Pascale Bussières, actress and spokesperson for the festival this year. Photo: Olivier Charbonneau
A celebration of international and local cinema
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Knowlton Film Festival is back for its fifth edition, running from Aug. 9 to 17, and promises to be its most dynamic and diverse event yet. With a robust line-up of 35 films, including several Quebec and Canadian premieres, and a range of special guests, the festival is poised to be a highlight of the cultural calendar in the Eastern Townships.
“This is the fifth edition of the Knowlton Film Festival, and it has grown significantly over the years. We are now well-established and proud to present a great selection of international films,” said Pascale Bussières, an actress, and festival spokesperson. Bussières has been the spokesperson for the festival for two years, witnessing its evolution and expanding influence in the cinematic world.
A diverse international selection
This year’s festival boasts an impressive array of films from around the globe. The opening film, “Rickerl,” an Austrian production by Adrian Goiginger, will be screened in the presence of lead actor and songwriter David Öllerer, also known as Voodoo Jürgens. Following the screening, Jürgens will perform a 45-minute musical set, blending film and live music for a unique opening night experience.
“We’re very happy to have this opening event,” Bussières noted, highlighting the significance of such international participation. Another notable international film is “Abroad” by Italian director Giovanni Fumu, who will also conduct a masterclass during the festival. “During a masterclass, the director usually talks about his work, reflections, and his approach to storytelling,” explained Bussières. These masterclasses offer festival attendees a unique opportunity to gain insights into the creative processes of accomplished filmmakers.
Celebrating local and Canadian talent
The festival is not only about international cinema; it also highlights local talent. On Aug. 15, the festival will feature a local short film competition, showcasing the creativity of filmmakers from the Eastern Townships and beyond.
In addition to short films, the festival includes two Quebec premieres: “After Work” by Swedish director Erik Gandini, who will be present at the festival, and “Joan Baez: I Am a Noise” by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle, and Karen O’Connor. Gandini will also offer a masterclass, providing a deeper dive into his film and the themes it explores.
Competitions and prestigious juries
This year, the festival introduces two new competitive categories: a feature-length documentary competition and a feature-length fiction competition. These additions bring the total number of competitive categories to three, including the established short film competition.
The feature-length fiction competition jury will be presided over by Claudia Puig, Programming Director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The documentary competition jury will be chaired by Pierre-Philippe Côté, and the short film competition will be led by Ariane Roy-Poirier. Each jury is comprised of film industry professionals, ensuring a high standard of evaluation and recognition for the participating filmmakers.
“We are honoured to welcome Claudia Puig as the President of the Feature Jury,” said Bussières, noting the significance of bridging connections with other well-known film festivals.
Special events and screenings
Beyond the film screenings, the Knowlton Film Festival offers a rich program of special events. One of the most anticipated is the outdoor screening of “Dune: Part Two” at Douglass Beach, providing a stunning natural backdrop for this blockbuster film.
“We’re going to have some screenings in the United Church, which is right across the street from the Theatre Lac-Brome, our base camp. There will also be outdoor projections at Coldbrook Park right in the middle of the village,” Bussières explained. Additionally, there will be screenings at Café Caron & Frères, where a tent with a screen will be set up in the back.
The festival also features numerous music performances linked with the films. Many of the musicians performing are also composers for the films being shown, adding a layer of artistic cohesion to the event.
Masterclasses and workshops
A highlight of the festival is the series of masterclasses and workshops. These sessions are designed to offer festival attendees a chance to learn directly from accomplished filmmakers. Pierre Hébert, a renowned film director known for his work with the National Film Board of Canada, will lead a masterclass focusing on his extensive career and multidisciplinary approach to filmmaking. “He’s a film director, multidisciplinary artist, and he worked with Norman McLaren,” Bussières elaborated.
The festival also includes workshops for kids, such as motion capture animation sessions. “[A] whole day is going to be dedicated to animation. There are going to be some workshops for kids with motion captures, animated photographs for kids,” said Bussières, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to engaging younger audiences.
Tickets for the festival are available now and can be purchased on the festival’s official website: festivaldufilmdeknowlton.ca. Detailed information about the schedule, film line-up, and special events can be found on the festival’s Facebook page.