Grand River Film Festival

Save The Dates For #GRFF2023

RETURNS MAY 9th – 13th 2023

a crowd of people watching a movie

Welcome To The Grand River Film Festival

Celebrating and inspiring community through the shared experience of film, the Grand River Film Festival (GRFF) hosts both an annual festival and year-round film programs dedicated to bringing bold, reflective and inspiring films to Waterloo Region (Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo).

The festival hosts local, Canadian, and international films, pairing screenings with panels consisting of directors, film professionals, local interest groups and notable guest speakers. GRFF recognizes the power of film to connect people and is thrilled to act as a vehicle for the community to build relationships and host meaningful conversations within the Waterloo Region.

Upcoming Events

Check out our upcoming events in partnership with The Journalism Film Festival presented by ink-stainedwretches.org .

If you follow the news and like living in a democracy, The Journalism Film Festival is a chance to get together with friends, classmates or co-workers and celebrate the vital contribution journalism makes in our lives. Plus it is a chance to get out and enjoy seeing a movie on the big screen! For more info, see journalismfilmfestival.com

Writing With Fire

Introduced by CBC KW

In a cluttered news landscape dominated by men, emerges India’s only newspaper run by Dalit women. Chief Reporter Meera and her journalists break traditions, redefining what it means to be powerful.

In Person Screening

Available Showings : March 7th, 2023 at 7:00 pm

Apollo, Cinema, 141 Ontario St. North, Kitchener, ON N2H 4Y5

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Introduced by CTV Kitchener

Based on the 2012 memoir “The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan.” by Kim Barker.

In 2002, cable news producer Kim Barker decides to shake up her routine by taking a daring new assignment in Kabul, Afghanistan. Dislodged from her comfortable American lifestyle, Barker finds herself in the middle of an out-of-control war zone.

In Person Screening

Available Showings : April 4th, 2023 at 7:00 pm

Apollo, Cinema, 141 Ontario St. North, Kitchener, ON N2H 4Y5

All The President’s Men

Introduced by Jim Poling, editor-in-chief, Waterloo Region Record

During the 1972 elections, two reporters’ investigation sheds light on the controversial Watergate scandal that compels President Nixon to resign from his post.

In Person Screening

Available Showings : May 2nd, 2023 at 7:00 pm

Apollo, Cinema, 141 Ontario St. North, Kitchener, ON N2H 4Y5

Network

Introduced by Mike Farwell, City News Kitchener

When veteran anchorman Howard Beale is forced to retire his 25-year post because of his age, he announces to viewers that he will kill himself during his farewell broadcast. Network executives rethink their decision when his fanatical tirade results in a spike in ratings.

In Person Screening

Available Showings : June 6th, 2023 at 7:00 pm

Apollo, Cinema, 141 Ontario St. North, Kitchener, ON N2H 4Y5

Sponsorship Opportunities

Our Festival would not be possible without the generous support of our Sponsors.

At more than any time in GRFF’s existence, the previous isolation required to survive the COVID-19 crisis made more necessary our core mission of fostering communities through the shared experience of film.

We are calling on businesses and business owners – especially those in the Kitchener, Waterloo & Cambridge areas – to join us in realizing that mission with our first fully in-person film festival (since COVID-19) in May and our all year programming. GRFF has a customizable sponsorship package as well as unique offerings designed to connect you and our community in unforgettable ways all through 2023.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Peter West at “pawest@golden.net”

Learn More