Whether you are a film enthusiast, an aspiring filmmaker or just look forward to writing another review on Letterboxd, the New Brunswick Filmmakers Co-op is offering independent films to the Fredericton community.
The Silver Wave festival will offer films of all genres. From Nov. 7 to 14, the festival will host different screenings across Fredericton and online.
For 24 years, the festival has been a platform for Canadian and international filmmakers to showcase their storytelling and promote their talent.
Tracey Lavigne, the lead programmer of the Silver Wave Film Festival, shared her experience overseeing the event programming and the efforts in selecting the films.
Lavigne said they keep their submission fees low to make it more accessible for local filmmakers to submit their work.
“It’s an incredibly supportive community … it’s really a breeding ground for talent here in New Brunswick,” she said. “Silver Wave is where we get to celebrate their successes.”
The festival will also include a series of workshops and panel discussions for filmmakers.
Lavigne said they were looking forward to their two gala feature films this year: Drive Back Home by Michael Clowater and Do I Know You From Somewhere? by Ariana Martinez.
Drive Back Home is Clowater’s first feature film. This 2SLGBTQ+ film is based on a true family story about a small-town plumber from rural New Brunswick in the 70s, who has to drive to Toronto to pick up his brother from jail after being arrested for nudity.
The film also stars Emmy and British Academy of Film and Television Arts award-winning actor, Alan Cumming.
“I always love to see 2SLGBTQ+ films screening in Silver Wave … it’s a beautiful film,” said Lavigne.
Do I Know You From Somewhere? is Martinez’s first feature film as a director. The film is a sci-fi romance about the alternative reality of a missed connection, which made it to Toronto International Film Festival screens last September.
Related: STU alumna debuts first feature film at international festival
Lavigne said this film has been a huge success story for filmmaking in New Brunswick.
“It’s really exciting to see Ariana and her team receive all these accolades and get to come home and celebrate here in Fredericton with all of her cast and crew and family,” said Lavigne.
She also highlighted the New Brunswick shorts screenings, which showcase local talent and include student films and projects funded by the province’s short film venture grant.
She mentioned that Silver Wave is an event made for aspiring filmmakers to get inspired by the talent that lies within the Fredericton community.
“I think if you’re not in the film community, maybe you don’t realize the level of talent that’s here and the quality of production that’s possible.”
Although this event promotes local talent, Lavigne mentioned it can also benefit non-filmmakers who want to have a cinematic experience.
“We’ve got every genre you can think of, drama, comedy, thriller, horror, action, you name it,” she said.
With lots of compelling storytelling to share this year, Silver Wave is making it accessible for the audience to join the virtual festival for free. It also welcomes a wide range of volunteers who want to take part in supporting local talent.
“We have all our core staff members put so much work into this, but also an army of volunteers at every stage of the festival. We couldn’t do it without them.”
