The North Bay Film Festival is set to return for its ninth edition from November 15th to 17th, 2024, at the historic Capitol Centre. This year’s festival will feature a lineup of ten films over three days, showcasing both award-winning features from around the globe and local talent.
The program includes special screenings, engaging Q&A sessions, an indie filmmaking panel, and free screenings and workshops designed to enhance the festival experience.
Early bird passes are currently available for $50 at Capitol Centre Box Office, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy all that this year’s festival has to offer.
For the full lineup and schedule, visit northbayfilmfestival.ca/schedule
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2024 SCHEDULE
~ Friday, November 15th ~
12:00pm: FREE SCREENING - SING SING (dir. Greg Kwedar)
Based on the real-life arts rehabilitation program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, this film highlights the transformative power of art within the prison system, showcasing how creativity and collaboration offer hope and healing to those behind bars.
3:00 - 5:30pm: ANIMATE YOUR IMAGINATION: FREE WORKSHOP WITH INDUSTRY PROS
We’re excited to offer a special, hands-on animation workshop in collaboration with Lakeside Animation, one of Canada’s premier animation studios. This workshop will give participants of all ages the chance to dive into the world of animation and explore the behind-the-scenes magic of storytelling in this dynamic industry. Whether you’re an aspiring animator, writer, or simply curious about the process, this event is the perfect way to start your festival experience.
6:30pm: THE TRAGICALLY HIP: NO DRESS REHEARSAL (dir. Mike Downie)
**This screening of the first two episodes will be followed by a special Q&A with producer Bryn Hughes.
This four-part docuseries chronicles the journey of Canada’s iconic rock band, The Tragically Hip. Through never-before-seen archival footage and intimate interviews with band members and fans, including Justin Trudeau and Dan Aykroyd, it highlights their personal struggles and triumphs while celebrating their lasting impact on Canadian identity and culture.
Accompanied by the short film “Terry’s Little Village" by Jack Kukolic
9:30pm: NORTH BAY FILM FESTIVAL 2024 GALA RECEPTION
Open to Friday Night Gala ticket holders and Festival Pass holders. Join us for a celebration of film! Spotlight Lounge, 2nd floor, Capitol Centre.
~ Saturday, November 16th ~
9:30am: DRIVE BACK HOME (dir. Michael Clowater)
Set in the winter of 1970, Drive Back Home follows a cantankerous plumber who travels 1,000 miles to bail out his estranged gay brother, played by Alan Cumming, arrested for public sex. Inspired by a true story from the director's grandfather, this intimate road trip film explores themes of family and forgiveness. Filmed in North Bay, Ontario.
Accompanied by the short film “First Snow" by Kirsten Kosloski
12:00 - 3:00pm: A DREAM ABOUT WATER BY EVELYN PAKINEWATIK
Just in time for the Gallery Hop! Join us for the opening of A Dream About Water, a media installation by 2024 spotlight artist Evelyn Pakinewatik. Presented as part of the North Bay Film Festival, this exhibition invites reflection on memory, cyclical time, and the connection between humans, land, and language. Experience Evelyn’s work at our Digital Creator North Bay space in the Capitol Centre during the festival!
12:30pm: ALL THE LOST ONES (dir. Mackenzie Donaldson)
**This screening will be followed by a special Q&A with Screenwriter Cheryl Meyer.
A future civil war is sparked by government-imposed measures due to climate change. Nia, her sister Penny, and her boyfriend Ethan are hiding out when a militia leader and his followers arrive on their doorstep. This is Mackenzie Donaldson's feature directorial debut, filmed in North Bay, Ontario.
Accompanied by the short film “Trying Memory" by Ruben Harjono
3:00pm: FREE PANEL DISCUSSION: INDIE FILMMAKING
Join us in the Spotlight Lounge at the Capitol Centre for an engaging and informative Indie Filmmaking Panel on Saturday, November 16th, at 3 PM. Moderated by acclaimed local writer, director, and producer Derek Diorio—who brings a wealth of experience with five independent feature films under his belt—this panel will feature insightful discussions with filmmakers Austin Lindsay, Kirsten Kosloski, and Kourtney Roy.
3:30pm: ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT (dir. Payal Kapadia)
This visually stunning journey of self-discovery and emotional resilience follows the intertwined lives of individuals seeking meaning and connection. Winner of the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Screening with English subtitles.
Accompanied by the short film “Michif Land-Based Knowledge“ by Robyn Adams
7:00pm: THE SUBSTANCE (dir. Coralie Fargeat)
In this provocative thriller, the film dives into the depths of addiction and recovery, exploring the personal and societal impacts of substance abuse. Winner of Best Screenplay at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival
Accompanied by the short film “The Death in Sleep" by Mira Harumi De Koven
10:00pm: KRYPTIC (dir. Kourtney Roy)
**This screening will be followed by a special Q&A with Director Kourtney Roy.
This captivating psycho-thriller follows a woman suffering from amnesia as she searches for a missing cryptozoologist in the Canadian woods. Directed by Kourtney Roy, an award-winning photographer and first-time feature filmmaker originally from North Bay, Kryptic intertwines themes of identity and existentialism.
Accompanied by the short film “Witch Woman" by Pixie Cram
~ Sunday, November 17th ~
10:00am: SEEDS (dir. Kaniehtiio Horn)
**This screening will be followed by a special Q&A with actor Dylan Cook.
In her directorial debut, Horn explores themes of generational trauma and Kanien’kehá food sovereignty, providing an insightful look at the lives of those navigating their cultural heritage in contemporary society.
Accompanied by the short film “Okuribi" by Hiromu Yamawaki
12:30pm: IN A GOOD WAY: CURATED SHORTS PROGRAM
**This screening will be followed by a Q&A with the artist and program curator, Evelyn Pakinewatik.
Curated by our 2024 Spotlight Artist Evelyn Pakinewatik, this short film program features a selection of Indigenous short films from Canada and the US, showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences. Following the screening, join us for a panel discussion with the filmmakers.
1:00pm: BUILDING A VISUAL UNIVERSE: AN ARTIST TALK WITH KOURTNEY ROY
Join award-winning filmmaker and photographer Kourtney Roy as she discusses the creative process behind developing visual worlds in film. Drawing from her work on Kryptic, Kourtney will explore practical and conceptual approaches to storytelling, encouraging dialogue and questions from participants. A projector and screen will be available for showcasing images and examples, making this talk an enriching experience for anyone interested in visual storytelling.
3:00pm: EVIL DOES NOT EXIST (dir. Ryûsuke Hamaguchi)
A haunting tale set in a rural Japanese village, this film explores the delicate balance between humanity and nature, highlighting the impact of modernity on traditional lifestyles. Evil Does Not Exist has received critical acclaim, winning awards at prestigious festivals, including the Venice Film Festival, the Asian Film Awards, and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. In Japanese with English subtitles.
Accompanied by the short film “Thunderbird and Killer Whale (S-hwuhwa’us & Qul-lhanumutsun)” by Jason Cheng
6:00pm: ANORA (dir. Sean Baker)
This Palme d’Or winner follows a turbulent relationship between a Brooklyn-based exotic dancer, Ani, and the son of a Russian oligarch. Living in a rundown apartment, Ani finds herself caught in a whirlwind romance that threatens her dreams as Vanya's powerful family sets out to annul their marriage.
Accompanied by the short film “Pinocchio" by Silas Howse
9:00pm: KNEECAP (dir. Rich Peppiatt)
**This screening will be preceded by a live performance featuring North Bay’s Own Gaelic Rapper Dave McCallum
This dark comedy sharpens its wit to examine societal norms while blending social commentary with a unique perspective on identity and culture. An award-winning Irish-language film, KNEECAP has been selected as Ireland's entry for the International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Accompanied by the short film "Camping" by Sacha Kai Michaud, Alyssa Ashmore, Nicole Calfchild
Event Venue
150 Main Street East, North Bay, ON, Canada, Ontario P1B 1A8
Tickets
