GRFF opens in one week!
We’ve got Canadian premieres, directorial debuts, and stories with social impact, including a Q&A with TRUE BLOOD’s Stephen Moyer and a screening of the highly touted Inuit lacrosse film THE GRIZZLIES.
The 12th season continues our festival’s notable programming, pairing screenings with director Q&A’s, local interest group panels, and outstanding guest speakers.
"This season's films are an exciting cross section of the struggles and triumphs of life,” shares Michael Clark, Chair of Festival Programming. “Each will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.”
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Festival highlights include:
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Canadian premieres and a post-screening Q&A with the film’s director. Be the first to see these award-winning films!
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THE PARTING GLASS
Known for his riveting role as Bill Compton in the hit series TRUE BLOOD, Stephen Moyer will be in the house for his directorial debut THE PARTING GLASS joined by producer Cerise Larkin. Written by Denis O’Hare, THE PARTING GLASS is a meditation on family and mortality, and for Moyer, “it is a story about life; and how experiences like these shape our future life and the way we live it”.
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BE NATURAL
BE NATURAL is the incredible unknown story of film pioneer Alice Guy-Blaché (1873-1968) who wrote, produced or directed 1,000 films, including 150 with synchronized sound during the ‘silent’ era. Her work included comedies, westerns and dramas, and groundbreaking subject matter such as child abuse, immigration and female empowerment. Director Pamela B. Green will Skype in with guest speakers Dr. Katherine Spring Wilfrid Laurier University and Dr. Charlie Keil University of Toronto
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Powerful discussions around topics we are passionate about. Join the conversation!
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THE PUBLIC
THE PUBLIC, directed by Emilio Estevez, is a commentary on the role public libraries play for our homeless population as both a daytime shelter and safe space, but also providing free access to communicate and network through library resources. Mary Chevreau, CEO Kitchener Public Library, Lynn Macauley, Chair of the All IN 2020, and Suzi Gursoy, Chair of People’s Action Group will speak about the issues and initiatives underway to address homelessness in our region.
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GOALIE
The life of a professional athlete is one of passion, dedication and sacrifice regardless of the sport. But there is something very different about the role of a goaltender. GOALIE is the story of legendary Terry Sawchuk, considered the world’s greatest. Post-screening talk with historian Kevin Shay, award-winning author of 17 hockey books and editor for the Hockey Hall of Fame, David Edgeworth, Owner and Justin Brooks, Partner at DEPTH Training.
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THE GRIZZLIES
Canadian film THE GRIZZLIES has been racking up audience awards and for good reason. The characters in this film are based on real people, but they also represent every child across North America who is struggling with structurally-imposed barriers and inter-generational trauma—and show that there is always a way to stay in the game, overcome obstacles and gain confidence despite steep odds. Cam Bomberry Director of Iroquois Lacrosse and former player Miles General will talk about the role sport can play in transforming individuals and communities.
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Regional sneak peaks and directorial debuts by Olivia Wilde and A. T. White provide perspectives from traditionally underrepresented groups.
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BOOKSMART
Told from a wildly original, fresh and modern perspective, BOOKSMART is an unfiltered comedy about high school friendships and the bonds we create that last a lifetime. Capturing the spirit of our times, the film is a coming of age story for a new generation, a reminder to all of us that you come-of-age when you open up and allow your light to shine, and when you let others do the same.
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STARFISH
Written, directed and scored by A. T. White, primarily a musician by trade, STARFISH is a beautiful sci-fi that explores grief and loss, healing and regret, through Aubrey, a woman alone in the world with only the power of music to save her.
Smarter, trippier and more consistently ingenious and thought-provoking than any dozen studio genre behemoths that you or I could name. -Peter Sobczynski eFilmCritic.com
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Documentary film showcasing the brilliance of our next generation. Be inspired!
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CHEF FLYNN
The festival lineup rounds out with the fascinating documentary CHEF FLYNN, a uniquely comprehensive portrait of a one-of-a-kind childhood and a young star’s rise as seen from the inside, about teen phenom and award-winning chef Flynn McGarry.
What sets this lively, engaging doc apart is that we see Flynn become a culinary star through the eyes of his mother. -Alan Scherstuhl, LA Weekly
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