Showcasing talent on June 7, 8 and 9 from the Northumberland area and across the province, the Eye2Eye Film Festival is Film Access Northumberland’s (FAN) primary platform for engagement, connection and learning.
Returning this year as the festival director is Sarah Cleveland, an award winning actress and Cobourg native who embodies the promise of what a career in the arts might look like for hopeful actors and filmmakers across the province who vie for the opportunity to bring their work to the festival.
It’s hard not to share Cleveland’s enthusiasm when she speaks about the role FAN and Eye2Eye play for upcoming artists for whom the festival represents the culmination of hundreds of hours of passionate work telling their stories.
While the focus of the festival is about supporting emerging filmmakers, it’s also great for fans of film due to the variety of outstanding and inspiring screenings it offers. In addition, the festival provides unprecedented access to some of the world’s most renowned producers and directors speaking after showings of their films and also passing on their expertise through masterclasses – this year’s will be on film-acting.
This year the apt ‘Secrets in Film’ tagline will give you a hint of what to expect.
Sarah tells us what’s got her excited for this year’s event.
That list includes HITCHCOCK filmmaker Joel McCarthy, director and choreographer Jennifer Nichols will speak after her film STRICTLY BALLROOM, Director Sean Garrity will discuss THE BURNING SEASON and THE ASHGROVE EXPERIMENT’s Christopher Warre Smets and Jeremy Lalonde will do a film talk on Sunday.
Sean Garrity will also be conducting a masterclass in acting unscripted and Cleveland says, it’s not just for actors.
Of course, a key focus is on emerging filmmakers and showcasing their works to an audience who’ll be among the first to witness the next generation of homegrown talent.
Sarah shares the details.
Cleveland told us that FAN is motivated to inspire audiences on how filmmaking can be a force for positive change in the world. That ‘modus operandi’ is further explored by their work with younger film makers through their new Film Newcomer Showcase which features the work of high school students.
Weekend passes can be purchased for all eleven feature films over the three days for $75 for adults and $37.50 for students under 18 as well as individual showings at just $12 for adults and $6 for students under 18. Another option is available for groups where you can purchase a table of 8 for just $80 – a great way to take out the gang to see a show.
For more info on FAN and the Eye2Eye Film Festival, shows and masterclass information visit: Festival Schedule 2024 — Film Access Northumberland
(Written by: Joseph Goden)