International Indigenous Festival premieres on Manitoulin Island
AUNDECK OMNI KANING FIRST NATION (July 9, 2018)–The inaugural Weengushk International Film Festival opens Friday July 13 with closing gala Sunday July 15, 2018 at Aundeck Omni Kaning’s Four Directions Complex on Manitoulin Island.
This festival is the first Indigenous festival in the north with an outstanding line up of international films.
As founder of the festival, acclaimed filmmaker, writer, director, artist and advocate, Dr. Shirley Cheechoo is dedicated to highlighting and promoting Indigenous voices through film and bringing cultures together in the north.“I am proud that our people have a new platform to showcase their work and for all cultures to come together and share in this wonderful opportunity celebrating community and film.”
The festival will screen a wide range of film experienced to emerging filmmakers, feature films, documentaries and a student film category.
Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF), a joint venture between Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) and Brock University, was created to highlight Indigenous talent – actors, writers, directors and filmmakers from around the world.
Internationally acclaimed film Wind River opens the festival and the line up includes the award-winning documentary Rumble and closes with the powerful Canadian film Indian Horse.
VIP’s include Brenda Lintinger, a Tunica-Buloxi Council member, whose tribe helped produce Wind River, acclaimed filmmaker Jennifer Podemski, filmmaker/actor, Nathaniel Arcand and Juno award winning singer/songwriter Crystal Shawanda.
For more information, contact Weengushk International Film Festival’s Co-coordinator Ellie Poirier at 705-377-6011 or visit the WIFF website at weengushkfilmfestival.ca
2 Weengushk International Film Festival
About Weengushk Film Institute: Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) is dedicated to unlocking the creative potential of youth and emerging artists. While helping our students develop market-leading skills and experiences, WFI provides significant value by creating a mentorship network between our students and industry professionals. This approach fosters skills development through arts training and creates access points to key decision makers in all areas of film and television.
About Weengushk International Film Festival: Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF) was created to explore Indigenous topics while breaking down stereotypes and racial barriers. WIFF creates an important venue where emerging talents and varying perspectives can be exposed to audiences, and where people can become educated about First Nations, Métis and Inuit issues in Canada and around the world.
Media contacts:
Ellie Poirier/Gloria Panacheese
Weengushk Film Institute
705.377.6011/705.923.8988
epoirier@weengushk.com