Kamloops Film Festival. Presented by the Kamloops Film Society, this festival offers up ten days packed with more than two dozen feature films, a short film showcase, special events, a two-day Learn About Film workshop, and social gatherings designed to entertain, inform, and excite cinephiles of all shapes and sizes.
“I would say the purpose of the film festival is bringing the best of international and independent film to Kamloops,” said Kamloops Film Festival Programmer, Sam Theriault.
“A lot of these films would otherwise never be shown here,” added Colette Abbott, Kamloops Film Society Executive Director.
And with a lineup that includes everything from the amazing queer BDSM-themed movie, ‘Pillion’, to the original ‘Wizard of Oz’, this festival really does have something for everyone.
“I’ve not even seen it on the big screen, yet,” said Abbott, when talking about the classic Wizard of Oz. “I’m looking forward to that one.”
Theriault, who has watched most of the films coming out, said that he is most looking forward to some of the foreign films selected. Though he says that all the films they’ve chosen are brilliant in one way or another.
And even if you want something more bite-sized to whet your film-watching whistle, the KFF has got you. The Kamloops Independent Short Shorts might be just what you are looking for. Featuring two short film blocks: longer shorts (up to 18 minutes) and the “Under Five” program for films under five minutes. These (mainly) locally produced offerings are then judged, voted on, and awards are given out to the best in each category. It’s a film festival and an awards show all at once!
More than just screenings, the festival brings together filmmakers with events such as the popular Learn About Film weekend. This two-day series of workshops on March 7 and 8 features sessions on script development, sound design, production strategy, and industry career pathways, with opportunities for one-on-one consultations and networking with professionals from across Canada.
For those who want to make a full night of food and film, KFF has teamed up with a selection of downtown restaurants for Flavours and Flicks for the ten days of the festival. Throughout the duration of the festival, they will be offering specially curated food and wine before or after your film at their locations.
“It’s a great way to get the conversations going,” said Abbott. “Because sometimes the conversations after the movies are the best part.”
The whole event kicks off with a welcome reception on the first Friday evening, the KISS reception on Sunday, a mid-week wine-ing social, a movie trivia night, and even a Canadian camping-themed wrap party to really celebrate the local scene in the most Canadian way possible — wrapped in flannel.
However you look at it, the KFF is dedicated to making sure everyone feels welcome. Film Festivals are not just for Hollywood, they are for everyone. And KFF, with the help of Theriault and Abbott, wants you to feel at home at the theatre.
“It’s not scary at all. It’s a really welcoming environment. Even if it’s your first time coming, you’ll come out with a new appreciation,” said Theriault.
And, of course, the hope is that you’ll want to keep coming back. “One of the big things for me is trying to build more year-round programming,” Theriault said. And there are some very cool committees and events still to come throughout the year. Check out the website for more about what’s to come, and information about how you might get involved beyond catching a film, if you’re itching for more.
In the meantime, you can get more information and tickets for the KFF and the events that are part of it on their website at thekfs.ca/kff.