This is the 22nd year for the qathet international film festival (formally Powell River Film Festival).
It has been two years since the qathet Film Society (formally Powell River Film Society) bought the historic Patricia Theatre, saving it from possible demise, and will host the 2023 qathet international film festival (qiff) beginning Friday, March 3. Executive director Gary Shilling and education director and director of programming Peg Campbell want this year's festival to be special.
“We are trying to revive the idea of going out to a film festival and hopefully make it a cultural fabric,” said Shilling. “COVID shut us down for 18 months and people are suffering from isolation and mental health issues.”
The opening night party promises to be memorable, with the intention of creating a celebratory atmosphere. Film-goers will gather at the entrance of the main auditorium with Tla’amin singers, drummers and two guests: KWAST-en-ayu (L. Maynard Harry), a citizen of Tla’amin Nation who has served as his nation’s chief councillor, along with MP for North Island-Powell River Rachel Blaney, for an auditorium naming ceremony.
“The name given to the auditorium is qwakthum meaning “telling a story,” said Shilling.
The film society started a process of reconciliation a few years ago.
“We brought in a mandate of inclusiveness and respect for our Tla’amin neighbours,” said Shilling.
The opening film Exile, starring Adam Beach, was filmed on location in the qathet region in 2021/2022, and director Jason James will be in attendance.
“Our tagline is ‘engaging cinema, engaging minds,’” said Campbell. “We wanted to bring local stories and stories from around the world, so we curated a delicate balance of Canadian films and international films.
“We want to celebrate what is being made in the independent film arena,” added Campbell.
Audience members watching Exile will recognize many locations, including homesteaders the Crowther family's cabin in Okeover. Locals were also extras in the production.
Some of the feature films are thematically joined by a National Film Board short film, or an Independent Filmmakers of BC film. The festival combines narrative film and documentaries, with “themes of resilience, going through difficult situations, speaking out and not putting up with certain circumstances, run through the films chosen for the festival,” said Campbell.
An exciting local short film that can be seen March 8, commemorating International Women’s Day, is the documentary about Texada Island textile artist Deborah Dumka, along with the feature indigenous film, Rosie.
“This narrative film tackles serious issues such as the repercussions of the 60s scoop, but is also a comedy, filmed in Montreal,” said Campbell.
Decision to Leave playing March 9, is one of the international features from South Korea, and won best director at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022.
The Ukrainian film Klondike, (March 10) is “fictional but an analogy about the war in Ukraine; to flee or not to flee,” said Campbell.
Paired with Klondike is BC filmmaker Jeremy Williams’ short film about the forest fires that devastated the town of Lytton, BC, last year. The closing party on Saturday, March 11, will screen Moonage Daydream, a collage of imagery, archival footage, music and words of prolific artist David Bowie.
“Everyone can relate to movies and gathering with people,” said Shilling.
qathet international film festival will run March 3 to 12, 2023. For information and tickets go to qathetfilm.ca
