Ticket Sales are now open
The Grand River Film Festival (GRFF), Waterloo Region’s longest running independent film festival, announces their showcase of films for the 2024 season, taking place from May 8 to 12. The festival features five feature film screenings and 26 short films never seen before in the Region. “There’s nowhere else you are able to see these films; that’s why we’re bringing them to the community” says Michael Clark, chair of the Board of Directors. “My goal was to find exceptional films that this community might otherwise not get a chance to see,” adds Michael Davison, GRFF’s Director of Programming. “I think our programming committee has done a fantastic job – each film is really special and tells a unique story.”
The 16th festival season balances free events at new venues, and ticketed events at favourite locations across the Region. Five ticketed feature films will screen on Friday May 10 through to Sunday May 11, at the Princess Twin Cinema and at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture in downtown Cambridge, both venues that GRFF is excited to return to. On Sunday May 11 at 4:00pm at the Princess, GRFF will be screening Boy in the Woods, based on the memoir by Maxwell Smart of spending his youth avoiding Nazi persecution by hiding in the woods of Europe during the Second World War. Filmed in Sudbury and starring Richard Armitage (The Hobbit), GRFF is excited and honoured to have writer/director Rebecca Snow joining us for the screening and discussing the film afterwards, with an audience Q&A. “It’s a really special feeling to be able to bring these remarkable films into the community,” says Michael Davison. “Especially to get the chance to speak directly with the filmmakers in attendance – it’s something you don’t normally get to experience.”
Once again, the festival is offering free admission to its short film programs. On Wednesday May 8 at the KPL Central Branch, GRFF will be showcasing locally made films including Playtime by local filmmaker and podcaster Sara Geidlinger, as well as the winners of the fourth annual Hospice of Waterloo YODO short film contest. A Q&A with the local filmmakers will follow, making this a perfect opportunity for anyone of any age curious about making movies to come out and ask questions of those making movies in our community. “All filmmakers start out as local filmmakers,” says Michael Clark. “GRFF is proud to give ours a chance to see their works on the same screens they see Hollywood films. And it’s important for us to offer these screenings to our audience for free.”
If you are interested in learning more about GRFF please contact Michael Clark, Chair, at chair@grff.ca For additional information, full schedule, and tickets, visit GRFF’s website at grff.ca.
-30-
ABOUT GRAND RIVER FILM FESTIVAL – Founded in 2007, the Grand River Film Festival (GRFF) is committed to celebrate and inspire community through the shared experience of film. Featuring compelling documentaries, engaging shorts, and premiere features, GRFF presents an integrated cultural experience. The festival encourages community involvement through a shared love for cinema by offering unique and diverse programming with creative community partnerships.