Famed director David Lynch was once credited with saying “cinema can translate ideas.”

At their core films are ideas brought to life by actors, writers, directors, camera people, prop and set designers, electricians, grips, craft services people, and so many more that it’s not possible to note them all here. These people and the work they do is vital to what lynch was referring to. Ideas – translated. Ideas – brought to life.

In 2024 the Saskatchewan film landscape might not see as many of the aforementioned creatives behind cinema trolling the prairie – especially after provincially favored Premier Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan Party decided to remove the province’s film tax credit- effectively destroying an entire industry back in 2012. Many of those very skilled, very creative people left the province – and haven’t returned. Saskatchewan seems to very well be void of celluloid vision and cinema. With a number of projects opting for communities more supportive of the industry through their own robust tax incentives. We no longer have a film “industry” (despite what some might suggest) here in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan film industry is in ruins. With politicians expounding it’s vibrancy and regrowth – against a chorus of voices reminding them that the industry is dead. The people who held it up left. Mostly for Toronto, Winnipeg or Vancouver. Film work in the province is barely viable as a fulltime career for residents of the province. Here in Saskatchewan the script features filmmakers who struggle, and then leave.

In the absence of a robust film industry – what the province does have – is a phoenix. A resilient community trying desperately to bring cinema and vision back to our little corner of the prairie that is Regina, and ultimately the province of Saskatchewan. It’s 2014 – a mere 2 years after the now governing Saskatchewan Party destroyed livelihoods, forced families to relocate, and dimmed so many budding careers through a political decision – The Regina International Film Festival is born.

A Decade of Amplifying Voices

The Regina International Film Festival’s journey began with a vision in 2014 and was officially established in 2015. Over the past decade, the RIFFA Foundation has been a pillar of the Saskatchewan arts community. The Regina International Film Festival & Awards (RIFFA) is back for 2024, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of diverse voices and stories from across the globe. This year, the festival is driven by one central mission: to amplify their voices.

With a powerful lineup featuring one female and six genderqueer or nonbinary filmmakers, alongside films produced in 27 different languages, RIFFA 2024 looks to be a showcase of the human spirit through the lens of diversity. Through cinema.

Prairie Perspective on a Global Stage

RIFFA 2024 is set to deliver an incredible array of films and events, each offering a uniquely prairie perspective on the global cinematic landscape. The festival will be held in-person in Regina from August 20-24, 2024, providing numerous opportunities to experience world-class cinema in the heart of Saskatchewan.

This year the festival has something for cinephiles of all stripes. Here is a shortlist of that’s happening in the Queen City starting Tuesday, August 20th 2024.

• Morning Masterclasses and Networking: Each morning at 8:00 am, The Studio at Cornwall will host masterclasses and networking events led by industry heavy-hitters, including the Oscar-nominated director Nisha Pahuja. These sessions will provide invaluable insights and connections for filmmakers and enthusiasts alike.
• Invited Documentaries and Panel Q&A’s: At 11:00 am daily, the Mackenzie Art Gallery will screen a series of invited documentaries, followed by panel discussions and Q&A sessions. These screenings and the discussion to follow offer a deep dive into the art and impact of documentary filmmaking, exploring stories that resonate with audiences on a profound level.
• Afternoon and Evening Screenings: The RCMP Heritage Centre will be the hub for afternoon and evening screenings of RIFFA 2024’s Official Selections. This year’s lineup features a mix of Saskatchewan, Canadian, and international films, including both scripted and documentary works, in short and feature-length formats. These films, representing a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives, are also in contention for the prestigious RIFFA 2024 awards.
• Red Carpet & Awards Ceremony: The festival will culminate on Saturday, August 24, with the 2024 Red Carpet & Awards Ceremony at the beautifully reopened Darke Hall at the University of Regina. This glamorous event will celebrate the best of the festival’s offerings, with awards honoring outstanding achievements in filmmaking. All are welcome to attend, with access included in festival passes.

Alongside the festival’s marquee offerings above – there are a number of free events planned with a focus on loving movies and appreciating Saskatchewan Filmmakers. The Saskatchewan Filmmakers Forum will be held Thursday, August 22, at 1:00 pm, at the Regina Public Library. This event is a unique opportunity to engage with local talent and explore the province’s films

You can also Enjoy the magic of cinema under the stars with two outdoor screenings. On Wednesday, August 21, at 8:00 pm, “Barbie” will be shown at Norseman Park, and on Friday, August 23, at 8:00 pm, “Kung Fu Panda 4” will screen at Horizon Station Park in Regina.

At its core, RIFFA in 2024 is about more than just films; it’s about stories translated ideas. It’s about ideas come to life – and just maybe, about showing those in legislature that this province has a love for film, that would be boosted and supported by new tax incentives. Perhaps this year’s RIFFA with the Saskatchewan Party “up against the ropes both morally and fiscally”- is more important than ever to the few artists that remain in the province. With a new government becoming increasingly more possible – this years festival may be more important than ever. This year is crucial for the new generation of filmmakers living in the province. With community support and packed screenings this year’s festival could very well be a testament to the power of cinema, it’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries and bring people together. Through the voices of female, genderqueer, and nonbinary filmmakers, and the stories told in 27 different languages – perhaps this year’s festival will help bring vision back to Saskatchewan.

As the festival approaches whether you’re a seasoned cinephile, a filmmaker, or simply someone who loves a good story, consider attending a RIFFA event and join community members coming together celebrate the rich tapestry of global cinema – from at home, and abroad.

For more information and to view the full schedule, visit www.RIFFA.ca

Be sure to tune into www.620ckrm.com for a daily glimpse of all that RIFFA has to offer next week. From the red carpet to the screen. 620 CKRM will feature stories from the festival.