Oakville’s most important cultural event is happening soon with some very special events planned.
The Oakville Festivals of Film and Art (OFFA) present the 11th Annual Oakville Film Festival, June 19 to 25, 2024.
“We are very excited about this year’s festival,” enthused OFFA Executive Director, Wendy Donnan. “This year, we have 104 specially curated Canadian, local, and international narrative and documentary films, as well as short films and web series. We are celebrating cinema with Galas, parties, music and entertainment, and star appearances from the worlds of film and culture. As well, a selection of films is available online only during the festival.”
Donnan added, “We have multiple tiers of tickets and pricing, so that there is a way for everyone to come and enjoy this wonderful week of incredible events.”
The Film Festival kicks off with a FREE family-friendly launch event, Wed. June 19 from 6 to 11 p.m. at Towne Square in Oakville.
Donnan explained, “We partnered with some wonderful sponsors to bring Oakville this free evening of activities for the whole family, as well as a free outdoor screening of that wonderful film, Honey I Shrunk the Kids.”
OFFA is working with Staples, CHCH, Event Partner Film.Ca Cinemas, Active Parents, Have More Fun, and The True Inclusion Foundation of Canada to help create a fun, exciting and inclusive event for families, according to Donnan. “CHCH will have their marketing and event team on site, Staples will provide a Learn and Play Table, and OFFA will have a Name That Movie Game,” she concluded.
The screening is first come, first serve for space, and attendees will have to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for the outdoor screening. Popcorn and water will be provided. More information can be found here.
In addition to this fun-filled family-oriented kick off, there are two Gala evenings planned for this very special film festival year.
“We are very excited for the Gala Thursday night,” said Donnan. “OFFA and EY are hosting it June 20 at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, and it features the Canadian Premiere of Director Charles Uwagbai’s uplifting film, Kipkemboi.”
She continued, “This is a Kenya/Canada co-production that tells the story of a teenaged African math genius who brings the world financial markets to its knees. The Gala will be attended by Canadian/Nigerian Director Charles Uwagbai, Producer Leonard Farlinger, and main actors Thamela Mpumiwana, and Elsie Chidera Abang, and others from the film. There will also be a special choreographed performance that night.”
The next night, Friday June 21, the Gala for National Indigenous Peoples Day is taking place at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. Donnan said, “This Gala features the Eastern Canadian Premiere of the action-packed Indigenous “heist” comedy, The Great Salish Heist!”
A down-on-his-luck First Nations Archeologist seeking redemption teams up with a group of misfits from the Rez to break into a museum and reclaim sacred artifacts that rightfully belong to their people. “This film delivers comedy, action and a deeper message about stolen Indigenous artifacts, and their rightful place,” explained Donnan. Many of the film’s writers and stars will be in attendance that evening and available for a Q & A after the screening.
“Also attending are Writer/Director and Actor Darrell Dennis, Writer/Actor/Producers Leslie D Bland and Harold Joe (whose story the film is based on), actors Craig Lauzon, Jake Labow, Ashley Callingbull, Leslie D Bland, and Andrea Menard, as well as academy-award nominee Graham Greene. Writer and story originator Harold Joe will also attend. The film will be preceded by a vocal and instrumental performance from award-winning Métis singer/songwriter, Andrea Menard, who is also in the film,” said Donnan.
“This year’s Galas and family-friendly launch event are phenomenal, but that’s not all! Audiences can also enjoy a full weekend of some of the best films/docs/and short films of the summer at our Event Partner, Film.Ca Cinemas, beginning at 11:30 in the morning Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23. You can enjoy films from Canada and around the world, most not available anywhere else, right here in Oakville!” Donnan finished enthusiastically. “There are tickets available for $12.99 and up, and several of the ticket tiers include admission to a Gala and VIP event. We really do hope to see everyone there!”
The OFFA Oakville Film Festival is happening June 19 to 25 in Oakville, Ontario. For more information and to buy tickets, go here.