Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

KAMLOOPS FILM SOCIETY

Curtain rises on 28th annual Kamloops Film Festival Thursday night

Feb 28, 2024 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — On Thursday night, the Kamloops Film Society will be rolling out the red carpet along Fifth Avenue as the Kamloops Film Festival kicks for its 28th edition.

With more than 40 different films and events taking place over the 10 days of the festival, there’s a little something for everyone.

“The movies get better and the events get better,” Kamloops Film Society General Manager Radhika Tabrez tells CFJC Today. “Every year, the whole idea is what more can we add, what more can we bring the patrons.”

Volunteers will be busy welcoming guests, checking tickets, and ensuring audiences get in and out of the venue in a timely manner.

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“To put on a festival we need probably 15 volunteers a night,” Rusty Paterson, KFF Volunteer Coordinator, explains. “That’s for the two movies, over the nine, 10 nights.”

For those who volunteer regularly with the society, the festival is a lot of fun.

“My favourite would be seeing the audience coming in,” Jeff Poole, KFS Volunteer and Festival Committee member says. “Seeing our numbers, seeing the excitement and chatting with them as they come in and go out.”

The festival kicks off with a red carpet reception on Thursday night at 5:00 p.m. and features a pair of films with Canadian connections. The East Coast comedy Who’s Yer Father starts at 6:30 p.m. and will feature a post-film Q&A with one of the film’s stars and a producer, while The Braid starts at 7:00 p.m. Alongside Dark Fest and some family-friendly showtimes, it will be a jam-packed time for cinephiles in the city.

“There’s just so many,” Paterson says. “Every year, there’s a big group of good films to watch. Unfortunately, in [the Volunteer Coordinator] position, I don’t always get to see the films.”

Opening weekend will feature a block party outside the Paramount to help celebrate the Kamloops Film Society’s 50th anniversary this year. Organizers are also bringing back the 1920 silent film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, which will feature local composer Daniela O’Fee performing her original score of the film.

“The first time we did it, people loved it,” Tabrez explains. “I feel like you can’t do it justice by only doing it once. Daniela has been wonderful enough to grace our stage again, and that is one event that I’m particularly proud we were able to bring to our lineup.”

For full details of the event, you can download a festival program from the Kamloops Film Society website, and if you want to buy tickets, just visit www.TheKFS.ca.