ReFrame Film Festival kicked off across the country, from January 27 to February 4.
The festival, which is based in Peterborough, Ont., Became virtual this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, but creative director Amy Siegel said it means they can reach an even larger audience.
“There are more than 70 documentaries on social justice at the festival this year and we are streaming across Canada, which is really exciting,” Siegel said.
“The program has incredible short film programs as well as feature films from around the world.”
This is the second time the festival has been online, but the first time the event has been opened to a national audience.
“We sold tickets in every province and territory,” Siegel said.
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“This year there is an incredible group of environmental documentaries, there are many films about refugee stories as well as food justice and feminist issues. There is really something for everyone and it is something we try to make happen every year. ”
Peterborough filmmaker Shahed Khaito has two short films in the festival.
“One of them is called The hands that feed us, ” she said. “It’s about migrant workers in Canada and especially in Millbrook, so it speaks to the lives of migrant workers, how they are doing.”
Shahed’s second documentary is called The magic of beginning.
“It’s about a local ESL teacher,” Khaito said. “She learned Arabic to make her students feel at home in her ESL class and I was one of her students.”
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That was in 2019 when Khaito, a Syrian refugee, arrived in Peterborough via Lebanon. Now, Khaito said, she tells her story through film, focusing on stories of immigrants and refugees.
“Being a refugee has just opened my eyes to many things in the world,” she said. “I think storytelling is my way of talking and expressing and also healing.”
Khaito said she plans to keep an eye on everyone 70 films presented at the festival, but said she was particularly excited about one in particular.
“I look forward to watching the film The perfect picture “because the director was my former film teacher in Lebanon,” she said. “From Lebanon and now we meet at a festival (virtually) in Peterborough.”
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Siegel said people can still kooppas to the festival. The pass for all access allows for watching each movie, but a pay-what-you-can rate is also available for individual choices.
She said there are also lively aspects that offer opportunities with filmmakers, as well as recorded Q & As.
“These documentaries provide a way for us to learn, connect and experience things outside of ourselves and I think at the moment we really long for that sense of connection,” Siegel said.
Khaito agreed, adding she noted that more people are inspired by documentaries.
“Now I am so connected to people through films. Out of isolation, our people challenge themselves to make films and also watch films. ”
For more information or to buy tickets, visit the ReFrame Film Festival website.
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