Mighty Niagara Film Fest SAVE THE DATE!
August 16-19 2023
Various locations around Niagara
The critic David Hickey once stated that rock ‘n’ roll was the greatest art movement of the Twentieth Century but that the Twenty-first would belong to the moving image. He was spot on. Here we are, just a quarter of the way in, and we’re awash in a deluge of imagery swimming across screens of all sizes and kinds.
The Mighty Niagara Film Fest is again ready to set sail and explore the ever-expanding ocean of the moving image. The festival launches August Thursday 16 August through Saturday 19 August 2023. It is focused keenly on films made about or in Niagara and by filmmakers with connections to the region. The festival uniquely makes space for the experimental and the extraordinary.
Launched in the summer of 2020 by the Niagara Artists Centre, the Mighty Niagara Film Fest consistently delivers a wildly diverse lineup, a rich selection of feature-length and short local live-action films selected by a jury, compelling documentaries, and captivating experiments with media — screenings are often supported by Q&As with filmmakers. The festival showcases the remarkable creative talent burgeoning in the Niagara region.
Highlights of this year’s festival include an evening of classic spaghetti westerns screened with a live score performed by The Sadies, a spot-light on Governor General Award-winning experimental filmmaker Bruce Elder, and site-specific media installations by emerging artist Avery Mikolic-O’Rourke. Other special events include a wine, food, and film trifecta in the vineyards at Stratus Winery, a drag-themed evening of film presented on NAC’s rooftop terrace, and a takeover of the Skyway Drive-In.
Now in its third year, the Mighty Niagara Film Fest has expanded across the region with screenings in downtown St. Catharines, Grimsby, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls. Screenings will also be hosted by new partners Landmark Cinemas at the Pen Centre.
This festival goes beyond being a mere celebration of cinema; it serves as a platform for filmmakers, artists, and audiences to come together, share stories, showcase, and support the remarkable creative talent that thrives in Niagara.
About Mighty Niagara Film Fest
Produced and organized by the Niagara Artists Centre (NAC), the Mighty Niagara Film Fest is a platform for showcasing films made about or in Niagara, as well as films of special interest to Niagara audiences.
Launched in the summer of 2021, the festival has embraced the diversity of contemporary Niagara filmmaking and delved into the intriguing titles from Niagara’s film history. The festival accepts submissions of recent film and media works, including feature and short-length films, live-action, documentary, animation, and experimental works in moving image media.
The film programming committee, led by NAC film programming members Kasia Smuga, Stephen Remus, Natasha Pedros and Brock University professors emeriti Barry K. Grant and Joan Nicks, along with guest curators play a vital role in curating the festival’s film selections and the best of Niagara’s cinematic talent.
The Mighty Niagara Film Fest stays true to its grassroots origins and its commitment to supporting the local filmmaking community. Collaborating with community partners such as the St. Catharines Downtown Association and popular area restaurants, the festival has grown into a prominent cultural event that represents Niagara’s own film identity.
As the festival continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to promoting the art of filmmaking in Niagara and providing a platform for local and international filmmakers to showcase their work.
The Mighty Niagara Film Fest gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Department of Canadian Heritage, City of St. Catharines, Telefilm Canada, City of Niagara Falls, Stratus Vineyards, and our venue sponsors Landmark Cinemas, Skyway Drive-In, Grimsby Public Art Gallery, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
