It’s Music at the Movies as Kingston’s Creative Industries Intersect at KCFF25, Feb. 26 – March 2

KINGSTON, ON (Jan. 23, 2025) – Kingston is renowned for its vibrant music scene, so it’s no surprise music-related programming is to be featured more than ever before at the 25^th anniversary edition of the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF25). The festival announced today a half-dozen more music-related events for the world’s largest all-Canadian film and cultural festival, including the new Broken Social Scene documentary and a one-time-only, never-seen-before screening of outtakes from Mike Downie’s Tragically Hip documentary, No Dress Rehearsal. Also announced today is a live, note-for-note recreation of the soundtrack to Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, 11 world premiere music videos from local Kingston bands, a concert featuring songs from movie soundtracks of the 70s, 80s, 90s by Dwayne Gretzky, and more. It all adds up to more than a dozen hours of music programming at KCFF25, running February 26-March 2. KCFF25’s full festival lineup will be announced on January 31.

For a city of its size, Kingston is distinctly unique from other municipalities in the music activity it generates. The volume of artists that have emerged from the city – and the passion with which Kingstonians enthusiastically engage in music – has led to its reputation as a “music city.” Music business supported more than 360 full-time jobs and more than $4M in income generation in 2022, with 65% of Kingstonians spending money on music at least once per month.

“Kingston is a city that invests in and nurtures talent,” said Moira Demorest, Music Officer, Tourism Kingston. “KCFF’s focus on music-related programming reflects the powerful connection between music and storytelling, showcasing how deeply music is woven into our city’s cultural identity. Highlighting music within KCFF celebrates Kingston’s vibrant music scene and its vital role in shaping stories that resonate on national stages.”

Music & Movies @ KCFF25:

There are five music-related screenings in total at KCFF. See previously announced titles below.

It’s All Gonna Break – Stephen Chung (Kingston Premiere)

Stephen Chung’s energetic film gives viewers an insider’s view of not just the rise of Broken Social Scene – one of Canada’s best-loved bands of the millennium – but also a tectonic shift for Toronto’s cultural landscape. Along with present-day interviews of members of Broken Social Scene, Chung revisits candid footage he shot of the musicians as the freewheeling indie-rock collective first began to cohere in a series of homes and clubs in the early 2000s. Of course, none of them knew that the songs they were creating together in such a spirit of joy and camaraderie would soon earn them a worldwide audience. As potent as Chung’s film is as a celebration of Broken Social Scene and the many other music-makers in their orbit — including Metric, Feist, Stars, and Jason Collett – it’s just as memorable for how it captures a moment in the life of Toronto before its own transformation. With Diana Warmé (producer) and special guests.

No Dress Rehearsal: Behind The Scenes – Mike Downie (World Premiere)

One of the past year’s biggest television events – and certainly its most resoundingly Kingstonian – THE TRAGICALLY HIP: NO DRESS REHEARSAL rocked viewers worldwide with its candid and comprehensive look at the band that changed the game for Canadian music. Even at four hours long it left us wanting more, which is why KCFF is thrilled to host director Mike Downie and producer and editor Peter Denes as they share stories about the making of their award-winning documentary. Along with never-seen-before outtakes and other new footage, No Dress Rehearsal: Behind The Scenes includes a rare big-screen presentation of some of the Hip’s most iconic music videos. With Mike Downie, Peter Denes, and special guests.

More Music @ KCFF25:

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Tribute Concert  (Feb. 26)

This special performance at KCFF’s Broom Factory home marks the 20th anniversary of the first Scott Pilgrim graphic novel by Canadian Bryan Lee O’Malley with the electrifying masterpiece soundtrack to Edgar Wright’s Toronto-focused cult classic film. Played live note-for-note, Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Tribute Concert features projected visuals, bass battles, and the grungy bass-filled songs of Beck, Metric, Sex Bob Omb, and more.

Slaight Music Video Showcase (March 1)

KCFF and the Kingston Music Office are proud to present the fourth annual edition of the Slaight Music Video Showcase. Once again, local film and media production companies received financing from the Slaight Family Foundation to create new music videos featuring some of Kingston’s top emerging bands and musicians. The initiative connects Kingston’s film and music scenes, encouraging local production, and providing a free, professionally made music video for selected local musicians. With more entries than ever before, premiering this year are videos from 11 local artists and production companies:

• Almond Milk (Yeah No For Sure Productions) 
• Savannah Shea (Josh Lyon)
• Emilie Steele & The Deal (bnice productions) 
• Good Fortune (Fovea Productions) 
• Miss Emily (Jamstone Productions) 
• Luscious (Subtle Negative)
• The Gertrudes (Happy Kid Productions) 
• The Backsteps (JL Creative Agency) 
• Kasador (Little Menace Productions) 
• Megan Hamilton (Rear Gear Productions) 
• Manic Sonic (Branded to Film)  

Dwayne Gretzky Celebrates the Soundtracks (February 27)

Dwayne Gretzky are Canada’s reigning champs of nostalgia and a can’t-miss live music experience; a curated nostalgia trip that captures the unique joy of turning a radio dial and being surprised by the familiar. Now, they’ve put together a special show for KCFF25, featuring iconic songs from movie soundtracks of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Dwayne Gretzky band leaders Nick Rose and Tyler Kyte have many acting credits of their own, including recurring roles in Canadian TV shows (REPUBLIC OF DOYLE, 24 HOUR RENTAL, INSTANT STAR) along with theatre productions dating back to childhood; there’s no doubt they know how to put on a show.

Dwayne Gretzky is one of many live music gigs unfolding over the festival, including a performance by Donovan Woods at the Broom Factory (February 27), and live music every night at Kingston’s beloved Toucan pub (to be announced).

Previously Announced Music-Related Films at KCFF25:

Blue Rodeo: Lost Together – Dale Heslip (Closing Night Selection)

Winner of the Audience Award at the Whistler Film Festival, director Dale Heslip’s vivid Lost Together traces Blue Rodeo’s journey from Toronto’s Queen Street West, where it all began, to the stages they now claim as their own four decades later. In between came many peaks and valleys, but those experiences just seemed to make them stronger, most certainly as a result of the deep personal and creative bond that was first forged at North Toronto Collegiate Institute between co-founders Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, who narrate the film. With Dale Heslip (director), Jim Cuddy, and Greg Keelor.

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, Jonah 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.

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.  

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, 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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