Sudbury’s Cinéfest film festival begins its 37th annual edition

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Cinéfest International Film Festival kicks off in Sudbury

New John Candy documentary heads to Sudbury's Cinefest

Cinefest Sudbury unveils lineup for fall film festival

Final touches are being made to the 37th edition of Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival, which opens on Saturday.

Crews were busy setting up the hospitality tent and the VIP lounge on the grounds of Cineplex’s SilverCity on Friday in preparation for celebrations and special guests at this year’s event.

“I’m excited for people to see the impact and to see the crowds, and I think this event is going to feel bigger and bolder than every before,” said the festival’s executive director Patrick O’Hearn.

He told CTV News that he is excited for filmgoers to check out the calibre of films being screened, adding that they’ve tried to pack as much northern Ontario content in as possible.

“If you’ve never been to Cinéfest before I think you should expect a community that really craves world-class filmmaking,” said O’Hearn.

“I think the reason Cinéfesthas always stood out is because we are able to – through our relationships – attract some of the best and brightest films from around the world.”

In a statement to CTV News, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming said:

“Our government is proud to support events like this across the province, especially in northern community to highlight, and expand access to arts, film, and culture in the region.

Since 2018 we have invested nearly $1.2 million to support Cinéfest in Sudbury, including support this year through the Experience Ontario Grant Program and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Supporting festivals like Sudbury’s Cinéfest helps attract visitors to northern Ontario and increases exposure of northern locations and talent by showcasing local film, hosting panels, workshops, and encouraging local filmmakers."

According to O’Hearn this year’s ticket sales have been approaching their highest levels ever. He attributes that to changes they’ve made.

“We’ve made it easier for people who may not be familiar with Cinéfest to attend. You can buy single tickets for any screening that takes place as part of the festival. You can also still buy books of four, books of ten,” he said.

O’Hearn is expecting a few sell-outs, including the John Candy documentary ‘I like me,’ which they’ve had to open more tickets for ahead of the festival starting.

Cinéfest runs until Sept. 21.

CTV is the sponsor for the opening night gala film on Sept. 13, a humorous time-travel mockumentary called ‘Nirvanna: The Band - the Show - the Movie’.