A new film festival, WIFF, The Weengushk International Film Festival, is set to go at the Four Directions Complex on Manitoulin Island.
Founder, acclaimed filmmaker, writer and director, Dr. Shirley Cheechoo, says it is the first Indigenous festival in the North with a line-up of international films.
She is dedicated to bringing cultures together and promoting Indigenous voices through film.
Cheechoo adds the festival will screen a wide range of film from experienced to emerging filmmakers, feature films, documentaries, and a student film category.
The Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF), a joint venture between Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) and Brock University, was created to highlight Indigenous talent – actors, writers, directors and filmmakers from around the world.
Internationally acclaimed film Wind River opens the festival and the line up includes the award-winning documentary Rumble and closes with the powerful Canadian film Indian Horse.
VIP’s include Brenda Lintinger, a Tunica-Buloxi Council member, whose tribe helped produce Wind River, acclaimed filmmaker Jennifer Podemski, filmmaker/actor, Nathaniel Arcand and Juno award winning singer/songwriter Crystal Shawanda.
Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) is dedicated to unlocking the creative potential of youth and emerging artists. While helping our students develop market-leading skills and experiences, WFI provides significant value by creating a mentorship network between our students and industry professionals. This approach fosters skills development through arts training and creates access points to key decision makers in all areas of film and television.
Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF) was created to explore Indigenous topics while breaking down stereotypes and racial barriers. WIFF creates an important venue where emerging talents and varying perspectives can be exposed to audiences, and where people can become educated about First Nations, Métis and Inuit issues in Canada and around the world.
For tickets, visit the WIFF website at: weengushkfilmfestival.ca