Bringing this line-up together brings me so much joy. It’s like a deliciously infuriating puzzle to solve – with no final image for reference, and not all the pieces end up fitting in – but when they do lock together, it’s tremendously satisfying. As always, a theme tends to emerge across the program, and as oftentimes in cinema, it's usually a reflection of the bigger picture of what’s happening in the world. We are in a time of extremes, in more ways than one, and what these films offer us sits across them.

Defiance. Accountability. A howling cry for things to change.

Silliness. Beauty. Resilience. Community.

And more than ever, we know two things can be true: we can feel depleted but hopeful. Angry but inspired. Comfortable but curious. Alone but together.

I hope the Festival provides you with a space to come and connect with people, cultures, and ideas, to escape into another world for a moment, hear something inspirational, to cut loose at a party, meet a new friend or new favourite film.

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Karina Libbey 

Festival Director