Film Access Northumberland is launching with a Film Festival called the Eye2Eye International Film Festival. Scheduled for August 29, 2021, at 8 PM, it will be free and outdoors at Victoria Park. All Covid-19 protocols will be in place so there’s little danger of cancellation. The new Cobourg based group (Film Access Northumberland) is not affiliated with Northumberland Film Sundays or the Dressler Foundation which holds an annual Vintage Film Festival. The group is chaired by Ross Pigeau and their board includes local film fans Chris Worsnop, Cathie Houston, Adriana Monti and Micol Marotti. Their organization is incorporated and supported by CAMECO in Port Hope, the Town of Cobourg, the Watershed Magazine, the Art Gallery of Northumberland and the Loft Cinema with “additional participation” from the Cobourg Public Library and Cobourg Media.
Film Access Northumberland (FAN)
“A not-for-profit organization that seeks to promote community, tolerance and understanding through the art of film. Through a variety of film-based events like our flagship Eye2Eye Film Festival, we connect our community to world-class talent and films, and present our local and diverse talent to Canada’s wider film community. Connect with us on social media at Facebook.com/Fanorthumberland [not yet active], or on Instagram@Fanorthumberland, [not yet active], and on Twitter@poced [by Chris Worsnop, active].” Chris Worsnop said on Twitter “We aim to showcase the best docs & bring together film students and film professionals”
Eye2Eye International Film Festival
In addition to films being screened in Victoria Park, the award-winning Executive Producer of Murdoch Mysteries and CEO and Chairman of Shaftesbury, Christina Jennings, will be participating in an in-person, questions and answers session with the audience, and a master class with local student filmmakers at The Loft Cinema (201 Division St. Cobourg) that will be accessible online.
“We are very excited to have one of Canada’s most celebrated and prolific producers launch our inaugural Eye2Eye International Film Festival. FAN is all about bringing world-class talent and films to our community, and connecting our local talent to the larger film industry, so it is especially fitting that we celebrate with a special screening of Murdoch Mysteries filmed locally,” says Ross Pigeau, Chair of Film Access Northumberland.
“I’m thrilled to be taking part in this initiative and excited to share our many insights from making Murdoch Mysteries with the student filmmakers in Eastern Ontario,” said Christina Jennings, Chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury. “I’m also looking forward to seeing the presentations and enjoying the fine work of these talented students.”
The special screening will also feature short films by local filmmakers and award-winning international films to be announced at a later date.
“Through our Eye2Eye International Film Festival’s Student Award and Student Showcase programs, FAN will be advancing our commitment to supporting local filmmakers. These programs provide financial awards and access to equipment, facilities and top industry experts as well as an opportunity to connect with our enthusiastic Northumberland film fans,” adds Pigeau.
In addition to the screening event, FAN will be announcing local contests, giveaways, and activities with community partners.
In order to maintain COVID-19 safety measures, this year’s in-person screenings will take place on Sunday, August 29, 2021 only and are limited to the approved number for outdoor gatherings as designated by the Provincial government. All COVID-19 protocols and safety measures will be in place, including physical distancing markers in Victoria Park. Participants are asked to wear non-medical masks and maintain safe distances during the event. Pre-registration is required. Registration information will be posted on FAN social media at a later date [see links above].
In addition to the screening event, FAN will be announcing local contests, giveaways, and activities with community partners.
This initiative is a breath of fresh air on Cobourg’s Culture scene.
Watch for future updates at the Cobourg Calendar web page.
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This is great news! Films in the park in the summer and films at the ‘Park’ in the winter?
Time to take back Cobourg for the People!
Sounds like great synergy all round. I had been planning to comment favourably on the idea of the pop-up food kiosks near the beach. Congratulations to the film group, the Town and anyone else involved.
Fantastic news! Way to go Ross, Chris, Cathie, and the rest of the team! Looking forward to this new event.
John, you mention “support” by the Town of Cobourg, the Art Gallery of Northumberland and the Cobourg Library. I don’t recall this group being discussed during the budget deliberations. Can you provide any details of the amounts or is it only moral support?
Information in the Post comes from a Press Release. No financial information was included.
Wonderful!
Imagine….a stroll along the waterfront, dinner at a pop up patio, and a cultural
event in the park, featuring Canadian and local talent.
Something residents from across Northumberland will enjoy!
I’m in!
That is , indeed, good news!!! Having dinner on the beach should a great attraction and long over due , in terms of a pop-up eating on the beach.