BRENDA O’FARRELL
The 1510 West
As the 2025 edition of the Hudson Film Festival gets set to dim the lights and let the movies roll at Hudson Village Theatre next week, chief organizer Clint Ward says there is one question he is not being asked any more.
“Why just Canadian films? I’m not asked that question that much this year,” Ward said.
The politics of the day, with Canadians united in the face of threats to the country’s sovereignty from U.S. President Donald Trump and his aggressive economic assault in an escalating tariff war, has put all things Canadian front of mind across the country. If ever there was a time to support Canadian film, it’s now.
The film fest, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, dubs itself “The Big Little Canadian Film Festival.” For the past decade it has prided itself in showcasing the best in film this country has to offer. It’s a mission that has gained much traction this year, Ward said.
From April 21-27, this year’s edition offers 17 films. From documentaries to dramas, Oscar-nominated works to the best from Quebec and Indigenous film-makers, the festival celebrates the movie-going experience and provides in-depth conversations with some of the people behind the movies.
This year’s festival features a special evening on Saturday, April 26, with Canada’s best-known ballet dancer Karen Kain.
She will attend the screening of Swan Song, a documentary that provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Kain, on the eve of her retirement from a career that put her at the top of the international classical dance world, directed the National Ballet of Canada in mounting a production of the iconic ballet Swan Lake. The film captures an emotional and intimate look at the dancers’ private lives, their passion, tenacity and devotion to their skill.
Kain will take questions from the audience and share her insights.
“She’s coming to visit Hudson for three days,” said Ward, who said the audience at the April 26 screening will be entranced by the conversation with this Canadian icon.
To consult the Hudson Film Festival schedule of screenings and for tickets, go to https://www.hudsonfilmsociety.ca/hudson-film-festival-2025/