Saskatchewan’s Largest Film Festival Kicks Off Today
Today marks the exciting launch of Saskatchewan’s largest film festival, bringing a diverse array of cinematic events to venues across Regina. The Regina International Film Festival (RIFFA) is set to showcase a wide range of films, with screenings taking place at prominent locations such as the RCMP Heritage Centre and McKenzie Art Gallery.
Spotlight on The Strangers Case
Tonight’s highlight is The Strangers Case, directed by Brandt Andersen. This powerful film delves into the global refugee crisis, focusing on the harrowing journey of a Syrian family fleeing conflict. The narrative captures the broader impact of humanitarian emergencies, shedding light on the struggles faced by displaced individuals around the world.
Brandt Andersen, known for his dedication to refugee and humanitarian causes, directed the film. Andersen’s commitment to these issues extends beyond filmmaking. He is the founder of The REEL Foundation, established in 2021, which empowers refugees and marginalized communities to express their stories through art and storytelling. His extensive humanitarian work includes aid drops over Gaza with the Jordanian military in November 2023 and leading a filmmaking bootcamp for Syrian teenagers in Jordan in 2017. His previous project, “Peace Please,” created during this bootcamp, has been featured at Human Rights conferences globally.
The Strangers Case will screen tonight at 8 p.m. at the RCMP Heritage Centre. Tickets are available at RIFFA.ca.
Special Events and Screenings
The festival kicks off with an intriguing Masterclass titled “Gay Mean Girls: The Making of a Web Series” by Heyishi Zhang. Scheduled for this morning from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. at The Studio at Cornwall, the session will be moderated by Timothy Lenko. Zhang’s short film, created as a response to microaggressions faced during film school, offers a unique perspective on creative storytelling.
Additionally, short films will be screened at the RCMP Heritage Centre starting at 3 p.m. Today’s events provide a rich blend of thought-provoking content and engaging discussions.
Ticket Information
Tickets for individual screenings are priced at $10.00, available at the door only. For those looking to experience more of the festival, the LOOK Screening Pass is available for $20.00, and the Screening Day Pass is priced at $25.00. Tickets can be purchased at RIFFA.ca.
As Saskatchewan’s largest film festival unfolds, it promises to be a celebration of art, storytelling, and important social issues, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with powerful narratives and support important causes.
