Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF) is celebrating its 25th season this year. On top of dozens of Canadian feature films and shorts, the festival has a host of special events, including standup comedy, live music, and in-depth conversations with stars. Here are some highlights of can’t-miss events happening as part of KCFF 25.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: the movie: the soundtrack: the tribute concert – February 26 @ the Broom Factory
The cult classic graphic novel series turned equally cult classic movie comes to life at the Broom Factory with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: the movie: the soundtrack: the tribute concert. Get ready for action-packed live performances from the film’s soundtrack, including songs from Metric, Beck, Frank Black, and more, all set to projected visuals and the occasional musical battle. Fans of indie music and Edgar Wright won’t want to miss out.
Allie Pearse & Olivia Stadler – February 28 @ the Broom Factory
Head to the Broom Factory on night three of KCFF for an evening of sharp, dark stand-up with veteran comedy writers Allie Pearse and Olivia Stadler. Allie and Olivia are at the forefront of contemporary Canadian comedy, having written for both Letterkenny and Shoresy and toured nationally with Letterkenny Presents: A Night of Standup Comedy.
Jeremy Hotz – Très Misérables – February 28 @ Kingston Grand Theatre
Veteran actor and stand-up comedian Jeremy Hotz and his canine companion Shack will be taking to the stage of the Grand Theatre for Très Misérables, his 10th national tour. This brand-new show combining Hotz’s trademark jokes and mishaps, Très Misérables is the show for enthusiasts of both stand-up and emotional support longhair Chihuahuas.
In Conversation: Carolyn Taylor – March 1 @ the Broom Factory
Catch award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and showrunner Carolyn Taylor at the Broom Factory for a late-afternoon conversation and screening of her hit quixotic figure-skating docu-comedy I Have Nothing. Carolyn’s work as a writer and actress in Baroness Von Sketch Show has garnered her critical acclaim. I Have Nothing follows a pair of comedians as they attempt to choreograph a figure skating routine to Whitney Houston’s hit song “I Have Nothing.” This is sure to be a hilarious event.
In Conversation: Jay Baruchel – March 1 @ the Broom Factory
From his roles in movies like Tropic Thunder, Blackberry, and the How to Train Your Dragon series to his Canadian cult hockey hit Goon and his show We’re All Gonna Die (Even Jay Baruchel), Jay Baruchel is a force in Canadian media and comedy. Head to the Broom Factory for an intimate conversation between Jay Baruchel and host Elamin Abdelmahmoud of CBC Radio’s Commotion as they discuss Canadian comedy, film, and more.
Slaight Music Video Showcase – March 1 @ Kingston Grand Theatre
Eleven performers, 11 production companies, and 11 brand-new music videos. The Slaight Music Video Showcase returns to KCFF with an array of fresh videos produced through the Slaight Music Video Program. This showcase includes fresh videos from local artists including Miss Emily, Kasador, The Gertrudes, Luscious, and Savannah Shea. Stick around after the showcase to grab a snack and vote for your favourite video in the Grand Lobby.
In Conversation: Murdoch Mysteries – March 1 @ the Broom Factory
As well as being a hugely popular TV series, Murdoch Mysteries has frequently filmed in Kingston, which makes KCFF the perfect host for a behind-the-scenes discussion of the show. Daniel Maslany (actor), Eleanore Lindo (director), and Julie Lacey (producer) take part in a moderated discussion and Q&A session.
18 MM Showcase – March 2 @ the Baby Grand
If you are interested in getting a glimpse of what the future of Canadian film might look like, you’ll want to check out the 18 MM Showcase. These 11 films represent the culmination of the latest class of the 18 MM program, a course and workshop series that provides filmmakers 18 years old and younger with basic knowledge of the cinematic art and the necessary skills for filmmaking. Ranging from horror to comedy, fantasy to queer and social drama, these films explore themes of self-discovery, friendship, tolerance, mental health, and more.
Blue Rodeo: Lost Together – March 2 @ the Kingston Grand Theatre
In classic KCFF style, the festival will wrap up with a special screening. Head to the Kingston Grand Theatre and join special guests Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor, and director Dale Heslip for a screening of Blue Rodeo: Lost Together. This documentary chronicles Blue Rodeo’s four-decades-long journey from their start in the bars of Queen Street in Toronto to their position as one of Canada’s most beloved bands. Make sure to stick around after for a Q&A session with Cuddy, Keelor, and Heslip.
Catching locally produced features
As well as special events, features, and short films, KCFF will also feature films shot in Kingston.
Doom Boogie combines ’70s grindhouse excess with rock and roll in a high-tension thriller; it stars several local musicians in gory roles.
Still Alive in Kingston tells a mostly fictionalized story of former Much Music VJ and entertainment journalist Bill Welychka as he settles into a post-fame life in Kingston. Still Alive in Kingston is also Director Jay Middaugh’s follow-up to his much-loved film Live in Kingston, and features performances from local artists including The Wilderness, Keaton, Luella, and Miss Emily.
Still Alive in Kingston will also be proceeded by a screening of Blain Watters’ Single Woman Seeking Child, a short film shot in Kingston that tells the story of Watters’ mother as she bucks the conservative nature of early-1980s Kingston when she sets out to fulfill her dreams of motherhood (mostly) on her own.
For tickets to all these events, check out the KCFF website.
