Hello, my name is Jeremy Emerson and I have been the Festival Director and Film/Industry Programmer for the past several years. I am once again very proud and excited to offer this year’s film and event lineup to the Yellownkife community, filmmakers, and filmlovers.

We are excited to bring you a hybrid festival of online content and in-person screenings featuring some of the best in Northern and Circumpolar Independent Cinema. Our online content begins on October 28th and runs until November 11th, which includes 3 feature films and 3 short film programs.

This is Not a Ceremony by Niitsitapi writer and director Ahnahktsipiitaa (Colin Van Loon) is a cinematic virtual reality experience, hosted at the Yellowknife Visitor’s Centre Gallery from October 17th until November 5th. Drop in to the Yellowknife Elk’s Club on October 27th to hear local NWT screenwriters’ scripts being read to live music by Carmen Braden in a celebration of northern content and talent.

Opening night of the festival kicks off with Hay River born, Kelvin Redvers’ long anticipated feature film, Cold Road with cast in attendance. This highway thriller shot in the south slave region of the Northwest Territories is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The outdoor shorts program on Saturday features some familiar faces in outdoor adventures in Wayfarer by Keith Robertson, as well as The Home Team with Yukon director in attendance, Suzanne Crocker. Don’t miss Northern Shorts program on Sunday which features local films and faces including Jonathan Antoine’s, Dene on the Land, and Nihtâwikihew / ᓂᐦᑖᐃᐧᑭᐦᐁᐤ / she gives birth, by Sadetlo Scott and Heather Heinrichs. Finishing off the festival screenings on Sunday night, Yukon producer Andrew Connors will be in attendance for his film, The Ballad of Caveman Bill.

Settle in for the late show with Lynx Man:astonishing trail cam footage of wildlife in the Finnish woods and the main character, Hannu’s passion for lynx leaves you wondering, where do you draw the line between man and animal? Friday night is stacked with two back-to-back films, first with Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before The Sun:one young girl's pursuit to be a champion in one of the world's most dangerous horse races in the world, the Indian Relay. Next, dive into Montreal’s underground drag scene with Solo, which won Best Canadian Feature Film award at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. Check out, Hey Viktor! 25 years later, former child actor Cody Lightning tries to revive his fame with a self-produced sequel to "Smoke Signals."

Looking for some workshops and training? We have an Acting for Film & TV workshop for Youth and Adults over the weekend which will give you some hands-on training and insight with Vancouver-based professional actors and coaches. In partnership with the Professional Media Association, the festival is offering a case study with Kelvin Redvers for the film Cold Road, producer workshops, panels on tips for submitting to festivals and learning more about the programs and services offered by the NWT Film Commission.

Get yourself a Festival 10-Punch Pass and a Workshop Pass and make sure to buy your tickets to the Saturday Soirée! Featuring local bands, amazing appetizers, and northern creatives!

We sincerely hope you enjoy the festival and join us in celebrating Northern Films and filmmakers, meet new people and learn something new. Many thanks to all of our partners and sponsors for their generous support!

See you at the theatre!

Jeremy Emerson
Festival Director