– The Tragically Hip
– Doom Boogie, In Good Hand’s, Masterpiece, Single Woman Seeking Child,
and Still Alive in Kingston to all screen at KCFF24 –
KINGSTON, ON (Jan. 20, 2025) – Kingston’s film sector has come a long way since The Hip’s immortal Blow at High Dough lyrics. It was announced today the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF25) will present five made-in-Kingston feature and documentary films – the most ever – at its 25th anniversary festival next month, with many marking their world premieres. Additionally, KCFF25 will premiere eight homegrown short films as part of its Local Shorts program. The world’s largest all-Canadian film and cultural festival runs February 26 – March 2 in downtown Kingston. KCFF25’s full festival lineup will be announced on January 31.
“Our film and television sector continues to grow with productions from both sides of the border choosing the wide array of locations and support services Kingston provides,” said Joanne Loton, Film and Media Officer, City of Kingston. “More than 32 productions shot in Kingston in 2024, including these five homegrown features selected for KCFF25.”
Additional local productions making world premieres at the festival include projects from KCFF’s Doc Factory, 18 MM Program, and Slaight Music Video programs.
Made-in-Kingston Films @ KCFF25:
Doom Boogie – George Assimakopoulos (Sneak Peek)
Returning to KCFF with another proudly hyper-local production, Kingston-based production company Branded To Film (B2F) promises a wild movie ride gnarly enough to blow the doors off any grindhouse. Mixing all that is loud and heavy with high tension and gory horror thrills, a hard-rocking band’s imminent breakthrough gets derailed by a messy breakup. Two years later, four members try to patch things up at a cottage getaway north of Kingston. Unfortunately, they soon discover that their old gripes and resentments are the least of their worries if they hope to survive the weekend. With a cast that includes real-life musicians Ciara Roberts of Tiny Horse, Jonas Lewis-Anthony of The Wilderness, and Hanorah Hanley, Doom Boogie combines a sense of raw authenticity about life in a band, with an undisguised affection for old-school movie mayhem.
Tickets available now at Kingston’s Grand Theatre box office.
In Good Hands – Naomi Okabe (World Premiere)
The winner of the Best Local Short prize at KCFF23, Kingston/Prince Edward County-based filmmaker, writer, and artist Naomi Okabe returns to the Festival with another finely nuanced work. A look at the challenges of balancing life and work – and of finding meaning in both – Okabe’s new documentary introduces viewers to six people who have bucked societal preconceptions and challenged gender stereotypes in the ways they’ve chosen to serve their families and their communities. Delving deep into the lives of subjects who include a beekeeper, an educator, a flower farmer, and a cattle breeder, Okabe generously offers viewers a wealth of insights.
Local Shorts – Numerous – (World Premiere)
As the Festival turns 25 this year, so does its Local Shorts program. Over 25 years, more than 500 short films have played at the Festival, providing an opportunity for emerging local filmmakers to hone their craft and experienced filmmakers to experiment and create. This year, eight directors will premiere their shorts, following in the footsteps of filmmakers like Audrey Cummings, Les Stroud and Mike Downie who have all screened in the program. All Local Shorts are automatically considered for the Best Local Short prize, presented on March 2 at the KCFF25 Awards Party.
Masterpiece – Evan Bard (World Premiere)
Margo, the struggling artist at the heart of Kingston writer-director Evan Bard’s debut feature Masterpiece, tries to preserve her wedding plans by ending the passionate affair she’s also been having. But when her lover refuses to let go and crashes her engagement dinner, his arrival sets off a chain of events that reveal the long-buried secrets that all of the guests have been trying to hide. Anchored by the compelling lead performance by Shoresy’s Michala Brasseur, Bard’s film is a modern comedy of manners that’s remarkable for its fine balance between the dramatic and the comedic, and for the many breakout-worthy performers in its ensemble cast.
Single Woman Seeking Child – Blain Watters (World Premiere)
KCFF is thrilled to present the world premiere of this delightful and deeply personal film by former Kingstonian Blain Watters, the winner of KCFF’s 25 Years 25 Minutes Pitch Competition. A screenwriter and director who earned wide renown for co-writing Sleeping Giant (KCFF16), Watters based Single Woman Seeking Child on the experiences of his mother. Vanessa Smythe stars as Sandy, a woman in early-’80s Kingston who bucks the conservative nature of the times when she sets out to fulfill her dreams of motherhood, (mostly) on her own. Continually enriched by its warmth, humour and generous supply of local colour, Single Woman Seeking Child is the best kind of tribute to Blain’s mom. Tickets available now at Kingston’s Grand Theatre box office.
Still Alive in Kingston – Jay Middaugh (World Premiere)
Writer-director Jay Middaugh and leading man Bill Welychka have a very good time blurring the line between fact and fiction in this “non-canonical sequel” to the much-loved movie that made a big splash at KCFF17. Showing off his comedy chops in a role based loosely on himself, former MuchMusic VJ Welychka stars as an entertainment journalist who’s feeling down on his luck when he gets a chance to achieve the national prominence he once enjoyed. But in the course of creating his demo reel – which also serves as a showcase for some of Kingston’s most exceptional musical talent, including The Wilderness, Keaton, Luella, and Miss Emily – Bill’s meetings and misadventures help him escape his inertia and truly find his place in his new community. As a warm and funny tribute to Kingston and the people who provide it with so much richness and texture, this follow-up will no doubt receive another hearty hometown welcome.
Tickets available now at Kingston’s Grand Theatre box office.
In addition to exclusive Canadian films, KCFF25 boasts non-stop Q&As, music, comedy, workshops, industry panels, and parties at venues including the historic Kingston Grand Theatre, the architecturally spectacular Isabel Bader Centre, local cinema treasure The Screening Room, and vibrant arts hub the Broom Factory, as well as multiple downtown bars and restaurants. The 2025 Kingston Canadian Film Festival is presented by TD and Tourism Kingston. Major supporters also include Cogeco, Downtown Kingston BIA, ACFOMI, the Slaight Family Foundation, and The Norman and Margaret Jewison Foundation. Join the KCFF Circle of Supporters here or donate here.
About the Kingston Canadian Film Festival
The Kingston Canadian Film Festival is the largest festival in the world dedicated exclusively to Canadian film. Founded in 2001, KCFF is a charitable cultural organization that provides access to Canadian film in a dynamic festival setting. Transforming traditional and unconventional venues across Kingston’s historic downtown, KCFF is an annual whirlwind of movies and special events that spark curiosity, ignite discussion, and provide a fresh experience of Canadian film. Each year, long-time festival goers and first-time enthusiasts can explore screenings, Q+As, parties, workshops, networking events, live music, stand-up comedy, and exhibitions. Previous visiting filmmakers include Atom Egoyan, Deepa Mehta, Alanis Obomsawin, Don McKellar, Elliot Page, Mina Shum, Matt Johnson, Brigitte Berman, Jeff Barnaby, and many more. Past performers attending KCFF include Gerry Dee, Cathy Jones, Bif Naked, Gordon Pinsent, and casts from BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW, LETTERKENNY, MR. D, TRAILER PARK BOYS, KIDS IN THE HALL, and THIS HOURS HAS 22 MINUTES, among others.
– KCFF –
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