The Oakville Festivals of Art and Film (OFFA) has just the cure for the winter blahs: the Winter Screening Series is back!
OFFA, in partnership with Sheridan College, Film.Ca, and PSW to the rescue, presents three films from Canada and around the world that highlight stories of perseverance, redemption, and human triumph: All We Imagine as Light, The Last Showgirl, and Sway.
OFFA Executive Director Wendy Donnan had lots to say about each film and why she chose to showcase them during this special series, now in its 8th year.
“All three of these films feature really compelling stories, and really amazing storytelling, acting, and direction.”
She continued, “All We Imagine as Light is unlikely to be seen by a lot of people, so I was thrilled to be able to have a screening here. It’s a beautiful film about friendship. An absorbing story about the lives of three nurses in Mumbai, who learn to connect with each other and with those around them.”
She paused, then added, “It’s a slow burn to be sure, but I was entranced by it. This is a first feature for Writer/Director Payal Kapadia, and it won the Grand Prix award at Cannes last year.”
Donnan was equally complimentary about the next film in the series. “For Pamela Anderson’s character in Showgirl, it’s about ageism, about confronting what for women is the painful reality that you are living in a world where youth and beauty are valued and when you get older, you get thrown away,” said Donnan.
She added, “She is also confronting the loss of the Las Vegas dance revues in the style that they conformed to, you can imagine what it is being a part of something all your life and it is just suddenly gone. Director Gia Coppola, and writer Kate Gersten are so good at making the audience understand this. I like this story because a lot of women who are getting older will sympathize and get it completely. I also think that Pamela Anderson and Curtis are both excellent in the film. Jamie Lee Curtis is one of my favourite actors- she makes the most of every role she plays.”
For the third and final film in the series, Donnan wanted a film that might appeal more to the men in the crowd.
“I wanted a thriller, an on the edge of your seat kind of movie with strong, diverse characters. Sway is that movie. I am really excited that the lead actor, Emmanuel Kabongo, will be at the screening for Q&A along with the producer. Kabongo plays the character Sway and he is really good. This film is winning a ton of awards on the festival circuit.
All of the films are being screened at Film.ca Cinemas, at 171 Speers Rd, Oakville.
- All We Imagine as Light is screening January 29 at 7:30 p.m.
- The Last Showgirl is screening February 12 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sway is screening March 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Most screenings include live or Zoom Q&As with filmmakers, actors and others.
Tickets are available as singles for $12.99 each, or as part of the screening series pass for $29.99 which includes all three screenings plus a guaranteed seat for National Canadian Film Day on April 16 at Film.Ca Cinemas.
We are so grateful for our partnership with Film.Ca, and Reel Canada, who have been partnering with OFFA to highlight a special Canadian film for audiences for over 10 years. The film for that evening will be the Canadian movie, The Grand Seduction. Tickets are free but this sells out every year so its best to get tickets early.
There are early bird discounts available as well.
When you buy two passes until February 12, you get both passes half price using the code: OFFAwinter25 upon checkout for each pass.
Single tickets are $12.99 + HST.
The Moderator/Host is Tyler Collins.
To purchase your tickets, go here.