Winter Film Festival

In November 2003, Ken Prue asked for interested people to join him in presenting first run Movies that were aimed at movie lovers yet not shown in the Northumberland Mall theatre.  Sourcing Films from the Toronto International Film Festival’s “Film Circuit”, the group called itself Northumberland Film Sundays (NFS) and showed five or six films each Spring and Fall.  In early 2012, Ken bought the Mall theatres but continued to lead NFS. In July 2014, Ken called an end to his venture at the Mall and passed the NFS reins to others. After a painful transition, he eventually re-opened at the Loft where he stages quality documentaries, occasional classics, Royal Opera movies and live shows. NFS continued with the new Mall theatre owners – Rainbow.

If Beale St could talk
If Beale St could talk

Meanwhile, in January 2007, NFS added a Winter Film festival with 5 more films spread over a weekend and including a reception at Victoria Hall.  Now in its thirteenth year, this Festival will be held on this coming weekend starting Friday January 25, 2019 with one film, then with two films on Saturday January 26 followed by the reception in Victoria Hall and will finish with two more on Sunday January 27.

The program is

  • Friday, January 25, 2019 – 6:30 pm –  Bel Canto
  • Saturday, January 26, 2019 – 2:00 pm  – Transit
  • Saturday, January 26, 2019 – 4:30 pm – If Beale Street Could Talk
  • Saturday, Jan 26,  2019 –  6:45 pm – Reception in Victoria Hall with entertainment by Tanya Wills Trio
  • Sunday, January 27, 2019 – 1:30 pm  – Beautiful Boy
  • Sunday, January 27, 2019 – 4:00 pm – Puzzle

The reception is very popular (Photos here) and includes a draw for a VIA Rail voucher worth $1500 – spend it how you like.  You can still get weekend passes including the reception – go here. Singles might be available but this Festival often sells out (with no Facebook or other Social Media promotion – imagine that).

Note that NFS does not receive any taxpayer funds – it is fully run by volunteers with some limited support from sponsors.  I wonder if it will be mentioned in the Cultural Master Plan which should have its first public meeting this February?

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