top of page

OCan Film Fest hosting annual event and featuring Ottawa filmmakers this November

Writer: Hayley CombaluzierHayley Combaluzier
Oct 3, 20233 min read

This year, the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival is thrilled to welcome viewers back at the Bytowne Cinema for their 7th annual event. The 2022 festival season was successful in raising awareness for Canadian film - with one festival film, More Than Hair by Fitch Jean, having been showcased on the latest season of CBC’s Short Film Face-Off since then. Last year’s ‘Audience Favourite’ file, Tehranto by Faran Moradi, is now available to stream on-demand on AppleTV, YouTube and the Cineplex Store.

From November 2nd-4th, the spotlight will be on the Ottawa community, as the “curtains rise” on a cinematic experience that celebrates the brilliant and inspiring work of local filmmakers, as well as other proud Canadian filmmakers.

From comedy, to drama, to animation, this year’s film festival program showcases 18 Canadian-made films (five by Ottawa filmmakers), spanning many different styles and genres. OCan’s 2023 film lineup includes:

“The research for this film was a revelation, uncovering layers of rich history and profound meaning way beyond what, on the surface, seemed like a simple lunch counter. We knew it would be a wonderful story.”  — Jane Gurr

  • Impulse Control [ Short | Narrative | Comedy ] Mikey Tachuk, Sarah Marks, Ottawa, ON

“During the production of Impulse Control, we learned that a wacky concept may not always be enough to justify and carry a film. That said, a funny idea for a project, and thoughtful characters who experience growth, do not need to be mutually exclusive.”  — Sarah Marks and Mikey Tachuk

  • Life After... [ Short | Narrative ] Stephanie Lalonde, Ottawa, ON

“My motivation behind making this film was knowing people who have faced a loss to suicide. Having experienced the fear dealing with my own suicidal teen, I can't and don't want to ever know the grief of the other side. I told my son that if he kills himself then he kills me too. He hung on to that.There is so little said about the pain and suffering those left behind have to deal with. I felt a light needed to be shed on that side of the subject. Conversations about mental health and prevention is a big topic now. Let's break the silence on the reality that exists in life after..”  — Stephanie Lalonde

“I love filmmaking and the creative process behind it. The most important part of filmmaking is gathering a great team and having fun because a director is nothing without the team behind them. My team was no exception - they are all so talented. And just a side note, a lot of emerging filmmakers want to make something serious but I just want to make people laugh and break some filmmaking rules.”  — Maissa Houri

“I was told to pick a language and stick to it. Hearing that took the wind right out of my sails. That's when I knew -marketing disaster or not- I was going to make a bilingual film or no film at all.”  — Karolyne Natasha and much more. "We are returning to the Bytowne Cinema again this year for another in-person experience. I am particularly proud of the fact that five of the films selected by our jury are from teams with ties to Ottawa and the surrounding area.”  — Jith Paul, Organizer of the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival

About OCan:

The Ottawa Canadian Film Festival is a cultural, not-for-profit organization that celebrates Canadian film. Our mission is grounded in the belief that Canadian film and filmmakers are distinctive and vital to our country’s culture and the development of the local economy. This artist-run organization is composed of a volunteer board of directors and jury members. We believe in programming and content that provides Ottawa audiences with entertaining and high-quality independent films, information, activities and events. Our festival, events, online presence and resources aim to encourage collaboration, artistic innovation and creativity while providing access for a broad audience segment.

Contact:

Bình luận

bottom of page