OUR SPONSORS THANK YOU TO
THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR FUNDERS
THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 SPONSORS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Also thank you to Sheilagh O’Leary • Battery Café • Eastern Edge Gallery Director’s Guild of Canada—NL District • Destination St. John’s The Festival of New Dance / Neighbourhood Dance Works 2
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY JUNE 15
JUNE 16
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
7PM
5PM
5PM
5PM
1PM
1PM
10AM-4PM
PRESENTED BY CBC NL
Screenplay Challenge Readings
Screenplay Challenge Readings
Screenplay Challenge Readings
Talk to Your Doctor
Unboxed
Film School in a Day Workshop
JUNE 13
JUNE 14
(LSPU Second Space)
(LSPU Second Space)
(LSPU Second Space)
Bistro Girls Father Like Son Lacrimosa A Girl Who Asked Why The Common Thread Dad and the Fridge Box Play On The Surface Nalujuk Night
7PM
JUNE 17
7PM
JUNE 18
The Southern Wind
nickelfestival.com/workshops
Hen
(LSPU Second Space)
Bechora
The Borer and the Basket
7PM
7PM Débâcle
Half
Dribble
Mr. Ashley Lived Here
PRESENTED BY CLASSIC HITS COAST 101.1
Letter from Bobeyan
The Wind Girl
Honk
I am the Warrior
Downfall
Up to the sea, she weaves a
The Story Coat
Random Thoughts
RUST
THIRD
The Boy and The Mountain
SPIN
Bha Iad Làn Sgeulachdan
Wine
Proximity
The Strangers’ Case
9:30PM Beate Sits in the Bathroom in Silence
Little Bird Mani Pedi
9:30PM
dream The Incredible Vanishing Sisters
Who Will Sing For Me?
9:30PM Respect The Gift
9:30PM
A Small Fortune
3:30PM
Nickel’s Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film Challenge Screening
Paul Pope Tribute Screening
7PM
HORROR NIGHT PRESENTED BY NIFCO
Gay, Asian, Immigrant Coin Slot Look
The Jam
Greed
I want to love you in analogue
I’m Fine
El Poso
L’Entente Cordiale
Evan’s Drum
Let’s Do This Again Sometime
Negative
Thumbs Up
Mudder’s Hands
Last Rights
Chamm (The Trick)
Between
The Savior
there is a scratch on the inside
Front Window
Three Things We Won’t Talk
Mars Community
7PM
PRESENTED W/ NIFCO
Brigitte
of my right knee
JUNE 19
9:30PM
About
In Darkness
The Untouchable
Secret Santa
Peykareh (The Statue)
The Gambler
In the Shadows
PRESENTED BY QUIDI VIDI BREWERY
One In Three
That Halloween
The Shadows of Magellan
Switch
Golem
Identibye
Dirty Donna & the Penis
Mummering Legends
The Missus Downstairs: The
Paintings
Long Road Home Close to the Bone Unnecessary things House, Car & Cottage Lydia Emily’s Last Mural
Newfoundland & Labrador films are bolded.
Shelter
11PM
SELECTED DAILY HIGHLIGHTS THE INCREDIBLE WHO WILL VANISHING SING FOR ME? SISTERS
PAUL POPE TRIBUTE SCREENING
FILM SCHOOL IN A DAY
7PM SCREENING
experienced, the late Gerry
3:30PM SCREENING
Space, this will be a fun, rapid-
Almost two centuries ago St.
Squires embarks on an odyssey
A selection of films to celebrate
fire course for new or aspiring
John’s became the first place in
to fulfil what he believed to
the legacy of Paul Pope —
filmmakers, featuring a series
the Americas to welcome the
be a call to action. Along an
one of the key builders of the
of hour-long workshops led by
Presentation Sisters and Sisters
intimate journey through the
film and TV industry in NL. All
established filmmakers. Free,
of Mercy. These days the few
artistic process, we confront
funds raised will be donated
but space is limited! To reserve
who are left capably lift heavier
the worst of our past, hopefully
to NIFCO, the Newfoundland
a seat or to find out more visit
loads than ever before.
taking positive steps towards a
Independent Filmmakers Co-
nickelfestival.com/workshops.
brighter future.
operative.
MUMMERING LEGENDS
A SMALL FORTUNE
CLOSE TO THE BONE
gambler attempts to outwit
9:30PM SCREENING
9:30PM SCREENING
7PM SCREENING
two less-than-intelligent
A woman who witnesses a
A desperate man finds a bag
A woman looks back on her
heavies who have been tasked
murder in the middle of the
of lost money off the shores
life as a series of rooms. A
7PM SCREENING
with making him disappear.
night flees into the woods
of Prince Edward Island. His
gorgeous visual album from St.
See the results of our open
But in order to hold on to every
to evade capture by the
decision to keep it secret,
John’s singer-songwriter Ian
challenge to write, shoot and
precious minute, he must
mysterious killers. Struggling
however, turns his tranquil
Foster and starring Alison Moira
edit a short film of five minutes
provide helpful solutions to the
through the forest, her pursuers
fishing village into a growing
Kelly, Bridget Wareham, Darryl
or less in just one weekend —
problems encountered by his
drive her onward as a darker
crime scene.
Hopkins, and Des Walsh.
from June 10th to 12th.
hapless captors.
truth comes to light.
NALAJUK NIGHT SPIN
LITTLE BIRD
7PM SCREENING
7PM SCREENING
7PM SCREENING
Exhilarating and sometimes
Catherine’s inability to
Tim Myles’ semi-
terrifying, Nalujuk Night is an
communicate with her
autobiographical story about
annual Labrador Inuit tradition,
daughter has been causing her
losing his mother is a love
an exciting chance for young and old to prove their courage
turmoil, but she agrees to put
letter to her, to his Mi’kmaq
these feelings aside and attend
heritage, and to all those years
and come together as a
a fundraising party. She finds
of mourning. Originally from
community to celebrate. It’s a
that distancing herself from
NL, Myles’ story gently reminds
winter night like no other, and
her anxieties is easier said than
us to not bear the weight of
so is the film that captures it, taking home Best Short Documentary at this year’s
done, and a chance encounter just might provide a first step in the right direction.
Canadian Screen Awards.
grief on our own, and that “we can move forward, because we have to, and we owe ourselves
7PM SCREENING
Responding to a vision he
that.”
DAD AND THE FRIDGE BOX
I’M FINE
7PM SCREENING
descending into depression
Based on a poem by Agnes
after a break-up it’s easy to
Walsh and set during a wake
shrug things off and tell yourself
inside the family home, this
and others “I’m fine” — even
heartwarming film pays a
if it’s blatantly obvious that
memorable tribute to a time
you’re not.
when nothing was disposable.
Nickel Party at The Ship Pub
9:30PM SCREENING
During the struggle of
THE GAMBLER 9:30PM SCREENING
In this comedy, an inveterate
10AM-4PM
Held at the LSPU Hall Second
48-HOUR SCI-FI/FANTASY FILM CHALLENGE
3
We all have stories worth telling Proud sponsor of The Nickel Independent Film Festival
4
We celebrate and inspire independent film in Newfoundland & Labrador. INDIGENOUS LAND WHO ARE WE? ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Founded in 2001, the Nickel Independent Film Festival is a celebration of independent
HOW TO WATCH IN PERSON OR ONLINE
With humility and respect, the
local and international film. Our annual
For the first time ever, all of our festival
Nickel Independent Film Festival
festival happens in June in St. John’s, and
screenings will be available to watch in
acknowledges the land on which we
other workshops, screenings and film
person at the LSPU Hall or to stream online
are based as the ancestral homelands
challenges take place throughout the year
on demand. Both methods will follow the
of the Beothuk [bee-oth-uck], whose
and across the province.
same schedule.
We also acknowledge the island
We are an incorporated charitable, not-for-
of Ktaqmkuk [uk-dah-hum-gook]
profit organization based in St John’s and
IN PERSON:
(Newfoundland) as the unceded,
we happily accept donations. To donate to
traditional territory of the Beothuk
on the main stage at the LSPU Hall at 3
the Nickel Independent Film Festival, look us
and the Mi’kmaq [mee-gum-maq].
Victoria Street, St. John’s. Because space is
up on the Canada Helps website.
limited we recommend booking your seats
culture has now been erased forever.
And we acknowledge Labrador as the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Innu [in-new] of Nitassinan [netass-eh-nen], the Inuit [in-new-eet] of Nunatsiavut [nu-nat-see-ahvut], and the Inuit of NunatuKavut [nu-nahtuhk-ah-vut]. We recognize all First Peoples who were here before us, those who live with us now, and the seven generations to come. As First Peoples have done since time immemorial, we strive to be responsible stewards of the land and
in advance, and you can do that by phone CHARITY #
856136007 RR0001
PO Box 1644, Station C
any amount is appreciated to help cover our
St. John’s, NL A1C 5P3
costs and screening fees.
info@nickefestival.com
WEB
nickelfestival.com
/nickelfilmfestival
on-demand streaming, following the same
/nickelfestival
schedule as our in-person events. Each
/nickelfestival
HASHTAG
screening will be available for just 48 hours,
#nickelfestival2022
and each one is pay-what-you-can. To
to working in a spirit of truth and reconciliation to make a better future for all.
ON-DEMAND ONLINE: New screenings will be released daily for
explore the schedule, visit our website at nickelfestival.com.
and traditions of all who call it home. As we open our hearts and minds
at 709-753-4531 or online at nickelfestival. com. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, and
to respect the cultures, ceremonies,
to the past, we commit ourselves
All in-person screenings will take place
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CREATIVE FILM CHALLENGES
FILMMAKING IN SCHOOLS
We give filmmakers a creative push and help beginners see themselves as filmmakers.
Our school tour program teaches filmmaking to youth across the province.
Shane Mills
Want to make a movie? Just do it! Each
We are so proud of this program! Our school
Andrea Kean
year we hold several free challenges where
touring program brings filmmakers into
Justin Oakey
participating filmmakers write, shoot, and
classrooms across the province to screen
Ashley Knight
edit a short film in a short amount of time.
short documentaries made by youth, and
Matt Power
This past year we held the 48-Hour Horror
then lead hands-on filmmaking workshops
Challenge, the 48-Hour Doc Challenge, the
with the students. Made possible by ArtsNL
FESTIVAL TEAM
Sketch Comedy Challenge, an animation
and the NL Department of Education and
challenge, and a challenge for script writing.
Early Childhood Development through its
Elling Lien EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Film Challenge, happening from June 10-12
Devin Shears DIR. PROGRAMMING & COMMUNICATIONS
and screening on June 19 at 7pm.
Ane Christensen CHAIR Jenny Hawley VICE CHAIR Jeff Lewis TREASURER Tim Conway SECRETARY Amanda Foote Cara Powell
Sandy May OUTREACH COORDINATOR
This month we have our Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Just as with the RPM Challenge or
Cultural Connections Strategy. This year filmmakers Lian Morrison, Justin Oakey and Kerry Gamberg worked remotely with students in schools across the island
George Tamakloe FESTIVAL COORDINATOR
National Novel Writing Month, creative
and Labrador to help them create short
Ed Tanasychuk TECHNICAL COORDINATOR
film challenges give people of all levels of
films from start to finish. You can watch
Phil Winters TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
experience an excuse to try new things
videos made as part of this program online
Elaine Pond SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR
and to reconnect with the fun of making
at nickelfestival.com/schooltour.
Elizabeth Hicks PROGRAM PLANNER
movies. Join our growing community! Visit
Andrew Tremblett COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
nickelfestival.com/filmchallenge for more
Noah Bender POSTER DESIGN
details. 5
Proud sponsor of the 22nd Annual Nickel Independent Film Festival
LACRIMOSA
Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation 12 King’s Bridge Road, St. John’s, NL A1C 3K3 www.nlfdc.ca / info@nlfdc.ca Tel: (709) 738-3456 / Fax: (709) 739-1680 Toll Free: 1-877-738-3456 THE COMMON THREAD
ON THE SURFACE
PLAY
6
DAD AND THE FRIDGE BOX
FATHER LIKE SON
MONDAY JUNE 13 7pm Screening
PRESENTED BY CBC NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
A GIRL WHO ASKED WHY
NALAJUK NIGHT
A GIRL WHO ASKED WHY
PLAY
Mehta’s “A Tale of a Fairy Tale” and other
asleep long ago, but how can she sleep
stories, Marjan Khatibi creates a world
in anticipation of her mother joining her
where ignorance lives underwater, while
to bring Shakespeare’s Hamlet to life?
dignity, fairness, equality and respect are
Director: Ali Gitinavard • Iran • 13 mins
Inspired by her own experience, Shon
found on land. Although short, this powerful film exemplifies animation as compelling storytelling for women’s rights. Director:
A young Black woman goes swimming in the
THE COMMON THREAD
of raising a child in a country that feels
Lisa Shannon’s book A Thousand Sisters
water, she relives her traumatic pregnancy,
led Kingston artist Heather Haynes to
but being in the wild and facing her fears
a life-altering trip to the Democratic
is helping her heal. Director: Fan Sissoko • Iceland/USA • 4 mins
BISTRO GIRLS
LACRIMOSA
with her poetic animated film, “How
poet Walt Whitman, perhaps ashamed
families fighting for peace. Her connection
You Turned into a Fish”. This time, with a
of his sexuality, felt that this shame could
potpourri of sparkles, musical numbers and
be released through the spilling of blood.
documentary interview, her “Bistro Girls” is
Shame pulsed through his body, tainted
sure to win us over again, using animation to
his writing, to be discharged and “stain
explore the inescapable passion that drives
every page.” Director: Kenneth J. Harvey •
artists, no matter their walk of life. Writer/
Producers: Kenneth J. Harvey, Katherine
Director/Producer: Jenna Marks • Nova
Harvey • Music: Andrew Staniland •
Scotia • 5 mins
Newfoundland and Labrador • 7 mins
In his poem “Trickle Drops”, American
ON THE SURFACE
Marjan Khatibi • United States • 3 mins
Republic of the Congo. Amidst violence,
At Nickel 18 Jenna Marks charmed us
At six years old Janan should have been
war, and unspeakable cruelty, she found a community of strong women, children and to these people inspired her 15-foot painting entitled “The Common Thread.” Director:
Icelandic sea, reflecting on her experience nothing like home. As she enters the freezing
NALUJUK NIGHT
Exhilarating and sometimes terrifying, Nalujuk night is a beloved Labrador Inuit
Braden Dragomir • Ontario • 20 mins
annual tradition, an exciting chance for
DAD AND THE FRIDGE BOX
and come together as a community to
Based on a poem by Agnes Walsh and
and so is the film that captures it, having
set during a wake inside the family
taken home Best Short Documentary at this
home, this heartwarming film pays a
year’s Canadian Screen Awards. Director:
FATHER LIKE SON
memorable tribute to a time when nothing
Jennie Williams • Producers: Latonia
was disposable. Director: Mary Walsh
Hartery, Kat Baulu, Rohan Fernando •
• Producers: Mary Walsh, Gill Dawe •
Newfoundland and Labrador • 13 mins
Art Award, we take a brief, intimate look into
Newfoundland and Labrador • 9 mins
In this national winner of the 2021 BMO 1st
young and old to prove their courage celebrate. It’s a winter night like no other,
the generational life of a small family farm. Director: Anna Kuelken • Alberta • 17 mins 7
RANDOM THOUGHTS
WINE
MR ASHLEY LIVED HERE
SPIN
TUESDAY JUNE 14 7pm Screening
I AM THE WARRIOR
I AM THE WARRIOR
SPIN
relationship. The daughter wants to right
with her daughter has been causing her
the wrongs of the residential schools which
considerable turmoil, but she reluctantly
have had such a detrimental effect on
agrees to put these feelings aside and
her mother. In her mind she becomes The
attend a fundraising party. While she finds
Warrior, determined to save the young
that distancing herself from her anxieties
version of her mother — only to realise
is much easier said than done, a chance
that by surviving Residential School, her
encounter just might provide the first step
mother has been the true Warrior all along.
in the right direction. Director: Andrea Cass
Director: Tara Audibert • New Brunswick •
• Producer: Martine Blue • Newfoundland
8 mins
and Labrador • 11 mins
RANDOM THOUGHTS
WINE
painting, “Random Thoughts” explores the
Sanne finds herself returning to a hostile
world of Sadie Cooper, her views of the
household as she awaits news of her father’s
world, past and present, and her family
recovery from surgery. Within this corrosive
history at the lighthouse on Random Head.
environment, filmmaker Anna Demianenko
Director: Stephen Bonnell • Newfoundland
reaches back to a moment from her past
and Labrador • 6 mins
in Ukraine to introduce an immediate
Mother and daughter Fox have a poor
Through the use of animation, and a
THE STRANGERS’ CASE
A film that brilliantly captures the fear
MR. ASHLEY LIVED HERE
Offering a reminder of the great value of
and anxiety prompted by events of
preserving the stories of those who have
the last couple of years, as well as the
come before us, “Mr. Ashley Lived Here”
passion and resilience ignited in response,
looks back at the lives of six individuals who
“The Stranger’s Case” recalls William
grew up in the sharecropping community
Shakespeare’s plea for humanity in a world
on the filmmaker’s family farm and former
full of xenophobia. Moreover, we’re inspired
plantation in the heart of central Louisiana.
to reflect upon how much we, as a society
Director: Hannah Timmons • USA • 27 mins
THIRD
Something is buzzing in the hot summer air between Laurin and Tanja. While it develops
and individuals, benefit from the communal
into an awkward situation, it does inspire
experience of attending live performances.
him to confront his inner fears and take
Director: Ruth Goodwin • Ontario • 6 mins
a leap of faith. Director: Luis Seemann • Germany • 9 mins
8
Catherine’s inability to communicate
After a long time away from her family,
challenge which could inadvertently provide a solution to the problems that have festered for years. Director: Anna Demianenko • Netherlands • 25 mins
THERE IS A SCRATCH...
SWITCH
LAST RIGHTS
BRIGITTE
DIRTY DONNA & THE PENIS PAINTINGS
I’M FINE
TUESDAY JUNE 14 9:30pm Screening
THERE IS A SCRATCH ON THE INSIDE OF MY RIGHT KNEE
A poem by Paula Harris is brought to life with a matter-of-fact tone that reflects how many of us manage to keep going when facing disappointment. Sometimes scars are left behind, but once we recognize and accept that things don’t always turn out the way we’d like, we can move on. Director: William Cho • New Zealand • 3 mins
IN DARKNESS
A girl wakes up in the middle of the night
BEATE SITS IN THE BATHROOM IN SILENCE
LET’S DO THIS AGAIN SOMETIME
to the sounds of her father’s angry voice.
sits in the bathroom in silence. Primarily a
man’s search for connection into a life-
anticipate a horrible conclusion. Director:
portrait of the woman, the film offers us with
altering experience — and not for the
a moment that is deliberately constructed
better. Exploring desire and the boundaries
to raise more questions than it answers.
of consent, this film unreservedly depicts
Director: Valerie Knill • Germany • 2 mins
how a moment can have lasting, horrific
At a house party a middle-aged woman
BRIGITTE
An encounter with an old flame turns a
effects. Director: Petrus van Staden • South Africa • 13 mins
As she creeps out of her room to find out more, she sees him hurling accusations and threats in her mother’s direction while she silently sits there. Tension escalates as we Reza Javanshir, Saied Hatam khani • Iran • 8 mins
PAYKEREH (THE STATUE)
A surprisingly dark stop-motion animation about the relationship between an artist
LAST RIGHTS
and his medium. A sculptor quite literally
his new inflatable doll. Unfortunately, he is
is trying to right the wrongs in his life.
something new he has to collaborate with
totally unprepared for the wicked things
Determined to avoid disappointing his
that lie ahead. Director: Gabriel Auclair-
daughter as he has so many times before,
Doucet • Quebec • 10 mins
he takes a slight step outside the lines only
Director Gabriel Auclair-Doucet, whose motto is “stay weird”, presents the story of Jean-Guy, who is madly in love with Brigitte,
I’M FINE
During the struggle of descending into depression after a break-up it’s easy to
Following his release from prison, Joe
struggles with the clay he works with, realizing as he goes that in order to make it. And that when that collaboration ends, one of them loses their freedom. Director: Mohsen Salehi Fard • Iran • 9 mins
ONE IN THREE
Young Sarah has started to notice that her parents arguing has escalated. As her mother suffers from mental health issues and her father struggles with pressure from work, tensions build up and revelations spill out. A film about what goes on behind closed doors. Director: Oliver McDermidPerring • United Kingdom • 12 mins
SWITCH
Relations between Josh and Emma have been strained lately, but considering all of the time Josh spends skateboarding with his new buddy Daniel, things don’t look like they’re about to improve any time soon. Director: Nathan Dunphy • Producers: Matthew MacDonald and Nathan Dunphy • Newfoundland and Labrador • 7 mins
DIRTY DONNA & THE PENIS PAINTINGS
There’s no disputing Canadian painter Donna Ibing’s gifts as an artist and her nudes have been accepted with great acclaim. Or, rather, some of them. Unfortunately, Donna prefers to paint male nudes, which presents a problem: the penis. With pieces entitled “Trip Dyck”, “Rod & Reel”, “Handful”, and the brilliant “Erection”, artist Donna uses humour to mitigate our problems with the male organ. Director: Christopher McLeod • Ontario • 17 mins
to find that there’s no way back. Director: Anastacia Hopkins • Writer/Producer: Trudy Lake-Mullins • Newfoundland and Labrador • 5 mins
shrug things off and tell yourself and others “I’m fine” — even if it’s blatantly obvious that you’re not. Director: Peter Collins • Newfoundland and Labrador • 5 mins 9
DOWNFALL
THE BOY AND THE MOUNTAIN
MANI PEDI
LITTLE BIRD
PROXIMITY
WEDNESDAY JUNE 15
RUST
THE BOY AND THE MOUNTAIN
BHA IAD LÀN SGEULACHDAN
success in the business world and led an
reflects on the stories he heard in his youth,
inspiring life, but still feels unfulfilled — until
his relationship to the Gaelic language, and
7pm Screening
Hernan Leal has reached the pinnacle of
he chooses to embrace a long-suppressed
his extraordinary experience of receiving
PRESENTED BY CLASSIC HITS COAST 101.1
childhood dream. Told with superb, often
dance lessons in his dreams. Director: Todd
breathtaking animation, this short is sure
Fraser • New Brunswick • 6 mins
to have us reflecting on roads not taken and new paths into the future. Directors: Santiago Aguilera, Gabriel Monreal • Chile
Cape Breton Island’s Willie Francis Fraser
LITTLE BIRD
• 11 mins
Newfoundland-born Tim Myles’ semi-
PROXIMITY
mother in 2013 is a love letter to her, his
A woman living in a small Newfoundland
mourning. Myles’ story gently reminds us
town labours all day on land while she
to not bear the weight of grief on our own,
awaits her husband’s return from the sea.
and inspires a sense of triumph that “we can
autobiographical story about losing his Mi’kmaq heritage, and all those years of
DOWNFALL
RUST
In this documentary, Mariola Wawrzusiak-
While she longs to be out on the water as
move forward, because we have to, and we
struggles with chronic feelings of emptiness,
Borcz scours post-industrial areas in search
well, she’s expected to be anchored to their
owe ourselves that.” Director: Tim Myles •
unclear self-image, self- destructive
of scrap metal. Back at her studio, she welds
home, where her work is solitary and unseen.
Ontario • 15 mins
behaviours, feeling suspicious and out of
it into compelling, terrifying sculptures of
As she goes through her tasks — “feminine”
touch with reality. She’s on a downward
animals, androids, and children affected by
and “masculine” alike — she comes to
trajectory, yet it is the therapeutic benefit
war. Despite a painful hand condition, she
realise she has everything she needs to
of dancing which helps prevent her full
perseveres with her passion to create art
be free. Director/Writer: Jamie Miller •
breakdown. Director: Rona Fayad •
and her mission to keep us from becoming
Producer: Kerri Oakey • Newfoundland and
Lebanon • 3 mins
indifferent to the world we live in. Director:
Labrador • 13 mins
Visually spectacular animation. Enya
Rafal Malecki • Poland • 30 mins
MANI PEDI
A young immigrant from Laos who learned to fight in refugee camps is forced to give up his boxing career after sustaining a brain injury. To help him make ends meet his sister enlists him to work at her nail salon. However the salon reveals itself to be an equally toxic female “ring” where competition for clients and exposure to hazardous chemicals present new, familiar challenges. Director: Marlene Goldman • Ontario • 14 mins
10
THE JAM
MARS COMMUNITY
THE UNTOUCHABLE
EL POSO
THE GAMBLER
NEGATIVE
WEDNESDAY JUNE 15 9:30pm Screening
CHAMM (THE TRICK)
To provide for his family, a young Afghan
clearly very upset, stands in the middle of
world, he makes war his economy. Director:
a highway holding up traffic. The situation
Shayhaq Baloch • Pakistan • 10 mins
gets worse when Sergeant Jabbari arrives
FRONT WINDOW
window with a telescope smugly invading the privacy of his neighbours occupies
Pig and Jam discuss how sick they are
NEGATIVE
In this comedy, an inveterate gambler heavies who have been tasked with
Javid Farahani • Iran • 3 mins
making him disappear. But in order to
MARS COMMUNITY
Offering a new beginning for humanity, a mission to establish the first community
picture taken. Later in the evening, when
to interested parties. Director: Stephen
represented in the music industry. Director:
the photographer starts editing the day’s
Cadigan • Newfoundland and Labrador •
Shan Leigh Pomeroy • Newfoundland and
photos, he discovers images of an elderly
15 mins
Labrador • 3 mins
woman in place of the much younger
beach, empowered with the uncanny
THE GAMBLER
attempts to outwit two less-than-intelligent
of being eaten all the time, and under-
suddenly finds herself on an unfamiliar
Shahnavaz • Quebec • 15 mins
kitchen. Today, that might change. Director:
to settle on Mars launches an open call
Following a suicide attempt, a woman
on the scene to arrest her. Director: Avazeh
more of this man’s time than cleaning up his
A woman goes to a studio to have her
EL POSO
A young woman named Yassi, who is
man hatches a clever plan. In a war-ridden
It is safe to assume that standing in the
THE JAM
THE UNTOUCHABLE
hold on to every precious minute, he must provide helpful solutions to the problems encountered by his hapless captors. Director: Mark Popple • United Kingdom • 25 mins
one who had sat for him earlier. The next day, he sets out to find the woman and discover what happened. Director: Ehsan Mohammadi • Newfoundland and Labrador • 8 mins
ability to converse with rocks. Director: Max Radbill • USA/Spain • 9 mins
11
DÉBÂCLE
THE INCREDIBLE VANISHING SISTERS
THURSDAY JUNE 16 7pm Screening
UP TO THE SEA, SHE WEAVES A DREAM
DÉBÂCLE
LETTER FROM BOBEYAN
from the shifting ice of the St-Lawrence
a letter and embarks on a journey to
river in winter. A meditation on climate
find the truth. “Letter from Bobeyan” is a
change and the fragility of our coastal
fictionalised account of an actual tragedy
regions. Director: Catherine Arsenault •
that occurred in 1850 in the Bobeyan Valley
Quebec • 1.5 mins
— now Namadgi National Park. Director:
This short animation draws its inspiration
A modern-day explorer who comes across
Stephen Paul Cooke • Australia • 20 mins
UP TO THE SEA, SHE WEAVES A DREAM
THE INCREDIBLE VANISHING SISTERS
and people who await their return. In this
the first place in the Americas to welcome
beautiful animated short, three generations
the Presentation Sisters and Sisters of
of women await their loved ones and dream
Mercy. In recent years their numbers have
their way across the sea to their memories.
diminished but the need for their work
Even once they know they will never
certainly has not — and the few who are left
return, they knit to heal the wounds of war.
capably lift heavier loads than ever before.
Director: Maryam Khalilzadehbin • Iran •
Director: Kenneth J. Harvey • Producers:
9 mins
Kenneth J. Harvey, Katherine Harvey •
In any armed conflict there are soldiers
Almost two centuries ago St. John’s became
Newfoundland and Labrador • 62 mins
12
BETWEEN
MUMMERING LEGENDS
THUMBS UP
SECRET SANTA
THAT HALLOWEEN
THURSDAY JUNE 16 9:30pm Horror Night
THREE THINGS WE WON’T TALK ABOUT
A woman comes to realise she has compromised her own wellbeing for her crumbling relationship — and with dark consequences. Director: Jessie Craig Roche • Canada/UK • 8 mins
PRESENTED BY NIFCO
SECRET SANTA
Robin is Santa’s biggest fan. Robin hitches a ride to the North Pole. Robin finds out that meeting one’s heroes can be apocalyptic. Robin learns the real meaning of Christmas. Warning: This film is not recommended
GREED
THUMBS UP
for anyone who believes in Santa Claus.
A killer is on the loose in the city, and Matt, a
Lynn Kristmanson & Andrew Loman •
Sins Fundraiser in Minnesota, this film
high-strung investigative reporter, has been
Newfoundland and Labrador • 10 mins
recognizes that accusations of greed have
reporting on his every move. When Matt
long been used to hold women back. But
returns home to find his partner hosting
what if women actually took everything
some old friends, he turns to booze to calm
they wanted and did what they pleased?
his fraying nerves. As the night goes on
Director: Amber Danger Johnson • USA • 4
and the party grows, things take a serious
mins
turn for the worse. Director: Mike Simms •
Initially conceived for the Seven Deadly
L’ENTENTE CORDIALE
A couple joins their landlords for dinner to discuss the annual rent increase. It does not
Newfoundland and Labrador • 13 mins
BETWEEN
Director: Lynn Kristmanson • Producer:
IN THE SHADOWS
Newly separated, Melanie takes her son and heads to her mom’s house for the weekend. In the shadows, a creature in search of fresh flesh lies in wait for them, studying them and looking for the perfect moment to lure them into its lair. Director: David Émond-Ferrat • Quebec • 13 mins
THAT HALLOWEEN
On October 31, 1955, June and Frank Marsters met their grisly end when an escaped killer — known as the Willow Woods Wolfman — broke into their home. In the decades since, the night has become the stuff of local legend. But what really happened That Halloween? Director/ Writer: Mike Hickey • Producer: Christian Davis • Newfoundland and Labrador • 13 mins
GOLEM
In Nazi-occupied Prague, a group of German soldiers search for a fugitive rabbi in the basement of an abandoned synagogue, unaware of the horror that awaits. Director: Ryan Cauchi • Australia • 5 mins
MUMMERING LEGENDS
An elderly woman recounts a story from 1927 to illustrate the disturbing history of mummering in Newfoundland: A woman who witnesses a murder in the middle of the night flees into the pitch-black woods to evade capture by the mysterious killers who know that she saw them. Struggling
A man with the ability to foresee impending
go well. Director: Gautier Piton, Clément
through the nearly impenetrable forest, her
death contemplates the effect it has on
Douillet • Quebec • 11 mins
pursuers and pure terror drive her onward
his own life. Director: Veronica Dymond •
as a darker truth comes to light. Director:
Producer: Veronica Dymond & Brandon
Shane Mills • Writer: Francois Van Zyl •
Hillier • NL • 4 mins
Producer: Christian Davis • Newfoundland and Labrador • 13 mins
13
Come visit our tasting room & shop
only a 45 minute drive from St.John’s
w w w . t h e n e w fo u n d l a n d d i st i l l e ry . c o m
PIZZA IS JUST THE START OF YOUR TASTE ADVENTURE Serving up authentic wood-fired pizzas is our passion, but there’s so much more to experience at Piatto! From pizza, to pasta, to fresh new seasonal salads and beyond, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With our dishes made fresh in-house daily, you’ll come for the pizza, but you’re sure to find a unique new favourite on our menu. Come eat, drink and experience a taste of Naples in your neighbourhood. Piatto Downtown 377 Duckworth Street — Piatto Midtown 60 Elizabeth Avenue
piattopizzeria.com
16
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
FRIDAY JUNE 17
1pm Matinee Screening
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR Healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador
towards helping them overcome these
relies on a dedicated group of physicians
obstacles is to find out what they need.
who live and work in rural communities.
Directors/Producers: Lindsay Webster &
These are spectacularly breathtaking
Daniel Rees • Newfoundland and Labrador
locations, as the film generously
• 84 mins
demonstrates, but our resilient rural doctors, though committed to their regions, and the people who live there, do encounter numerous challenges. Perhaps a good step
17
BECHORA
WHO WILL SING FOR ME?
HALF
FRIDAY JUNE 17 7pm Screening
THE STORY COAT
BECHORA
THE STORY COAT
younger brother: feeding him, dressing him,
celebrating the life of a recently departed
and taking him hand-in-hand all the way to
friend. Our stories are layered on our skins,
his classroom. Today, she makes a choice.
our souls and, sometimes, on our clothing.
Director: Maya Armon • United Kingdom •
Director: Carinne Leduc • Ontario • 3 mins
Maya has a parental relationship with her
9 mins
HALF
WHO WILL SING FOR ME?
comes out to his girlfriend, shaking the
Gerald Squires’ life-sized bronze statue of
foundation of their relationship and
Shanawdithit — the last-known member
launching a tragicomic exploration of love
of the Beothukpeople — from the early
and religion in New York City. Director:
stages of creation to final installation. A film
Jacob Roberts • USA • 11 mins
about confronting the worst of our past and,
Jonah Dorman, half-Jewish and bisexual,
THE WIND GIRL
An elderly married couple live on a secluded farm. One day, while ploughing their land, they find human remains left from the Kurdish Civil War. The woman insists on not burying the bones, and a dispute ensues that threatens to separate the couple. Director: Dana Karim • Iraq • 15 mins 18
A woman takes a creative approach to
A documentary following the creation of
hopefully, taking positive steps towards a brighter future. Director/Producer: Roger Bill, Tristram Clark • Newfoundland and Labrador • 45 mins
A SMALL FORTUNE
A SMALL FORTUNE
FRIDAY JUNE 17 9:30pm Screening
A SMALL FORTUNE
A desperate man finds a bag of lost money off the shores of Prince Edward Island. His decision to keep it secret, however, turns his tranquil fishing village into a growing crime scene. Newfoundland and Labrador talent can be found in front of the camera and behind the scenes of this crime thriller, courtesy of local co-producer Mary Sexton, whose Rink Rat Productions has also helped
RESPECT THE GIFT
ADRIAN SUTHERLAND — RESPECT THE GIFT This brilliant, silhouette-style animated
video of Indigenous roots-rocker Adrian Sutherland’s upbeat song of celebration doesn’t just offer a timely message, its groovy vibe is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Director: Justin Stephenson & RoseAnna Schick • Manitoba • 3 mins
bring us the excellent Maudie and Hatching, Matching & Dispatching, among other projects. Director: Adam Perry • Producers: Jason Arsenault, Jenna MacMillan, Mary Sexton • PEI/NL • 90 mins
19
THE SOUTHERN WIND
THE BORER AND THE BASKET
HONK
SATURDAY JUNE 18
1pm Matinee Screening
HEN
DRIBBLE
the grocery store, put away the results of our
to drive a wedge between two brothers
modern hunting and gathering, and begin
— unless they can find a way to for it to
preparing our next meal. Our protagonist’s
bring them closer together. Directors: Ali
routine is suddenly disrupted, however, when
Lavarimonfared, Nazafarin Hassanpour •
his package of chicken presents him with an
Iran • 15 mins
It’s a ritual we all know well: We return from
unexpected surprise. Director: Sathya Miele • USA • 5 mins
THE BORER AND THE BASKET
The ash trees of the Wabanaki Forest bear spiritual, ceremonial, and economic
UNBOXED
From crib to coffin, we live our lives in boxes.
THE SOUTHERN WIND
importance to Indigenous people in the area, but an invasive beetle species is currently decimating these trees and
In the face of rural exodus, life seems to
threatening a way of life. This film weaves
With a blend of live action and stop-motion
be dissolving in the village of Val Gagné,
personal stories with hard science, following
animation, “Unboxed” poses the question,
Ontario. The future is uncertain, but these
the basket makers and scientists who are
“but what if you’re not into squares?”
Franco-Ontarian villagers are soon blessed
Director: Sara Caldwell • USA • 4 mins
trying to preserve the forest before it’s
with a wind of hope and renewal. Director:
too late. Director: Desmond Simon • New
Aucéane Roux • Quebec • 16 mins
Brunswick • 7 mins
20
A mutual passion for soccer threatens
HONK
Amidst lockdowns and physical distancing, a bizarre encounter leads to an unusual but heartwarming relationship. Their story eventually attracts widespread media attention, and to people around the globe they become symbols of hope, love, and friendship during a time of overwhelming isolation and loss. We’re honoured to introduce acclaimed filmmaker and performer Cheryl Allison and Honk, celebrity goose. Director: Cheryl Allison • USA • 47 mins
SATURDAY JUNE 18
3:30pm Matinee Screening PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NIFCO
PAUL POPE TRIBUTE SCREENING A selection of films to celebrate the legacy
Cooperative) as well as a board member of
of Paul Pope — one of the key builders of the
the Canadian Media Producers Association
film and TV industry in Newfoundland and
and vice-chair of the Canadian Media Fund.
Labrador. For more than 40 years, Paul Pope led with kindness and passion. As a producer,
Paul passed away in April of 2022 after a short illness. All funds raised at this screening will be
Pope worked on hundreds of films and
donated to NIFCO to help ensure that
shows, and owned Pope Productions, the
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
company behind productions like Hudson
continue to have access to the tools and
& Rex, Grown Up Movie Star, Rare Birds,
expertise needed to produce independent
and Life with Derek. He was a passionate
film.
advocate for independent Canadian media, and served as a founding member of NIFCO
For an up-to-date list of films and details
(Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers
please visit us at nickelfestival.com.
PAUL POPE
21
THE SAVIOR
LOOK
EVAN’S DRUM
GAY, ASIAN, IMMIGRANT
SATURDAY JUNE 18 7pm Screening
COIN SLOT
THE WHITE WHALE
is a battlefield. Finally — although recent
attack on a river. Thirty years later, he still
events might suggest otherwise — love is
searches for their remains with a white
all around. So if you’re searching for love,
whale as the only sign. Director: Amir
it might be a good idea to get out of the
Mehran • Iran • 10 mins
Love is grand. Love hurts. Sometimes, love
house and take a look. Director: Lorne Warr and Labrador • 9 mins
I WANT TO LOVE YOU IN ANALOGUE
A poem by Paula Harris exploring romantic passion within the context of yearning is brought to life with a nod to melancholic
GAY, ASIAN, IMMIGRANT
COIN SLOT
longing — where one desires something
A young man tries not to unravel as the
April Lampre • Writer: Paula Harris • New
situational comedies, a privileged gay Asian
anniversary of a traumatic attack looms
Zealand • 3 mins
immigrant lands a job by perpetuating a
closer. Coin Slot captures the many shades
harmful stereotype. It comes home to roost
of trauma and healing through fragmented
when his boss shows up at his doorstep,
moments of honesty and vulnerability.
and he keeps up the pretence in front of his
Director/Writer: Scott Jones • Producer:
lover. Ultimately, he must make a choice
Aly Kelly • Nova Scotia • 16 mins
to maintain the illusion or reveal the truth. Director: Ushmey Chakraborty • USA • 10 mins
I WANT TO LOVE YOU IN ANALOGUE
LOOK
• Producer: Bruce Brenton • Newfoundland
With a nod to the tropes of American
MUDDER’S HANDS
more than what currently is. Director:
A young soldier loses his friends in an air
MUDDER’S HANDS
With a dash of youth, a pinch of age, and an unrecorded recipe, this charming love letter to a mother — disguised as a superb documentary film — lifts our hearts like a pan-full of dough. Centred around baking raisin bread, “Mudder’s Hands” shines a light on arthritis, while blending laughter, loss, and memories into baking tips. Director: Clint Butler • Producers: Clint Butler, Karen Shopsowitz • Newfoundland and Labrador • 15 mins
EVAN’S DRUM
THE SAVIOR
an uplifting story of cultural pride! After
only companions are her pet turtle and the
generations of silence, the rhythm of the
fish in the nearby river. She begins to behave
traditional Inuit drum has returned to
in a manner that upsets her father, who,
Labrador, and seven-year-old Evan is part
while he understands her motivation, he
of the new generation that will keep its
cannot condone it. Loss, grief, compassion,
heartbeat strong. Director: Ossie Michelin
and kindness are brilliantly woven together
• Producers: Kat Baulu, Rohan Fernando,
with imagination, sensitivity, and a sense
Latonia Hartery • Newfoundland and
of wonder, into a film that is sure to remain
Labrador • 14 mins
with us long after the end credits. Director:
What a joyful visit to a loving home and
Following the death of her mother, a girl’s
Soheila Pourmohammadi • Iran • 15 mins 22
LYDIA EMILY’S LAST MURAL
HOUSE, CAR & COTTAGE
CLOSE TO THE BONE
THE MISSUS DOWNSTAIRS
IDENTIBYE
UNNECESSARY THINGS
choosing between sense and sensibility
Could this pet be a human? Could they
9:30pm Screening
regarding their innermost feelings. From
become friends? …And what would become
the very beginning, fear brought on by the
of the robot afterwards? Ukranian animator
judgements of the ones closest to them,
Dmytro Lisenbart expertly crafts an
fuels persistent doubt and indecision. They
adaptation of Robert Sheckley’s short story
PRESENTED BY QUIDI VIDI BREWERY
must work against the clock, knowing that
“The Old Curiosity Shop” in a film noir style
one’s true identity is what matters most.
that also recalls mid-20th Century science
Director: Sajjad Shahhatami • Iran • 15
fiction. This clever homage extends as far
mins
as depicting the central figure as a version
SATURDAY JUNE 18
Our protagonist faces the dilemma of
CLOSE TO THE BONE
A woman looks back on her life as a series of rooms. A gorgeous visual album from St. John’s singer-songwriter Ian Foster, starring
Could a robot adopt a pet in the future?
of the author in his younger days. Director: Dmytro Lisenbart • Ukraine • 14 mins
LYDIA EMILY’S LAST MURAL
THE SHADOWS OF MAGELLAN
THE MISSUS DOWNSTAIRS: THE LONG ROAD HOME
globalisation, and changing climate is
comedy greats Mary Walsh and Dave
explored using footage of a performative
Sullivan. John, down on his luck, finds his
dance art installation in Hamburg, Germany,
dream home. However, he quickly learns
itself based on the discovery of the Strait
that the house comes with strings attached.
of Magellan. Its five segments: Preparation
The story of an oddball friendship hatched
of the Expedition, Transatlantic Caravel
between one man and his nosy, yet
Voyage, Romantic Interlude on the Rio
loveable, neighbour. Director: Mary Walsh
Bravo, Increasing Aggression, and Triumph
• Writers: Dave Sullivan and Mary Walsh •
of the Explorers. Director: Per Pegelow •
Producers: Mary Walsh and Ruth Lawrence
or so participants, it grew into something
Germany • 5 mins
• Newfoundland and Labrador • 8 mins
much more. We’re extremely fortunate
The connection between digitalisation,
Episode one of this comedy series by local
Alison Moira Kelly, Bridget Wareham, Darryl Hopkins, and Des Walsh. Director: Ian Foster • Producers: Justin Simms, Michael Ciuffini • Newfoundland and Labrador • 22 mins
HOUSE, CAR & COTTAGE Suspecting that her husband has been
unfaithful, Abbie meets him at a restaurant, where she launches a plan to take him for what he’s worth. Director: Jeff Lewis • Newfoundland and Labrador • 6 mins
Lydia Emily, a mural artist living with progressive multiple sclerosis, paints her last mural in downtown LA. Director: Christoph Green • USA • 21 mins
SHELTER
During the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns, performance artists from around the world were invited to express the emotion of isolation through dance. Originally planned as an “armchair project”, featuring a dozen
that it did. Director: Martin Ponferrada • Australia • 6 mins
23