Nickel Independent Film Festival 2022 — Festival Program

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

MAIL

PO Box 1644, Station C

any amount is appreciated to help cover our

St. John’s, NL A1C 5P3

costs and screening fees.

EMAIL

info@nickefestival.com

WEB

nickelfestival.com

FACEBOOK

/nickelfilmfestival

INSTAGRAM

on-demand streaming, following the same

/nickelfestival

TWITTER

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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