Kamloops Film Festival showcases exciting events and fantastic guests

The annual Kamloops Film Festival (KFF) is a flurry of exciting events and special guests. Now in its 21st year, the KFF is offering more films than ever, a mix of Canadian and international cinema that offers a comprehensive selection of genres.

KFF Chair, Dušan Magdolen, has said that he is especially excited for the upcoming festival. 'We are really hitting our stride. Our events team is hard at work on our engagement activities and our programming team has put together the most enviable slate of features ever.'

Documentary 'KONELINE: Our Land Beautiful' kicks off the festivities on Thursday, March 2nd. Following the screening, Director Nettie Wild will be speaking at Hotel 540. The opening night mixer will be hosted by Blue and Hotel 540. Jazz singer, Cathi Marshall, and her bandmates will be keeping things mellow yet up-tempo.

Industry guests will be sprinkled throughout the entire festival, filmgoers are welcome to stick around after the films for the inside scoop. Actress Devery Jacobs and Writer/Producer/Director Kirsten Carthew will represent the Canadian adventure 'The Sun at Midnight' actress, Kendall Cross, and Writer/Producer/Director David Ray from 'Grand Unified Theory,' will speak after their screening on Saturday, March 11th. Actor David Paetkau will discuss 'The Space Between' on Friday, March 3rd.

The KFF will also be hosting complimentary discussions. All you need is your ticket stub, as well as the refreshments, and then cinematic comradery is yours for the taking. A family-friendly tea party will take place at the Kamloops Art Gallery on Saturday, March 4th. PDK Café will be hosting a Steeping Discussion on Tuesday, March 7th. Blue in Hotel 540 will offer local red and white wine at the Wine-ing Discussion on Wednesday, March 8th. Red Collar Brewing Company is home to the Brewing Discussion on Thursday, March 9th. The closing night festivities are the only ticketed event of the festival, and will be a dance-infused celebration. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Magdolen said 'the KFF marketing team is casting an even wider net than last year, we’re paying closer attention to a younger demographic.' The KFF team can be found at Thompson Rivers University, promoting the films and the $5 student rate.

The KFF is also in partnership with Blue and the Kamloops Wine Trail. They’re offering a specialty menu throughout the festival. Turn a movie night into a full-blown night out with 'Flavors & Flicks Part Two, The Best of Blue.'

'We are still growing, and we really take pride in doing everything as well as we can to make the festival better and more inclusive each year. As the Chair, that's very exciting.'

Kamloops Film Festival runs from March 2nd to 11th. Check out kamloopsfilmfest.ca for the full film and events schedule and ticket information. Follow KFF on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.