Three Fires International Film Festival has announced its official program schedule for the inaugural 2023 event. With over 100 films submitted, 3FIFF is excited to screen local and international films in every genre this summer, from July 27 – 30th, in River Mill Park, in downtown Huntsville, Ontario.
The main venue in River Mill Park features a 45-foot dome tent with a 25-foot screen. Food and drink will be available on site, as well as an arts marketplace, featuring the works of local artists and artisans.
With films submitted by filmmakers in over 20 different countries, Canadian content, and Indigenous stories in particular, will be at the forefront of 3FIFF. Director Melissa Pole notes the importance of highlighting movies made by BIPOC filmmakers.
“There is so much talent and so many powerful stories. I am so excited for how this inaugural event will transform my community” says Pole.
Here are just a few highlights from the schedule of events:
Friday July 28th (45 ft. Dome – River Mill Park)
11:00 AM – Animation Shorts
1:00 PM – Documentary Shorts
4:00 PM – Short Fiction Films
6:00 PM – Experimental Shorts & Horror
7:30 PM – Feature Film – Something You Said Last Night
An aspiring writer in her twenties, Ren and her younger sister Siena reluctantly accompany their parents on a family vacation. Siena parties all night long, but the more reserved Ren is left to her own devices.
9:30 PM – Feature Film – Bones of Crows
Bones of Crows is a psychological drama told through the eyes of Cree Matriarch, Aline Spears, as she survives Canada’s residential school system to continue her family’s generational fight in the face of systemic starvation, racism and sexual abuse. Bones of Crows unfolds over one hundred years with a cumulative force that propels us into the future.
Friday July 28th (Boston Pizza Screening)
7:30 PM – Feature Film – Warrior Lawyers: Defenders of Sacred Justice
The program focuses on the stories of Odawa Lawyers, Tribal Judges and their colleagues who work with Native Nations, their citizens and mainstream institutions to achieve Sacred Justice.
8:30 PM – Feature Film – The River is our Relative
“This River is Our Relative” celebrates Penobscot Nation’s intrinsic kinship connection to and tireless environmental advocacy of the Penobscot River. The story is told through the voices of 24 Penobscot people, who share their experience of historical, physical, and spiritual connection to place; of cultural identity and survival.
Saturday July 29th (45ft. Dome – River Mill Park)
10:00 AM – Animation Shorts (child friendly)
11:00 AM – Short Documentaries
1:00 PM – Honouring Black & Women Filmmakers
3:00 PM – Short Fiction Films & Comedy
4:30 PM – Feature Film – The Nature of Healing
This full feature documentary is the spoken truth of seven courageous people who survived the Mohawk Institute, Canada’s first and longest running “Indian” residential school. From victims to survivors, to activists, The Nature of Healing is a story of resistance, resilience and a healing path. Filmmaker Talk following this screening
7:30 PM – Feature Film Screening – Elephant
Polish response to BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. Bartek (22) runs a small horse farm in the mountains in Poland. He had to become head of the family when his father left and his mother fell apart. One day their neighbour dies and his son Dawid (32) comes back to the village for funeral. Bartek becomes fascinated by Dawid and his carefreeness. First love will force him to decide if he’s ready to choose his freedom above family obligations.
10:00 PM – 3FIFF Networking & Celebration
Saturday July 29th (Algonquin Theatre – VIP Pass & Filmmakers)
6:30 PM – Reception & Red Carpet (VIP pass-holders only)
7:30 PM – Live performance by Mimi O’Bonsawin – Musical Duo
8:30 PM – Award Ceremony
Sunday July 30th (45 ft. Dome – River Mill Park)
11:00 AM – Feature Film – When I Go Outside
Told through his painting, this is the story of Syrian-born, Kurdish artist Bîstyek. With no knowledge of Western art or any formal training, his work speaks to the multi-dimensional aspects of his experience and his voice. A unique portrait of a “refugee” who refuses to be seen through only one lens. Made by local Filmmaker Geordie Sabbagh
1:00 PM – Drama Shorts
Join 3FIFF in River Mill Park for the opening ceremony on Thursday July 27th at 6:00 PM ET, followed by a feature film screening of Gift of Fear, directed by Jack Kohler, at 7:30 PM ET.
3FIFF looks forward to celebrating with you at this exciting new addition to Huntsville’s art scene!