Muskoka Women’s Film Fest March 8 in Bracebridge

BRACEBRIDGE — International Women’s Day will be celebrated March 8, with the 8th annual Muskoka Women in Film Festival at the Rene Caisse Theatre in Bracebridge.

The evening presentation will screen films that might otherwise not be seen in Muskoka, says a YWCA release, showcasing the role and vision of female directors, writers, actors, and artists.

2018 features a special presentation of Tiffany Stones, by Anna Gaby Trotz and Kareen Burns with sound by Sarah Spring. This photographic and sound experience premiered in Huntsville in 2016.

It is being represented as a tribute to the memory of Burns, who passed away in 2016 and was a vibrant contributing member and instigator for the arts in Muskoka and a founding member of the festival’s coordinating team.

Her theme ‘Rugged Individuals’ is reflected both in the portraits of well known Muskokans, as well as in the selection of short and feature films that will be presented during the festival.

The festival includes a screening for high school students in the afternoon followed by an evening screening for the public from 7 to 9:30 p.m., which will highlight short films directed by women including “Take a Walk on the Wild Side,” by Toronto filmmaker Lisa Rideout, and “Underdog,” by Vivian Belik and Naomi Mark.

The feature film “Niugaa Yugaa – Keep Talking,” follows four Alaska Native women fighting to save Kodiak Alutiiq, an endangered language now spoken by less than 40 remaining fluent Native elders.

Their small community travels to remote Afognak Island to start teaching kids Alutiiq. At the camp, a troubled teen, Sadie, is inspired to begin learning the language and dances of her ancestors.

Over the following five years the women overcome historical and personal traumas to find joy and hope in the revitalization of their cultural heritage.

The evening is open to everyone and suitable for all ages.

The doors open at 6 p.m. with the opening reception of Tiffany Stones. The film screenings start at 7 pm.

Admission is by donation and there will be light refreshments provided by BMLSS Hospitality department available at intermission.

The festival is presented by YWCA Muskoka in partnership with Reel Alternatives Huntsville,

Gravenhurst Fine Films and Spinning Reels.

The Muskoka Women in Film Festival is sponsored by RBC and funded by the Ontario Arts Council.

For more information call YWCA Muskoka at 705 645 9827 or on-line at www.ywcamuskoka.com.