What is KCFF? KCFF is the Kingston Canadian Film Festival – the largest all-Canadian film festival, which has showcased Canadian films since 2001.
This year KCFF is back fully in-person and will feature close to 100 productions, including documentaries, comedies, dramas, thrillers, shorts, and select episodes. Through March 2 – 5, enjoy screenings, Q&As, parties, workshops, networking events, live music, stand-up comedy, and exhibitions at The Screening Room, Kingston Grand, The Isabel Bader Centre, The Broom Factory, Tango Nuevo, and The Toucan.
We asked KCFF’s Executive Director, Marc Garniss, to share his top picks at this year’s fest. Read on for an insider’s take on the best of the fest. Full details are available on the KCFF website: https://kingcanfilmfest.com/
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Slaight Music Video Showcase
This initiative, presented by KCFF and Tourism Kingston, showcases 11 music videos created by emerging artists from both the film and music scene in Kingston. Filmed over the last several months, they premiere March 4, 7:30 at the Grand Theatre. The showcase will include all the music videos, a Q&A with the filmmakers, and you can vote for your favourite.
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I Like Movies
Visit The Screening Room March 3 (7 pm) or March 4 (1 pm) to see I Like Movies by Toronto’s Chandler Levack. This 99-minute film is a comedy about Lawrence, a 17-year-old who is navigating relationships in all areas of life while working at a video rental store in the early aughts. It’s one of the year’s most acclaimed first feature films.
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Riceboy Sleeps
The festival officially kicks off March 2, 7 pm at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts with the opening night film, Riceboy Sleeps, directed by Anthony Shim (it plays again March 3, 4 pm). Riceboy Sleeps is a poignant drama about Korean immigrant life in the ‘90s and the changes and challenges of a mother-son relationship. The film includes English and Korean (with English subtitles).
Shelter
Shelter, by Prince Edward County-based filmmaker and cinematographer Tess Girard, is a gorgeous film that explores Girard’s return to Horning’s Mills, Ontario, the people and the place, and connections to the landscape and each other. It plays March 4 (4 pm) at the Baby Grand Theatre or March 5 (1 pm) at The Screening Room.
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Kevin McDonald (Kids in the Hall)
Canadian comedian Kevin McDonald comes to The Broom Factory for a stand-up comedy showcase – twice! After his first KCFF show on March 3 sold out, a second show was added March 4 (3:30 pm). You may recognize him from shows like That 70s Show, Arrested Development, and of course Canadian classic, Kids in the Hall.
Mix and Mingle
Don’t miss the Mix and Mingle reception on March 4 (noon – 1:30) at Tango Nuevo. This is a great way to enjoy in-person social networking with filmmakers, special guests, sponsors, and staff. Casa-Dea Winery, Spearhead Brewing Company, Stock & Row Cider, and Tango Nuevo will be providing food and drinks for the event. Admission is reserved for festival passholders – a great reason to upgrade your fest experience!
How to get tickets
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Tickets are available now on the KCFF website. If you are looking to attend multiple films, check out their film passes for a full festival weekend.
