Oakville Festivals of Films and Art (OFFA) is hosting its 5th Annual International Women’s Day Celebration!
“This year, we will be shining a spotlight on the accomplishments of Women in the World of Film, Music, the Arts and Sport!” explained OFFA Executive Director, Wendy Donnan. “Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy a VIP Ticket experience!”
The VIP ticket experience for the celebration includes: the eye-opening, inspirational international documentary Maya and the Wave, a Mood-ivational emcee, live entertainment, popcorn, beverages, complimentary SWAG BAGS, and amazing door prizes, plus a live, virtual Q & A session, according to Donnan.
In addition, VIP passholders receive a complimentary virtual screening of the film Bangla Surf Girls, to watch at home at their leisure. 20% off OFFA’S limited edition VIP Festival Pass for the June 18-25th 2025 Festival (which includes all GALA screenings, parties, and early access to film list and bookings) is also part of the International Women’s Day Celebration VIP tickets.
The first 100 VIP Pass purchasers get a complimentary book, “Every Brain is Beautiful”, from award-winning author, Sara Furlong, as well.
Donnan was excited to provide more details about this wonderful day of celebration.
“This will be an impactful, entertaining, awareness-raising and fun afternoon in honour of International Women’s Day 2025, at our official event partner, Film.Ca Cinemas. The event will get started Sunday March 2 at 2 p.m., with guest emcee and Oakvillian Carole Bertuzzi-Luciani hosting.”
She added, “We are thrilled to have live musical and dance performances by award-winning, powerful, female performers: Valerie Gordon, Mathangi Ingram, Lucy Ellis, and Cydnee Abbott. Also, we are so happy to announce that partial proceeds from all ticket sales will be donated to UWHH: Women United in support of Glow Programs!”
Donnan was equally enthusiastic about the feature documentary being presented, Maya and the Wave.
“This film was ten years in the making, and tells the story of Maya Gabeira, the first woman to surf the giant wave in Nazaré, Portugal, her near-death injury, her determination, and then her fight to be recognized in the midst of misogyny and jealousy,” said Donnan. “It’s a wonderful, triumphant film about the incredible power and resilience of women…with a happy ending!” You can check out the trailer here.
The live virtual Q & A after will be with Co-Founder of Lake Surfistas, Robin Pacquing. “Robin is an amazing woman, with so many accomplishments,” said Donnan. “She is the first Filipina-Canadian member of the Wyldewood Surf Club, and she has achieved her incredible goal of surfing a fresh water lake every month for 120 months (10 years). Robin has been a pioneer in bringing female and Asian-representation to the Southern Ontario surf scene. I know it will be an amazing session with her!”
The 5th Annual International Women’s Day Celebration is happening Sunday March 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Sponsor and official Event Partner, Film.ca Cinemas.
VIP passes are available for the low price of $36, here.
There will also be a limited number of regular tickets (these tickets do not include the swag bag, book, virtual screening, food and beverages, or festival discount) for $25 plus tax, here.
Donnan added, “Thank you so much to women-led accounting firm Capstick McCollum, who have been sponsoring for over 5 years, and to Michaela Hutchison, and My Passion Projects, who has been a partner and sponsor on this event since its inception!”
Donnan finished, “March 2 will be an incredible day of celebrating and uplifting women. All are invited, and it’s an inclusive environment for everyone…lots of men attend …so grab your partner, your friend, your daughter, and get a ticket before they are all sold out! We can’t wait to see everyone there!”
