Third annual Northern Indigenous film festival moves online
M’Chigeeng, ON – The Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF) is pleased to officially announce the program for our 2020 festival! For the first time, from July 9th to 12th, 2020, we will be moving the festival online. WIFF is a celebration of Indigenous and diverse storytelling through film. The festival brings together industry veterans, new and emerging independent filmmakers, for a film festival that is entirely experienced online.
On July 9th at 7:00, the Opening Night Event features a special opening from Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald, the dramatic adventure Red Snow, a Q/A with director Maria Clements, a keynote messages from Director of the Indigenous Screen Office Jesse Wente, and a special live performance by award winning blues singer/songwriter Crystal Shawanda.
Closing Night features a special screening of filmmaker Dr. Shirley Cheechoo’s moving film Moose River Crossing, a closing from Gary Farmer and an exclusive live performance by frontman and founder of roots-rockers Midnight Shine Adrian Sutherland.
On July 10th, 11th, and 12th our festival kicks into high gear. We will be showcasing over 30 films with 9 different programs both features and short films and available to watch for up to 24 hours after purchasing. In total 30 films will be screened. Filmmaker Q&A’s will be livestreamed to our Facebook Page.
We are pleased to host a retrospective of internationally Order of Canada acclaimed filmmaker Dr. Shirley Cheechoo C.M. For the first time, audiences will have the opportunity to screen several of Dr. Cheechoo’s award-winning films, and engage in Q/A’s throughout the festival.
WIFF features a number of free events airing on Facebook Live and Youtube Live. Friday night features a live music performance from acclaimed artist Leland Bell and Saturday night offers a live performance from singer songwriter Nick Sherman. All of the musicians performing throughout the weekend are from Northern Ontario! Throughout the weekend, there will be 6 live online workshops on topics ranging from producing, documentary filmmaking, and Telefilm funding.
We remain committed to our core philosophy to present the highest quality films that emphasize Indigenous voices with human rights, social/political issues, and the environment and always pure entertainment for film lovers and families.
“Telling Indigenous stories is more important now than ever,” says WIFF Artistic Director Dr. Shirley Cheechoo C.M. “Our program reflects our voices, supports and celebrates Indigenous filmmakers, crew, artists, musicians and communities. With the pandemic and racism and social injustice at the forefront, we knew we had to take our festival online this year to offer these amazing voices to audiences around the world.”
For the full program and ticket details, visit the Weengushk International Film Festival website https://www.
At its core WIFF is an Indigenous-based organization. It seeks to build solidarity with those in Canadian society with lived experiences similar to those of aboriginal peoples. WIFF prioritizes people whose voices have historically been marginalized and whose stories are under-told, if ever told. It sets out to eradicate injustices in Canadian society while simultaneously transforming the film industry to one of inclusion.
