M’Chigeeng, ON – The Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF) is excited to announce that the festival will be presented completely online from July 8th to 11th, 2021. WIFF is a celebration of storytelling through film and is the only film festival on Manitoulin Island. We are pleased to bring together industry veterans, new and emerging independent filmmakers, and everyone in between for a film festival. As the global pandemic has continued to 2021, we are committed to supporting emerging and established Indigenous filmmakers and the Manitoulin Island community.
WIFF aims to showcase voices that have historically been marginalized and whose stories are under-told, if ever told. The festival has created space for young Indigenous artists and filmmakers to take control over their own narratives, showcasing stories that are unique to their communities, strengths and challenges. Films, concerts, filmmaker workshops and more will be screened on our new live streaming platform. With the success of last year’s online event, we hope to expand our audience even further with more communities from across Northern Ontario and beyond, to showcase the incredible Indigenous talent from our local community.
“It has always been our mission to support Indigenous and emerging filmmakers. We are proud to be able to continue to host our festival and come together online,” says Artistic Director Dr. Shirley Cheechoo C.M.. “Expanding our online festival will allow for even greater accessibility to the amazing films we present.”
WIFF remains committed to our core philosophy to present the highest quality films that emphasize Indigenous voices and educate audiences on human rights, social issues, and the environment, while also providing entertainment and an escape through film during these times of uncertainty. The full lineup of films and online events will be announced in mid-June on the Weengushk International Film Festival website. If you are interested in donating, sponsoring, or partnering to support our mission, please visit https://www.
