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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
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
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. 7
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
10
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