qathet international film festival is set to light up the newly renovated Patricia Theatre from March 7 to 16, promising 10 days of diverse cinema, local connections and a touch of star power.
According to qathet Film Society executive director Gary Shilling, this year’s lineup centres on themes of how community sustains people during dark times.
“We have a programming committee, led by Peg Campbell, that surveys films from major festivals and narrows down our top picks,” says Shilling. “Once we have a short list, we arrange the festival schedule to create a real cinematic journey.”
This is the first festival since the Patricia underwent a major restoration. Shilling highlights new seating (with cup holders, no less), freshly refurbished murals and upgraded concessions and bathrooms.
“You’ll still feel the theatre’s 100-year-old charm, with today’s creature comforts,” he says. “It’s a perfect setting to immerse yourself in these films.”
The festival opens on March 7 with Can I Get a Witness?, a sci-fi drama filmed in the Powell River area. It stars Sandra Oh, with illustrations by internationally acclaimed local artist Prash Miranda. Local talent also includes emerging actor Kymo Van Oers. Director Ann Marie Fleming and crew will be in attendance.
“We’re expecting a real local celebration,” says Shilling. “A lot of the crew is from around here, and the film touches on how communities tell stories.”
Another local tie-in appears in So Surreal: Behind the Masks, which examines how Indigenous masks—often taken without permission—found their way to Europe and influenced modern art movements.
The festival regularly times its schedule around International Women’s Day, and March 8 will feature two films by women directors: All We Imagine as Light is a co-production between France, India, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Italy; Bird is a coming-of-age drama from the UK and France.
Most screenings will have short films preceding them, a nod to classic cinema tradition that qathet Film Society hopes to preserve.
Shilling emphasizes the festival’s commitment to pairing feature films with short films—selections in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). Directors from select shorts (Saturday, The Beginning and Paddling Tu DesDes) will be present at the festival to engage in post-screening discussions to introduce their films.
A notable technological debut is Texada, a virtual reality (VR) documentary showcasing the island’s geological history.
“We’re setting up three VR headsets at the front of the theatre before each screening (except during parties). It’s our first time featuring VR,” explains Shilling.
The Texada directors, Josephine Anderson and Claire Sanford, will also host a VR workshop on March 10 for local filmmakers.
One festival hallmark is the Morning After Film Salons, where attendees can gather upstairs at noon on days with matinee showings to talk about the previous day’s films, often with guest filmmakers in attendance.
“Your first reaction to a film isn’t always your last,” Shilling points out. “We encourage discussion, new insights and a communal viewing experience beyond just watching on your couch.”
Shilling invites newcomers to volunteer, emphasizing how it is a great way to meet people and deepen festival involvement. For every two volunteer hours, participants earn a free movie pass.
“We rely on volunteers to keep things running smoothly,” he says. “In a community as tight-knit as Powell River, it’s a wonderful way to make connections.”
Passes and individual tickets are on sale now. Full festival passes are $140 for adults and $120 for seniors. Matinee passes are $70 for adults and $60 for seniors.
Individual tickets can be purchased for $12 (adults) or $10 (seniors). Admission for opening and closing parties is $16.
For the first time, pass holders can reserve seats for an additional $10. Tickets are available online or at the Patricia box office. For more information about volunteering, film schedules and trailers, go to qathetfilm.ca/film-festival-2025.
