The Regina International Film Festival and Awards (RIFFA) is a cinematic experience unlike any other in Saskatchewan. Every year, it brings together film aficionados from all walks of life to the Queen City, offering a diverse collection of films from around the world—some of which make their Canadian premiere right here in Regina. This year, one film in particular has captured the imagination of critics and audiences alike: The Strangers’ Case.

Described by Michael Robinson director of the jury at RIFFA as “extraordinary.” In an interview with 620 CKRM Robinson said “The Strangers’ Case is the kind of film that comes along only once in a decade. This film blew me and the entire jury away,” the film had a lasting impact on Robinson.

The Strangers’ Case made its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February, where it won the Amnesty International Award. Since then, it has taken home top honors at every festival it has entered. Despite its success, the film remains relatively unknown, having no major press coverage and yet to be picked up by a distributor. It faces an uncertain future. “It may never even appear on Netflix,” said Robinson, lamenting the film’s potential to be lost to the masses.

“If people don’t see this film now, they may never see it again,” added Robinson – suggesting that is all too often the case with film festival selections. “The winner of best picture last year was the best picture I’d seen all year, and if you check out IMDb, there is nothing—not even a review. It’s sad to think these great works of art just sit there somewhere.”

The fleeting nature of film festival screenings is what makes attending events like RIFFA so special. “When you go to a film festival, there is a chance the movie you see will never be shown again, and you will have a transcendent experience,” added Robinson. This sentiment captures the essence of what makes RIFFA such a unique event: the opportunity to witness something powerful and moving in a way that is rarely possible in a typical movie theater setting.

“RIFFA has done a terrific job. Expect an experience unlike the one you get at the cineplex. Expect an audience that is ready for adventure, not comfort. One that isn’t just munching popcorn, and checking their cell phones. That isn’t just watched another Mark Walberg movie” explained Robinson while speaking to RIFFA’s unique curated collection of movies.

Watching a movie with strangers is akin to sitting around the tribal fire of long ago. Listening to stories being woven. It’s a primal experience with it’s own unique magic.

“There is a huge difference between watching a movie in a shared cinema of strangers versus watching it on TV,” Robinson explained. “It’s more powerful to be emotionally affected at the same time as hundreds of other people. You’re very aware of your own emotions when you watch a movie alone or with a partner. But with an audience, you’re aware of the greater humanity’s reactions to these things; it joins you and makes you feel a sense of belonging.”

This collective experience is what drives people to film festivals year after year. “We seek to be surrounded by strangers, we seek these experiences,” Robinson Said, adding that Aristotle himself described humans as “social animals.”

RIFFA has built a reputation for curating an experience that goes beyond the typical movie-going event. “Expect an experience unlike the one you get at the cineplex,” urged one of the festival organizers. “Expect an audience that is ready for adventure, not comfort. One that isn’t just munching popcorn and checking their cell phones. An audience that is ready to have the experience of seeing a film that may change their lives.”

The Strangers’ Case, was directed by Brandt Andersen an American activist, writer, director, and producer known for his dedication to refugee and humanitarian causes. The Strangers’ Case is Andersen’s feature directorial debut, based on his short film Refugee.

The Strangers’ Case tells the powerful story of a Syrian family fleeing conflict, offering a stark portrayal of the global refugee crisis. The film captures the broader impact of humanitarian emergencies and sheds light on the struggles faced by displaced individuals around the world. The performances of Yasmine Al Massri, Omar Sy, and Jason Beghe bring an authenticity to the narrative that has resonated deeply with audiences.

Andersen’s commitment to refugee issues extends beyond filmmaking. In 2021, he founded The REEL Foundation, an organization that 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 boot camp for Syrian teenagers in Jordan in 2017. His previous project, Peace Please, created during this boot camp, has been featured at human rights conferences globally.

“This is the kind of film that might change your life—and then you’ll never see it again. It’s the sad nature of this business,” said Michael Robinson.

Tickets for the rest of the weeks screenings of other pictures are still available. With many films being produced right here in Saskatchewan.

To buy your tickets to any of this weeks remaining events – visit www.RIFFA.CA.

The Regina International Film Festival runs until August 24th.