What to watch at the 20th Yellowknife International Film Festival

With over 60 films to choose from at the Yellowknife International Film Festival, it can feel overwhelming to decide what to watch. Here are some suggestions to help you pick.

The festival runs from November 4 to 8, with showings, workshops and other programming at the Reel North Theatre, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Top Knight, Elks Lodge, Explorer Hotel and Yellowknife Public Library.

YKIFF also hosted a Halloween Shorts event at the Elk’s Lodge on October 30.

For the festival’s full schedule, check out YKIFF’s website.

Opening Feature

If you’re only going to pick one film to watch at this year’s festival, the opening feature directed by local filmmaker Jen Walden is the one to not miss.

Lumi, directed by Jennifer Walden
Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00 pm
Reel North Theatre

“It’s 2125 in the post-apocalyptic Arctic, where a tenacious young teen lives in a remote cabin with her only companion: a humanoid AI she calls Mother. Following an attack, they’re forced to brave the vast northern tundra in search of life-saving plasma. Lumi is an Arctic adventure that proves some bonds can defy even the darkest of times.”

Documentaries

There are a number of films that explore different hobbies including sports, knitting and more.
For those with an interest in Canadian music history, the documentary of the lead singer of 80s new wave band Rough Trade is holding a free screening.

Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions, directed by Michelle Mama
Thursday, November 5 at 3:00 pm
Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

“Carole Pope shattered taboos with her raw, unapologetic music and defiant sexuality—Antidiva is the story of a queer rock icon reclaiming her place in the spotlight.”

Cinephiles

This avant-garde film will appeal to audiences who enjoy not only good storytelling, but to those looking for a visually trippy experience.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney, directed by Matthew Rankin
Friday, November 6 at 10:00 pm
Top Knight Pub

“Haunted by visions of the future. Vilified by the political establishment. Charming beyond belief. Behold the dazzling ascent of Brian Mulroney, the ‘Boy from Baie-Comeau’ who built a brand-new Canada.”

Northern

For viewers who want to see a little bit of everything, the northern shorts program screens five films and is the perfect set to cap off the week.

Northern Docs: Short Film Program
Sunday, November 8 at 6:00 pm
Reel North Theatre

Tthets’éhk’édelį Adaptation Stories: The River Tugboat, directed by by Alex Beaudin / Alison McCreesh
“This five-part series of short animated films explores how the people of Tthets’éhk’édelı̨ (Jean Marie River First Nation) adapted to social and economic change in the 20th century, and how those lessons are matched by their efforts to adapt to climate change today.”

Adaptation, directed by Aslak Paltto
“Vuogáiduvvan follows a Sámi reindeer herder in the far north of Sápmi, facing the rapidly changing climate and the disappearance of conditions that have sustained reindeer herding for generations. The film shows what happens when snow turns to rain, when rain turns to ice, and when ancient knowledge meets new challenges that cannot be solved the old way. It tells the story of a culture deeply connected to the land, now struggling to hold on. Through one herder’s experience, the film explores the deep uncertainty that climate change brings not only to animals and nature, but to identity, memory, and livelihood.”

Weaving Our Wisdom, directed by Jonathan Antoine
“Indigenous men go in the bush to discuss the problems facing the people in this day and age.”

Gocho Ginàowoò Gots’o Nı̨t’ı / Threads of our Ancestors, directed by Artless Collective
“Threads of our Ancestors explores the enduring spirit of Tłı̨chǫ art through the hands and hearts of five remarkable artists from Canada’s Northwest Territories. Blending ancestral tradition with contemporary innovation, this journey reveals how culture, land, and economic independence are intricately woven into everyday life.”

Uniaraqtuq: One Who Mushes Episode 1 dir. by Kylik Kisoun Taylor
“Episode 1 of the 4 part series follows Kylik and his mom, Clara, as they begin working with local youth to teach them about dogsledding while incorporating languages and culture classes into the learning.”

Kids

For those looking for screenings suitable for all ages, YKIFF is screening Julián directed by Louise Bagnall on November 7 and a series of short films on November 8 that will allow families the flexibility to stay and leave as needed.

Both events are free, start at 10am at the Reel North Theatre, and will have a cereal breakfast.

The Road to Freedom Tour is also hosting a free youth filmmaking workshop on November 7 and 8 at the Yellowknife Public Library. Participants will learn photography and videography skills, while creating a short horror move trailer.

Workshops and other programming

Throughout the week, YKIFF will offer talks, a live table read, and workshops on filmmaking, pitching, set building and more.

On November 6 at 7pm at the Elk’s Lodge, there is the Pitch This! Short Film Pitch Competition where filmmakers could win $5,000 and in-kind equipment rentals from Western Arctic Moving Pictures to make their short film idea a reality.

YKIFF is also hosting a Saturday Soirée at Top Knight at 9pm.

YKIFF Awards

Celebrate filmmaking one more time at the YKIFF Awards on November 8 at 8pm at the Reel North Theatre. The YKIFF Audience Choice Award and Northern Filmmaker Award winners will be announced and screened again.