Heartfelt films screening at Welland International Film Festival
Cinefest Niagara is harnessing the magic of cinema to transport people to a new place during its 20th Welland International Film Festival.
Clara Simpson, co-ordinator and co-president of Cinefest Niagara, said she and board members try to choose diverse movies to screen each year. She said this year was tough for members to choose just three movies because there are so many great films.
The board ultimately is putting forth Academy Award-winning American movies Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight, as well as a Japanese film Our Little Sister.
The non-profit organization usually picks movies from three different countries, but Simpson said Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight are both such heartfelt stories they needed to be part of the festival.
Manchester by the Sea tells the story of a man who is suddenly given custody of his 16-year-old nephew.
Simpson said Moonlight goes through the different stages of a boy’s life into adulthood. For Simpson, Moonlight is a powerful story depicting the struggle of growing up in a rough Miami neighbourhood.
Our Little Sister is a tale about two sisters who meet their teenage half-sister at their father’s funeral. The story is moving and showcases humanities compassion for one another, said Simpson.
For Simpson, the importance of showcasing diverse movies with heartfelt stories is to move the viewer to a new place.
“Film lovers get travel the world through film. What are the odds we will be in those places? It permits you to travel and you get to see the world and how people live their lives,” she said.
A portion of money raised through festival ticket sales will support $250 scholarships for students at eight high schools in Niagara who are pursuing an education in the arts.
Tickets to view all three films cost $20; individual tickets are $8. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Cinefest Niagara at 905734-9835.
The first movie, Manchester by the Sea will be screened Friday at 4:30 p.m. at Seaway Mall. For more information about movie times and future Cinefest events, visit www.cinefestniagara.ca.