The cameras are rolling and London’s film community is taking centre stage. “Tonight we’re announcing a variety of titles of films that we’re going to be screening at our festival in October,” said Matthew Downs with Forest City Film Festival. “They’re films that come from both here in southwestern Ontario and films from around the world.” The 11th annual Forest City Film Festival will take place from October 15th to the 25th, celebrating community, culture, and cinema. “There are so many creative people here doing stuff on a world level it would blow your mind,” said Rob McCallum, directory of ‘Faking Filmnation’. “Film fest is a great way to come check it out and celebrate it.” Organizers said this year’s festival features a record-breaking 141 films. “I spend the year watching out for films,” said Downs. Executive Director of the festival, Ethan Hickey said this year will be like no other. “We have the biggest films we’ve ever had this year,” said Hickey. “Also some really great locally made regional films.” McCallum said there’s something for everyone in London’s film scene. “Whether it’s loneliness, finding that hopeless love, or a cool documentary about saturday morning cartoons like ‘Faking Filmnation’ it doesn’t matter what it is,” said McCallum. “It’s a chance for London to come together on its own terms away from the big city of Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal.” Producer of ‘The Cage’, Ali Shareef said he wanted to create an action-packed film. “It’s about a former gangster who becomes a vigilante and goes on to hunt the organization he was once apart of,” said Shareef. “That’s the whole concept of the story.” Downs said while it’s hard to pick a favourite film, one in particular stands out. “‘Club Kid’ is my number one thing that I’ve seen all year but there’s so many things it’s really hard to pick,” said Downs. “It’s like picking a favourite child.” Showtimes and locations can be found on the festival’s website.
