Nickel Independent Film Festival 2018 Program

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the nickel independent film festival the nickel independent film festival

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BUY TICKETS

ONLINE nickelfestival.com

IN P E RSO N

L S P U Ha ll, 3 V ictor ia St reet

BY P H O N E

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SCREENINGS AT A GLANCE

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T UES DAY, JUN E 1 9

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20

W ED NESDAY JU NE 2 0

T H U RSDAY JU NE 2 1

T H U RS DAY J U N E 21

F RI DAY J U N E 22

6: 3 0 P M LSPU HALL

6 : 30PM LSPU HALL

8 : 50PM LSPU HALL

6 : 30PM LSPU H ALL

8: 5 0 P M L S P U H A L L

6: 3 0 P M L S P U H A L L

OPENING NIGHT

IMMACULATE MEMORIES

JUST BE GEMMA

MERMAIDS

THERE IS A HOUSE HERE

F-YEAH, SHORT FILMS!

For almost two years, director

film follows five extraordinary

B U D D E N & AS SO CIAT E S

F E AT U R IN G

Peter Walsh filmed activist Gemma

women who are part of a growing

Hickey through their gender

“mermaiding” subculture.

Award-winning director Alan Zweig

transformation. The result is an

Audiences voyage between

opens his compassionate, inquisitive

Avon Ladies Rural Style (NL)

all-access documentary revealing

mermaid theme parks, conventions,

mind and points his camera to

Tutorial (NL)

Hickey's physical changes and

tail-making studios, and deep into

life in the far north for the Inuit.

10 Minute Time Machine (NS)

internal struggles, along with the

the ocean, where transforming

An unsentimental, poignant look

The Log (Finland)

emotional reaction from loved

into the empowered icon of the

into the hardships and courage

Whyte Snuff (Alberta)

ones. (Canada/NL, 44 Mins)

mermaid is possible. (USA/Canada,

of a proud people. TIFF Official

Grow Old (USA)

76 Mins)

Selection. Presented on National

Mission Accomplished (Austria)

Indigenous Peoples' Day. (Canada,

Second to None (Ireland)

P R E S E NTE D BY CBC NL FE ATU RING Waste It (NL) Ricochet (NL) Aliment Roots (NL) Hook, Line and Stinker (NL) Milk (Canada) The Death of Ian Hall (Canada) Oksijan (UK) All The Single Ladies (Netherlands) Made in Roubaix (France)

THE UNCLUTTERED WORLDS OF CHRISTOPHER PRATT PRES ENTED BY DEACON I NVESTMENTS A fascinating, in-depth look at one of Canada’s most important living painters by award-winning documentary filmmaker Kenneth J Harvey. An honest, funny, eloquent account of Pratt's life and art, and an essential cultural document.

(Canada/NL. 75 Mins) S HORT FI L MS A Dreaming House (NL)

A powerful documentary about the allure of a universal myth, this

SHO RT FI L MS Waiting Outside (NL)

SHO RT FI L MS

Maybe Tomorrow (Bulgaria)

Skip (NL)

Rosario (Mexico)

How You Turned into a Fish (NS)

P R E S E N T E D BY

Life's Short. Wear the Sparkly Earrings (NL)

104 Mins)

Daisy Love (USA)

S H O RT F IL M S Eastern Owl - "Baby" (NL) Reincrustation (NL)

Lady M (UK) KCLOC (USA)

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WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION AT NICKELFESTIVAL.COM MORE DETAILS ON WORKSHOPS PAGE

JUNE 9

JU NE 16-17

JU NE 2 3

THE RO O MS 2-4PM

NIFCO 10AM FREE

NIFCO 10AM-5PM

STOP-MOTION ANIMATION WORKSHOP

ONE-MINUTE MOVIE WEEKEND

FILM SCHOOL IN A DAY

FRIDAY JUN E 2 2

SATURDAY JUNE 23

SAT U R DAY JU NE 2 3

8 : 5 0 P M LSPU HALL

1PM THE ROO MS ( FREE)

6 : 30PM LSPU H ALL

In this free workshop,

A creative challenge to anyone

An introductory workshop series

CLOSING NIGHT

participants of any age are

to write, shoot and edit a

covering many DIY filmmaking

instructed how to make stop

one-minute film in just two

topics. Six one-hour sessions

motion animations using

days. Not a contest, and open

from different experienced

the camera on their smart

to beginners and experienced

instructors. Perfects for the

phone or tablet. Presented in

filmmakers alike. Co-presented

beginning and emerging

collaboration with The Rooms.

with Unpossible NL.

filmmaker, or those who need

CROWN AND ANCHOR P R E S E NTE D BY ACTRA

NICKEL FIRST TAKE DOCS

PRES ENTED BY THE ROOM S

FEAT U R I N G A raw look at the effects of

The Nickel First Take 2018 world

Salaam B’y (Canada/NL)

childhood trauma through the

premiere! Nine short documentaries

Casey (NL)

eyes of two estranged cousins. A

by youth from across

Snowstorm Roulette (NL)

slow-burning, intense drama set in

Newfoundland and Labrador, made

Lamenting Pluto (NL)

St. John’s, featuring local legends

with help from filmmaking mentors

Wave (Ireland)

Andy Jones and Robert Joy acting

Ruth Lawrence, Brad Gover, Andrea

Probably (India)

alongside other talented sons of

Dunne, Lian Morrison and Devin

Evelyn And I (Canada/SK)

NL Michael Rowe and Matt Wells.

Shears. A Nickel project made

(Director & Writer: Andrew Rowe.

possible with funding from ArtsNL.

Canada/NL. 89 Mins) AL SO FEATURI NG SH ORT F ILM

Sting of The Cactus (Canada)

To Have and To Howl (NL)

Land of the Lakes - "Zamboni" (NL)

a primer.

JUNE 20-23 L SPU HAL L 5PM FREE

FREE HAPPY HOUR SCREENINGS

JU NE - JU LY 2 018

FEATURE FILM WRITING: THE FIRST 10 PAGES Develop an original feature film

Drop down to the Second Space

idea from pitch to the first 10

during festival week to enjoy

pages of a feature screenplay.

short film screenings including

An advanced-level workshop by

films from Nickel Horror and

NL writer and filmmaker Wanda

Rom-Com Challenges, and the

Nolan. Only 10 spots available.

One-Minute Movie Weekend.

To apply, visit nickelfestival.com.

JU NE 2 3 VALHALLA TAVERN

CLOSING NIGHT PARTY FEATURING THELMA & LOUISE

Krista Power, Kelly McMichael, Mara Pellerin and Meg Harnum tribute the most badass women of rock under the name of two of the most badass women on film.

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MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

On behalf of the Provincial Government, congratulations on the 18th annual Nickel Independent Film Festival.

Proudly celebrating the spirit of independent creation, the Nickel Independent Film Festival has earned a reputation for presenting quality films before new audiences from established and emerging artists. In addition to strong cinematic selections, this vibrant festival also features discussion panels, industry-related workshops and so much more.

Film and television production in our province has grown to a $50 million industry, generating skilled jobs and creating economic spinoffs. That is why through Budget 2018, Government committed $4 million to the Film Equity Program.

This festival is a fantastic opportunity for filmmakers to sharpen their skills and hone their craft. I wish all involved in this year’s festival every success.

Sincerely, Hon. Christopher Mitchelmore Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

gov.nl.ca

THANK YOU

Deepest thanks to our extended community of film lovers, filmmakers, workshop leaders, sponsors, community partners, friends and volunteers who help make the Nickel possible, and to all our funders who have helped us grow our festival over these 18 years. Many, many thanks to the excellent Nickel board of directors, the amazing Nickel staff, and everybody who has helped along the way.

Special thanks to all our funders, in particular Natasha Green at Canadian Heritage, Line Dezainde at the Canada Council for the Arts, Libby Creelman at the Province of NL, Ken Murphy and Katrina Rice at ArtsNL, Jacqui Dupont and Michelle Madley at the TELUS Community Board, Laura Churchill and Dorian Rowe at the NLFDC, and Théa Morash at the City of St John’s.

Mega huge thank you to Ruth Lawrence, former Nickel Executive Director, for making the Nickel so awesome, being so awesome, and for passing the torch.

Also big thanks to Aatif Baskanderi • Amanda Bulman • Andrea Dunne • Andrew Rowe • Andy Jones • Anna Petras • Barbara Barker • Beni Malone • Bern Hammond • Brad Gover • Bryhanna Greenough • Calla Lachance • Christopher Pratt • Cody Westman • Craig Rowe • Danielle Hamel • David Martino • Dorian Rowe • Duncan De Young • Elisabeth de Mariaffi • Emily Bridger • Family Video • Felipé Diaz • Gemma Hickey • Graham Godden • Grind Mind • Helen Fox Reid • Ian Cornelissen • Ian Vardy • James Grace • Jason Sellars • Jenn Brown • Jenn King • Joshua Jameson • Katrina Rice • Ken Harvey • Ken Murphy • Kenneth J. Harvey • Kevin Pomroy • Krysta Rudofsky • Laura Churchill • Libby Creelman • Matt Wells • Matt Wright • Matthew

A

s Mayor of our Capital City, it is an honour and privilege to extend greetings and best wishes to all who are visiting our beautiful city to participate in the 18th Annual Nickel Independent Film Festival from June 19 – 23, 2018.

The Nickel Independent Film Festival is a celebration of independent film. This year’s festival is showing more than 40 films, more than half of which were made in Newfoundland and Labrador, together with sponsoring workshops to engage the local community and celebrate independent film in Newfoundland and around the world.

City Council shares my enthusiasm for this Festival, and we look forward to joining with our citizens and visitors as we experience performances from the talented artists who will share with us the stories from our home.

I commend the staff, volunteers and sponsors for your hard work and dedication, and thank you for the significant contribution you make to our quality of life in St. John’s. I hope you get a chance to take in the many attractions and amenities we have to offer and enjoy our world class hospitality.

Thomson • Michael Rowe • Mike Fardy • Mike Hammond • Mike Hickey • Mireille Eagan • Natasha Green • Noah Bender • Peter Walsh • Phil Winters • Rebekah Robbins • Renee Sharpe • Riley Harnett • Ritche Perez • Ronnie Walsh • Ruth Lawrence • Shane Mills • Sophie Broders • Steve Cook • Suzanne Mullett • Swervy Garland • Taylor Stocks • Tiffany Martin • Tony Murray • Vic Wells • Victoria King • Wanda Nolan • Everyone we missed! (Sorry!)

Also thank you to the businesses and organizations that help make the Nickel possible: ACTRA • Arts & Culture Centres • ArtsNL • Battery Café • BlueDrop • Budden & Associates • Business and Arts NL • CBC NL • CHMR • Canadian Heritage • Common Ground Coworking • DGC-ARC • Dean MacDonald • Department of Tourism, Culture Industry and Innovation • Festival of New Dance • Fixed Coffee & Baking • Gerry Rogers • Kerry Film Festival • Living Planet • Music NL • NIFCO • NL Distillery • Newfoundland Film Development Corporation • Pedlar Press • Piatto • Posie Row • Purity Factories Ltd. • Quidi Vidi Brewery • RIAC • Record Time • Reel Canada • Resource Centre for the Arts • Rocket Bakery & Fresh Foods • Service Canada • Sheilagh O’Leary • Spirit of Newfoundland & Labrador • St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival • St. John’s Women’s Centre • TELUS • Take the Shot Productions • Take the Shot Productions • The Button Shop • The City of St. John’s • The Hub Printing • The Newfoundland Chocolate Company • The Overcast • The Rooms • The Ship • The Telegram • VOCM • VOWR • Valhalla Tavern • Zapatas

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Danny Breen, Mayor

OUR SPONSORS

NL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

2018 MAJOR FESTIVAL FUNDERS

2018 PLATINUM FESTIVAL SPONSORS

NIFCO Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-opera ve

2018 GOLD FESTIVAL SPONSORS + SCREENING PARTNERS

2018 SILVER FESTIVAL SPONSORS

2018 BRONZE FESTIVAL SPONSORS

BATTERY CAFE • DIRECTORS GUILD OF CANADA • FESTIVAL OF NEW DANCE • GERRY ROGERS • POSIE ROW • PURITY FACTORIES LTD. • SHEILAGH O’LEARY WE ♥ THE NICKEL! 5

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We celebrate and inspire independent film in Newfoundland & Labrador.

THE NICKEL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

WHO ARE WE?

FILMMAKING IN SCHOOLS

TELUS NEW VOICES PROJECT

CREATIVE FILM CHALLENGES

First Take teaches filmmaking to youth across the province.

A project to foster more diversity in local filmmaking.

Nickel’s First Take program brings

This new project made possible with funding

We give filmmakers a creative push and help beginners see themselves as filmmakers.

filmmakers into schools across the

support from Telus will help four beginner

Make a movie on a time limit because it’s

We are an incorporated charitable, not-for-

province to screen short documentaries

filmmakers of diverse cultural backgrounds

fun! Every year we hold multiple DIY film

profit organization based in St John’s and

made by youth, and then lead hands-on

create short films on the subject of

challenges where participating filmmakers

we happily accept donations. To donate to

documentary filmmaking workshops with

belonging.

write, shoot, and edit a short film in a short

the Nickel Independent Film Festival, look

the students. Made possible by ArtsNL and

us up on the Canada Helps website. Tax

the NL Department of Education and Early

receipts can be issued upon request.

Childhood Development through its Cultural

Founded in 2001, the Nickel Independent Film Festival is a celebration of local and international independent film. Our annual festival happens in June in St. John’s, and other workshops, screenings and film challenges take place throughout the year and across the province.

Connections Strategy.

This year filmmakers Ruth Lawrence, Brad

CHARITY #

856136007 RR0001

MAIL

PO Box 1644, Station C

Devin Shears lead the workshops, taking

St. John’s, NL A1C 5P3

the program from home in St. John’s to

EMAIL

info@nickefestival.com

Roddickton, Corner Brook, Gros Morne,

WEB

nickelfestival.com

Makkovik, Codroy Valley, Pollard’s Point, and

Gover, Andrea Dunne, Lian Morrison, and

Musgrave Harbour.

FACEBOOK /nickelfilmfestival

amount of time. We now host the 48-Hour

POP-UP FILM SCREENINGS

Horror Challenge, the 48-Hour Rom-

The Nickel screens films across the province and throughout the year.

Just as with the RPM Challenge,

We team up with organizations and events across the province to hold screenings of

Com Challenge, the Definitely Not Faked Paranormal Challenge, and, this month, the One-Minute Film Weekend (June 16).

NaNoWriMo, or the Global Game Jam, creators of all experience levels use time constraint challenges as an excuse to try new things and have fun making things.

You can do it!

independent films that people would not

INSTAGRAM /nickelfestival

otherwise have the opportunity to see.

TWITTER /nickelfestival

To stay up-to-date, like us on Facebook

2018 HASHTAG #nickel2018

@nickelfestival or check our site at nickelfestival.com.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ane Christensen CHAIR

UPCOMING NICKEL FILM CHALLENGES

Lauren Mills VICE CHAIR Christopher Wakeham TREASURER Amanda Foote Jennifer Hawley Karen Rehner Lian Morrison Tim Conway Tracy Gaudet

OUR 2018 FESTIVAL TEAM Elling Lien EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sarah Smellie FESTIVAL COORDINATOR Sandy May FESTIVAL MANAGER Veronica Dymond COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Desmond Stephens COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT Devin Shears WORKSHOP COORDINATOR Kaitlyn Warren VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Ed Tanasychuk TECHNICAL COORDINATOR Phil Winters TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Elaine Pond SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR Lian Morrison POSTER PHOTOGRAPHER

JUN 16 2018

OCT 12-14 2018

FEB 1-3 2019

MAR 2019 Create a very short film

Go to NIFCO at 10am, form a

Write, shoot, and edit a

Write, shoot, and edit a

random crew, and write, shoot

5-minute horror short in just

5-minute romantic comedy

featuring evidence

and edit a one-minute film

48-hours.

short in just 48-hours.

(real and certainly not faked)

together over the weekend.

of the paranormal.

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WORKSHOPS

JUNE-JULY 2018

FEATURE FILM WRITING — THE FIRST 10 PAGES Led by Wanda Nolan, this six-week writing workshop will give successful applicants an advanced-level opportunity to develop an original feature film idea from pitch to the first 10 pages of a feature screenplay.

Participants will leave with the first 10 pages of their screenplay, a well-established main character, the dramatic question they are raising for their audience, and a plan for how this story will develop over three acts.

Diving deep into the three-act structure, they’ll develop the questions they need to ask in order to carry a story through a feature-length script and identify the

JUNE 9 • 2-4PM THE ROOMS • LEVEL 3

STOP MOTION ANIMATION WORKSHOP ALL AGES • FREE

— whatever you have!

1pm Lunch Break

We’ll have a public screening of the films

2pm A Crash Course in Film Writing

made for the challenge during the 2018

3pm An Animated Discussion

Nickel Film festival on Saturday, June 23 in

4pm You Can Make a Living Doing This?

the LSPU Hall Second Space at 5pm.

Want to sign up? Just show up at NIFCO,

The Five Fundamental Shots

40 Kings Road, at 10am on Saturday, June

Duncan DeYoung shows participants what

16. Email elling@nickelfestival.com for more

the five most fundamental camera shots

information.

look, how they translate, and how to do them without a bunch of fancy equipment.

We’re starting them early! In partnership with The Rooms and led by Jason Sellars, The Rooms’ youth educator, and local animator Danielle Hamel, this stop-motion animation workshop is open to kids of all ages. Inspired by archival photographs from The Rooms collection, participants will have a chance to try their hand at creating animations using collage techniques and the camera

JUNE 19 • 2PM CBC STUDIO F 95 UNIVERSITY AVE

LIGHTING 101 WITH CBC NL

on a smartphone. They’ll make a tripod and

From Christmas lights to oil lamps in a

learn the basics of the free software Stop

fishing shed, the CBC N.L. team knows how

Motion Studio. Assistants will be on hand to

to use what they’ve got to light up a scene

help out!

and make it shine on screen. They’ll walk

pitfalls that result in formulaic writing.

participants through the fundamentals of

Want to participate? Please submit the

good lighting and show them how to set the

following to sarah@nickelfestival.com by 6 p.m. on Monday, June 18: • Writing sample (maximum 10 pages) or directing sample (viewable links to at least two short films)

JUNE 16 • 10AM NIFCO • 40 KING’S RD

ONE-MINUTE MOVIE WEEKEND

• Three-line pitch for a feature film

Make a short film in a weekend, just

screenplay (a new idea, and not something

because you can. The One-Minute Film

you’ve started writing.)

Weekend is free, DIY filmmaking challenge

•Four-sentence bio

that’s open to anyone, no matter their skill

tone of their film using a variety of different lights and tricks.

How’s That Sound?

You can have the prettiest film on the go, but nobody will watch it if it doesn’t sound good. Sound technician Matthew Thomson shows participants how to get the best sound, no matter what.

I’ve Got All This Footage, Now What?

How to dig your way out of a mountain of video footage and get into editing! Danielle Hamel has been producing music videos for her bands the Land of Lakes and It Could Be Franky for years and has strategies that can help.

A Crash Course in Film Writing Shakespeare wasn’t wrong! A strong

JUNE 23 • 10AM TO 4PM NIFCO • 40 KING’S RD

FILM SCHOOL IN A DAY

narrative has three acts whether it’s on the stage or on the screen. Wanda Nolan introduces the basics.

An Animated Discussion Jim Grace, from CNA’s digital animation program, walks participants through the

level or experience. On Saturday, June 16, The class is aimed at screen, fiction and

Back by popular demand, Film School in

challengers will be put into crews based on

different types of animation and what

non-fiction writers, directors who wants

a Day is an introductory workshop series

names drawn from a hat. They and their

animation can add to a film and to a story.

to write, and established writers who want

covering many DIY filmmaking topics.

crew will then have until 10pm the next day

to kickstart a new idea. The cost of the six-

Six one-hour sessions from different

to write, shoot and edit a one-minute film.

Wait, You Can Make a Living Doing This?

week workshop is $150.

experienced instructors. Perfect for

It’s just a minute! How hard could it be?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, you

beginning and emerging filmmakers, or

Well, it can be kinda hard, so we’ve asked

can definitely make a living in film. Ruth

those who want a primer.

Lawrence shares her secrets about living

a bunch of experienced mentors to offer

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their support. Participants will be able to

SCHEDULE

use NIFCO’s red house from 10am to 10pm

10am The Five Fundamental Shots

on both days. Bring your own smart phone,

11pm How’s That Sound?

camera, laptop, and recording equipment

12am I’ve Got All This Footage, Now What?

and working in the province’s film and television industry.

INTRODUCING THE F-RATING The Nickel Independent Film Festival’s mission is to celebrate and inspire independent film. We work hard to encourage more people of all genders and all backgrounds to take their place behind and in front of the camera, and to showcase the best of that work.

In our program this year you will notice that we are giving films that showcase women on screen and behind the camera an “F-rating”. This is a practice that began at the 2014 Bath Film Festival in the UK. Films with an F-rating have either a woman director or a woman writer. Films that also feature very strong female leads or women’s issues are also considered for a “Triple F” rating.

There are now more than 40 film festivals worldwide using this system, as well as the online film database IMDB. We at the Nickel recognize that women are drastically underrepresented in film — just 18 per cent of 2017’s 250 top-grossing films had women in prominent creative roles, and in Canadian film, the numbers aren’t much better. But with large Canadian funding organizations pledging to fund more women-led projects and with Canadian film festivals like the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival giving women filmmakers a place to screen their films and make connections to make more, those numbers are slowly changing.

With our F-rating, we want to make a significant show of support for their efforts, to help highlight the work of women filmmakers, and to help further the discussion.

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WASTE IT

TUES 6:30

Waste It

SHORTS

OPENING NIGHT

TUESDAY, JUNE 19 • 6:30PM • LSPU HALL

PRESENTED BY CBC NL Oksijan 7 year-old Afghan refugee Ahmad wakes in the dark of a sealed refrigerated lorry, alongside his older brother and 13 other refugees. Fleeing war and torture, they’re making a desperate attempt to get into the UK. But for the next fifteen hours they’ll

Hook, Line and Stinker

Made in Roubaix

Written and produced by the CNA/DA

Gone are the days where his weaving loom

nature of romance through filmmaking only

Class of 2018. A greedy Fisherman’s use of

operates at full capacity. Still, Dominique

to run into conflict when surrounding cast

modern technology nets him more than

follows his everyday work ritual: rolling

and crew members have different opinions

he bargained for. Director: James Grace,

huge books in patterned fabrics, setting

on the matter. You can try to imitate art

David Martingale & Darren Doucette •

up sewing machines and serenely moving

Writer: CNA/DA Class of 2018 • Producer:

from one workstation to another. Director

Darlene Oake, College of the North

& Writer: Julie Lacaze and Martin Renard •

Atlantic • Runtime: 5 Mins • Newfoundland

Producer Julie Lacaze • 5 Mins • France

Karen attempts to deal with the fleeting

but it doesn’t make life any easier. Director & Writer: Emily Bridger • Producer: Kerry Gamberg • Runtime: 10 Mins • NL

Ricochet Jeff is down on his luck, after recently losing both, his job and his girlfriend. Having a

and Labrador

All The Single Ladies

Milk Sometimes communication is the hardest

Tiek’s girlfriends surprise her with an

part. Vicki buys milk and tries to tell her

hard time dealing, he devises a suicide plan

unwelcome singles party. When she meets a

grandmother. Seemingly straightforward,

to put an end to his misery. Hilarity ensues

mysterious hobo named Jip the night takes

however, when even this goes awry. Director

yet confusion ensues. Director, Writer &

an unexpected and whimsical turn. Director

Producer: Winnifred Jong • Runtime: 2

& Writer: Yfke van Berckelaer • Producer:

Mins • Canada

& Writer: Nick Kelly • Producer: Nick Kelly, Harold Dawe • Runtime: 14 Mins • Canada

Jennifer van der Toorn • Runtime: 14 Mins • Netherlands

The Death of Ian Hall

face a worse nightmare, as the oxygen in

Aliment Roots

the truck begins to run out. An incredible

Aliment Roots is an operatic short film based

end of life love story, Ian and his wife,

true story about the lengths refugees are

on the poem Roots and Leaves Themselves

Catherine must make a difficult decision

driven to. Director & Writer: Edward Watts

Alone by Walt Whitman. Director: Kenneth

before spending their final days together

• Producer: Olivia Scarlett, Caz Lawrence

J. Harvey • Producer: Kelly Meadus •

in joy and love. Director & Writer: Rick

and Beatrice Warren • Runtime: 19 Mins •

Runtime: 8 Mins • Newfoundland and

United Kingdom

Labrador

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Ian is a terminally ill man. In this touching

Bartram • Producer: Martin Bennett • Runtime: 14 Mins • Canada

IMMACULATE MEMORIES

WED 6:30

A Dreaming House

FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

groans, and dreams and nightmares of a

IMMACULATE MEMORIES: THE UNCLUTTERED WORLDS OF CHRISTOPHER PRATT

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 • 6:30PM • LSPU HALL

PRESENTED BY DEACON INVESTMENTS

What kinds of secrets might a house hold?

A field recordist listens to the moans and lonely house in the woods. Director: Devin Shears • Runtime 7 Mins • Newfoundland and Labrador

Lady M Margot Collins played Lady Macbeth to great acclaim in her youth, but now in her fifties, is largely forgotten and struggling for auditions, let alone parts. When a theatre company announces its intention to stage Macbeth, Margot is determined to land the

PANEL DISCUSSION WITH C. PRATT TO FOLLOW

Immaculate Memories: The Uncluttered Worlds of Christopher Pratt

role once more. She is passed over in favour of a much younger actor, and instead is offered a role as one of the witches—but one should never underestimate the spirit of the play to conjure black magic, nor

An engaging look at one of Canada’s most

the power of a formidable older woman

important living painters. Directed and

to get what she wants. Director: Tammy

produced by award-winning filmmaker

Riley • Smith Writer: Melissa Knatchbull

Kenneth J Harvey, it’s also the first feature-

• Producer: Karen Newman • Runtime: 12

length documentary that Christopher Pratt

Mins • United Kingdom

has agreed to participate in. An honest, funny, eloquent, bizarre and sometimes

KCLOC

unsettling account of his life and art, and

This 3D animated documentary explores

an extremely important cultural document.

people’s perceptions of time. A selection of

Director & Writer: Kenneth J Harvey •

brief interviews provide the voices for CGI

Producer: Kenneth J Harvey, Katherine

clock characters in a variety of real-world

Harvey • Runtime: 75 Mins • Newfoundland

settings as they respond to the question:

and Labrador

“What does time mean to you?” Director, Writer & Producer: Ninaad Kulkarni • Runtime: 3 Mins • United States

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JUST BE GEMMA

WED 8:50 FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

JUST BE GEMMA

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 • 8:50PM • LSPU HALL

Just Be Gemma For more than a year and a half, director Peter Walsh at Nine Island Communications filmed Gemma Hickey throughout their gender transformation. Best known as the founder of Pathways, an organization that offers support to survivors of clergy sexual abuse, and for co-leading the movement that legalized same-sex marriage in Canada, Gemma’s journey is personal, honest, raw and relevant. Just Be Gemma is an all-access documentary revealing Gemma’s physical changes and internal struggles, along with the emotional reaction from loved ones. Director: Peter Walsh • Executive Producer: Peter Walsh, Ronalda Walsh • Runtime: 44 Mins • NL

Waiting Outside…

Simon is a dedicated father who cares for his young daughter Scout while his husband Felix is deployed overseas. When Simon gets a serious diagnosis, his world is shaken and he must deal with it, and the future, alone.

Waiting Outside… is an award winning

the Canadian Cancer Society-NL. It aims to further the conversation on quality of life and draw attention to the challenges faced by others in similar situations. Director & Writer: Joshua Jamieson • Producer: Joshua Jamieson, Ruth Lawrence • Runtime: 8 Mins Newfoundland and Labrador

Maybe Tomorrow A modern-day hermit named Lone hasn’t left his apartment in almost 3-years. Hidden behind a telescope, he falls in love with a woman in the apartment building opposite him. Will he cross the threshold to finally meet her? Maybe tomorrow. Director & Writer: Martin lliev • Producer: Maria Metodieva • Runtime: 24 Mins • Bulgaria

Rosario Rosario is a housewife and caregiver to her ill husband. She silently bears the burden of a joyless marriage as she struggles between the desire for a more fulfilling life and her familial responsibilities. Director & Writer: Marlén Ríos-Farjat • Producer: Mayra Chávez • Runtime: 10 Mins • Mexico

Daisy Love When you’re a flower how do you get another flower’s attention? Curtis falls in love with Naveen at first sight, but takes it too far. Director & Producer & Animator: Nicole Costa • Runtime: 3 Mins • United States

project (Linda Joy NL Award) endorsed by

WAITING OUTSIDE

12

MERMAIDS

SKIP

THURS 6:30

Mermaids

Skip

A beautiful documentary about the

In a coastal town in Newfoundland a

powerful allure of a universal myth.

man named Skip spends his time skipping

FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

Mermaids follows the stories of five

rocks on the shore, caring for his widowed

but I found you in the lake. How You Turned

extraordinary tail-donning women who are

grandfather, and admiring the local store

into a Fish is a poetic animated painting

part of a growing “mermaiding” subculture.

clerk from afar. Despite hard times Skip

about the death of a friend. Through artistic

THURSDAY, JUNE 21 • 6:30PM • LSPU HALL

Audiences voyage between mermaid theme

dreams of making something of his life

images, Jenna Marks explores the ideas of

MER-PERSON PANEL DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW!

parks, conventions, tail-making studios, and

through an unlikely endeavor: rock skipping.

grief and time and shows how one woman

deep into the ocean, where transforming

Director & Writer : Jenina MacGillivray •

can keep a friend alive as long as she keeps

into the empowered icon of the mermaid is

Producer: Kelly Davis and Tamara Segura •

remembering. Director: Jenna Marks •

possible. Director & Writer: Ali Weinstein •

Runtime: 12 Mins • Canada

Runtime: 5 Mins • Canada

MERMAIDS

How You Turned into a Fish You lost the world, and the world lost you,

Producer: Caitlin Durlak • Runtime: 76 Mins • Can

BLUEDROP IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE 18TH ANNUAL NICKEL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

www.bluedrop.com

13

THERE IS A HOUSE HERE

THURS 8:50 FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

THERE IS A HOUSE HERE

THURSDAY, JUNE 21 • 8:50PM • LSPU HALL

PRESENTED BY BUDDEN & ASSOCIATES PANEL DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW

There is a House Here Award-winning director Alan Zweig takes his compassionate, inquisitive mind and points his camera to life in the Far North for the Inuit in this excellent documentary. He connects with friend Lucie (Tatanniq Idlout) as his guide, but initially finds that many of his contacts refuse to seriously interact with him despite his best intentions. Zweig’s honesty and tenacity eventually lead to the

hardships and courage of a proud people

Baby Intimately shot in black and white, “Baby”

still trying to wrestle with the legacy of

by Newfoundland’s Eastern Owl is a

European colonialism and the naive and

moving tribute Canadian residential school

patronizing attitudes of many well-meaning

survivors. Director & Producer: Kenneth J

Southerners. (TIFF Official Selection) Director & Writer: Alan Zweig • Producer: Kristina McLaughlin, Kevin McMahon, Michael McMahon • Runtime: 104 Mins • Canada

Harvey • Runtime: 4 Mins • Canada

Reincrustation In the search for fulfillment an underwater muscle discovers the irony of second

door being opened a crack. He discovers a

chances, and that change is not always for

legacy of abuse leftover from resettlements

the best. Director, Writer & Producer: Jack

and residential schools, but also a resilient

Soucey • Runtime: 3 Mins • Canada

community sustained by a love of the land and a willingness to care for their own. An

272 Water Street St. John’s 709-738-2015 info@rocketfood.ca facebook.com/rocketfood 14

unsentimental, yet poignant look into the

barristers and solicitors

Providing skilled and compassionate legal representation to survivors of abuse and motor vehicle collisions. General legal services also available.

709.576.0077 • 1.844.647.0077 (toll free) info@buddenlaw.com • www.buddenlaw.com 401 Empire Avenue, 1st Floor | St. John’s, NL A1E 1W6

A proud supporter of the Nickel Independent Film Festival 15

10 MINUTE TIME MACHINE

FRIDAY 6:30

Avon Ladies Rural Style

SHORTS

F-YEAH, SHORT FILMS!

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 • 6:30PM • LSPU HALL PANEL DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW

Life’s Short. Wear the Sparkly Earrings Janet Edmonds was an actor, writer, and artist from St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador. In the face of cancer Janet continue to work, create, and express herself until the very end of her battle. Janet exuded love and life constantly; many were comforted by her humour, openness, and her honest expression of what she was going through. This is a short film about Janet and her remarkable spirit and touching reminder to live life to the fullest. Director: Heidi Coombs-Thorne • Writer: Monica Walsh • Producer: Karen Roberts • Runtime: 8 Mins Newfoundland and Labrador

16

A fascinating look at the role of Avon in rural

10-Minute Time Machine

Whyte Snuff

An engagement ring weighs heavily in

After 30 years Edmonton business owner

Newfoundland in the 1960s. The economic

George’s pocket as he waits for Lori to show

Mark Frost is forced to close his Whyte

power Avon offered rural Newfoundland

up for a dinner date. Lori arrives with news

Avenue vintage clothing shop. A quirky look

women was such that during the 1960s

that she’s stumbled upon a time machine

at vintage clothing, the customers who

they became the top Avon sales agents in

that allows them to travel back 10-minutes

love it, and the changing demographics

the country. Unlike Avon representatives

in time, and their imaginations run wild

of a bustling downtown business district.

in urban centres, Newfoundland women

with how they’ll put it to use. Only time will

Director, Writer & Producer: Jonathan

were known to go door to door by ATV,

tell what they do in the face of adventure,

Benny and Raevn Brasch • Runtime: 27

and hike over cliffsides and around

fortune, love, and loss. Director & Writer:

Mins • Canada

wood piles. Director, Writer & Producer:

Charles Wahl • Producer: Charles Wahl,

Rhonda Buckley • Runtime: 20 Mins •

Kevin Kincaid and Gharrett Patrick Paon •

Newfoundland and Labrador

Grow Old

Runtime 10 Mins • Canada

Grow Old: Set to music by Justine Bennett,

Tutorial

The Log

Grow Old is a magical tale about love and devotion, and growing old. Director &

In this comical turn of the tables, a film

Writer: Mike Sorrentino • Runtime: 4 Mins •

whose father wants her to come work for

director wants full-frontal nudity from her

United States

him. Determined to chart her own course,

male-lead who wants nothing more than to

Helen meets up with Andy, a street-smart

be taken seriously for his craft. Director &

skateboarder, at a reputable tutoring

Mission Accomplished

Writer: Teemu Nikki • Producer: Jani Pösö •

A young boy desperately wants to find

agency in a rough part of town. Her father

Runtime: 7 Mins • Finland

his long lost father. Convinced his father

Helen is a well-to-do university student

might not approve of his rough edges, but

is on the moon, Pol enlists the help of a

it’s Andy who knows a thing or two. Director,

clever girl named Sophie to build a rocket.

Writer, Producer: Bruce Brenton • Runtime:

Throughout the mission a deep friendship

7 Mins • Canada

develops between the children that helps them overcome their own unique struggles.

Director: Hanna Mathis • Runtime: 22 Mins • Austria

nifco.org

Proud Sponsor of the 2018 NICKEL FILM FESTIVAL CROWN AND ANCHOR

SNOWSTORM ROULETTE

17

CROWN AND ANCHOR

FRIDAY 8:50

Crown and Anchor

To Have and To Howl

Second to None

James Downey is the product of an abusive

Marriage can be difficult at the best of

When you’re the world’s second-oldest

alcoholic father. He’s living a disciplined,

times. But what if you’ve been together for

man, there’s only one clear path to fame.

straight edge lifestyle as a result, while

centuries? Completed as part of the 2018

This multi-award-winning film from

his cousin Danny drowns his own trauma

Nickel Film 48 hour Rom-Com Challenge,

IFTA nominee Vincent Gallagher uses an

with drugs and booze. When their lives

To Have and to Howl is a hilarious take on

animated Rube Goldberg machine to bring

intersect they each begin to unravel as

a marriage counselling session between a

sibling rivalry to new heights. Director &

the past returns with violent and tragic

fed up werewolf and vampire. Director &

Writer: Vincent Gallagher • Producer:

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 • 8:50PM • LSPU HALL

consequences. Crown and Anchor is a

Writer: Shane Mills • Producer: Grind Mind

Damian Farrell • Runtime: 7 Mins • Ireland

slow-burning intense drama set in St. John’s,

• Runtime: 6 Mins • NL

PRESENTED BY ACTRA

Newfoundland. Director & Writer: Andrew

FEATURE FILM

CROWN AND ANCHOR PANEL DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW

Rowe • Producer: Vince Buda, Matt Wells, Michael Rowe • Runtime: 119 Mins • NL

“ZAMBONI”

SAT 1:00

Also featuring two stop motion animated music videos — “Zamboni” by St. John’s band Land of the Lakes, directed by

PRESENTED BY THE ROOMS

Danielle Hamel, and “Sting of the Cactus”

NICKEL FAMILY MATINEE

Best Music Video: Open World Toronto Film

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 • 1PM • THE ROOMS • FREE

by Ori Dagan with animator Bekky O’Neil.

(Platinum Reel Award: Nevada Film Festival, Festival) “Zamboni” — Land of the Lakes (Dir. Danielle Hamel) “Sting of the Cactus” — Ori Dagan (Dir. bekky O’Neil) Big Game in a Small Town (Roddickton) Corner Brook Pride (Corner Brook)

Come see this free, all ages screening of

Gros Morne School (Gros Morne)

short films, featuring the world premiere

Running Away With the Circus (Makkovik)

of a series of documentaries by secondary

Nine Scared Lives (Main River Academy)

students from communities across

Over the Years: A Closer Look at Corner

Newfoundland & Labrador — including

Brook Intermediate (Corner Brook)

Makkovik, Doyles, Corner Brook, Pollards

Small School, Big Spirit (Codroy Valley)

Point, Roddickton, Rocky Harbour, Musgrave

Banting Plane Crash Conspiracy (Musgrave

Harbour and St. John’s. (A project made

Harbour)

possible with support from ArtsNL and the NL Department of Education and Early Childhood Development)

18

SALAAM B’Y

SAT 6:30

Lamenting Pluto

Probably (Sambhavtaha)

A young woman goes through a breakup

When the government proposes a

at the same time that Pluto loses its status

700-kilometer highway between two major

as a planet. Threatening her job and

cities, local authorities and law enforcement

puzzling her friends, she becomes obsessed

must convince farmers of the benefits of

with having Pluto reinstated as a planet.

selling their land, and have been advised

What begins as a distraction from her

to use force if necessary. Sambhavtaha,

heartache grows into a genuine love of

which means “probably” in English, tells the

astrology and a fulfilling relationship with

story of a farmer who becomes a mutineer

the astrological community. Director: Emily

in order to save his beloved farmland from

Bridger • Writer: Monica Walsh • Producer:

becoming a concrete jungle. Director &

11-year-old Casey lives alone with her

Christina Steele-Nash • Runtime: 13 Mins •

Writer: Gaurav Madan • Producer: Guarav

mother in a large, quiet house. Over-

Newfoundland and Labrador

Madan, Mihir Bhatt, Jignesh Patel, Amir Xi

Despite the current economic troubles of Newfoundland, Salaam B’y hopes to inspire a new generation of Newfoundlanders to work together and live their dreams. Aatif’s

SHORTS

CLOSING NIGHT SHORTS

story is a reminder of what can happen when a community welcomes outsiders with open arms. Director & Producer: Amar Wala • Runtime: 20 Mins • Newfoundland and Labrador

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 • 6:30PM • LSPU HALL PANEL DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW

Casey protected from the world, a secret is

Salaam B’y Aatif Baskanderi grew up in Newfoundland as a Muslim child of Pakistani immigrants.

In a place where not many people looked like him or believed in the same things Aatif learned sincerity and an appreciation for others that would set him up for remarkable life journey. Aatif credits his Muslim and Newfoundlander values for his work around the globe as an engineer with a keen interest in social justice. Currently working as an innovation specialist in Calgary, Alberta, Aatif returns to Newfoundland to share his story of pluralism and tolerance.

revealed after Casey has a physical altercation with a group of school girls outside her house. Director: Cody Westman • Writer: Cody Westman and Bridget Canning • Producer: Jennifer Hawley • Runtime: 11 Mins • Newfoundland and Labrador

Snowstorm Roulette

• Runtime: 24 Mins • India

Wave Fresh from his Oscar win for the short film

Evelyn And I

Stutterer, director Benjamin Cleary teams

Inspired by 1940s documentary filmmaker

up with fellow director and long-time

Evelyn Spice Cherry, a young filmmaker

friend TJ O’Grady Peyton (who also takes

asks what it means to be a Saskatchewan

up the lead role) for Wave – a funny and

filmmaker today, and ponders the value

moving short about a man isolated by the

of films even after they’re long forgotten.

barrier of an unintelligible language and

Director, Writer, & Producer: Weiye Su •

seeking rescue from the internet. Director:

Runtime: 7 Mins • Canada

It’s 1988 and the biggest snowstorm of

Benjamin Cleary & TJ O’Grady Peyton •

the year is about to hit. Tom is a dejected

Writer: Benjamin Cleary • Producer:

bachelor who tries to get his groove back,

Rebecca Bourke • Ireland

but ends up stuck in a tiny basement apartment with his worst nightmare.

Director & Writer: Matt Wright • Producer: Ruth Lawrence • Runtime: 9 Mins • NL

CASEY

SNOWSTORM ROULETTE

LAMENTING PLUTO

WAVE

19