ACTIVITY: DIY Stop-Motion Animation
Nov
19

ACTIVITY: DIY Stop-Motion Animation

DIY Stop-Motion Animation

Drop by and discover the magic of making still images move with Jason Sellars of The Rooms. Attendees will be invited to make short stop motion films using a free app on their smart phone or tablet, and images pulled from The Rooms Archives.

All Ages • The Rooms Level 2 Activity Space • 2 to 4pm

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SCREENING: Animated Shorts for All Ages
Nov
19

SCREENING: Animated Shorts for All Ages

Sunday Afternoon Cartoons

A mostly-dialogue-free collection of new animated short films showing a wide variety of styles and stories from around the world. Family friendly and appropriate for all ages.


Fly to the Moon (France, 7 mins)

Living in the forest, little spider Temi dreams of catching the Moon. For that, she will do anything. (No dialogue)


The Girl With the Red Beret (Canada, 6 mins)

A girl encounters an array of colourful, extravagant characters during a wild ride on the Montreal metro. As she travels from station to station, and winter turns into spring, her increasingly strange and surprising journey includes random appearances by furniture movers, mounted police, a pickpocket, some singing nuns, a clown, several famous Montreal personalities, and much more. (No dialogue)


The Goose (France, 13 mins)

A boy fantasizes about becoming a famous soccer player, playing in big stadiums. But first, he has to win a match in his small backyard — against a goose. (No dialogue)


Little Big Bang (Newfoundland and Labrador, 1 min)

Printed manually on a vintage tabletop press using hand-carved linoleum blocks, this very short animation by local artist Duncan Major is about a new parent who learns about free expression and the power of letting go. Inspired by the filmmaker’s new baby boy and found sound. (No dialogue)

Frida in the Sky (Canada, 6 mins)

Frida, an 8-year-old engineering prodigy, builds an airplane behind her mother’s back in the hopes of following in her Abuela’s legacy. (No dialogue)


Harvey (Canada, 8 mins)

A short film that poetically examines coping with the loss of a parent as Harvey candidly recalls the spring day when his world turned upside down. Filled with original little touches and told through the eyes of a child with an overflowing imagination, this brilliant work by Janice Nadeau is suprisingly peaceful and lovely. (English version)


A Lynx in the Town (France, 6 mins)

A curious lynx leaves its forest, attracted by the lights of the nearby town. It has great fun there until it falls asleep in the middle of a parking lot. In the early morning, locals are astonished to find this strange animal covered in snow. (No dialogue)


Transmission (Newfoundland and Labrador, 1 min)

Originally created for the Nickel’s DIY Sci-Fi Challenge, animator and musician Shan Pomeroy explores the idea of communication and miscommunication using scraps and cutouts from past projects.


The Flying Sailor (Canada, 7 mins)

Two ships collide in a harbour, an explosion shatters a city, and a sailor is thrown, nude, through the sky. With ears ringing, blood pulsing and guts heaving, he soars high above the mayhem and towards the great unknown. A bold blend of comedy, suspense and philosophy, The Flying Sailor is an exhilarating contemplation of the wonder and fragility of existence. (No dialogue)



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SCREENING: Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia
Nov
18

SCREENING: Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia

Ernest and Celestine:
A Trip to Gibberitia

English Language • 79 mins • France 2023

Ernest and Celestine return in this excellent follow-up to their first Academy Award-nominated adventure, which introduced a bear and mouse as the unlikeliest of friends. Ernest remains an ursine troubadour dedicated to a life of music and art, and his constant grouchiness is softened by the creative whims of his mouse friend Celestine. When she accidentally breaks his beloved violin, they must take a long voyage to Ernest’s country of Gibberitia, home to the only artist who can repair it. But when they arrive, they are shocked to discover that all forms of music have been banned in Gibberitia for many years, and a land once known across the world for its incredible musicians has fallen silent. It is up to Ernest and Celestine and their new friends, including a mysterious masked outlaw, to bring music and happiness back to the land of bears. Minimum age suggestion: 6+


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SCREENING: Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo
Nov
18

SCREENING: Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo

Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo

Canada/France 2023 • French Language with English subtitles

A gorgeous film that weaves a tale of hope and magic through the eyes of a young girl. This heartwarming story follows six-year-old Dounia, who, armed only with a handful of magical nigella seeds and the wisdom of her ancestors, embarks on a courageous journey from her war-torn city of Aleppo in search of a new home. Alongside her grandparents, and guided by the mystical Princess of Aleppo, Dounia's adventure is filled with the rich stories and music of her culture, painting a vivid picture of her heritage.

Carefully made to captivate audiences of all ages, the film addresses themes of displacement and resilience with honesty, heart and humour. A poignant reminder of the world's diversity and the shared dreams that connect us all, making it a perfect and timely film for families to watch and talk about together.

Minimum age recommendation: 8+


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SCREENING: Opening Night Shorts
Nov
17

SCREENING: Opening Night Shorts

Opening Night Short Films

Kick off the festival with this exciting program of short films selected by a committee of brilliant young film enthusiasts from the Brother Rice Junior High Film Club and their mentor, award-winning local filmmaker Jamie Miller. Minimum age suggestion: 12+


Little Bird (Canada, 15 mins)

Little Bird tells the semi-autobiographical story of Jonah, a young man who flees his late mother's wake as he attempts to come to terms with his new reality. Upon meeting a kind stranger at a roadside diner, he is reminded of the importance of not bearing the weight of grief alone.


Eat Your Carrots (Canada, 3 mins)

Carrots are good for your eyes — maybe too good. A short stop motion animation about a girl who finds an eyeball growing on her arm because carrots.


Big Drive (Canada, 9 mins)

Four children have to come up with ideas to entertain themselves on a long trip throughout Canada in the 1970s.

Beauty: Beyond Binary (Canada, 23 mins)

Beauty explores the lives of five gender-creative kids, each uniquely engaged in shaping their own sense of what it means to be fully human. Whether it’s dealing with bullies, explaining themselves to their parents, or navigating the uncharted waters of relationships, Bex, Lili, Fox, Tru and Milo talk about their experiences and struggle to live in authenticity.


Mystery of the Secret Room (Newfoundland & Labrador, 5 mins)

This gorgeous short film introduces us to Grace, a 10-year-old girl who uses her creative superpowers to navigate the emotional landscape of her mother's depression. It's an inspiring portrait of family, adversity, and resilience. A collaboration between director Wanda Nolan and animator Claire Blanchet.

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Friday Night Cantina Party
Jun
16

Friday Night Cantina Party

Nickel Cantina Party

w/ The Texmestics

Bannerman Brewing Company (second floor). Open to the public and no cover.

Once our Friday LSPU Hall screening ends, head to Bannerman Brewing Company for the Nickel’s Friday Night Cantina party! Grab your intergalactic crew and dance the Tatooine night away with everyone’s favourite space-trash cover band, The Texmestics.

Costumes encouraged but if you forget your space gear at home we’ll have a DIY Tinfoil Accessory Station to keep you lookin’ sharp.

✅ No Cover
✅ Photobooth
✅ Futuristic props
✅ Out of this world entertainment
✅ Free tinfoil

DOORS & PHOTOBOOTH: 9:30
TEXMESTICS: 10:30


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Jun
16

The Before Show Show (Friday)

The Before Show Show

A free evening talk show about filmmaking • LSPU Hall Cox & Palmer Second Space 6:30-7:30pm


Friday, June 16 • Hosted by Nabila Qureshi

Directors Ashley MacDonald (Dir. September 7, 2012) and Yoni Collins (Dir. Lanterns Flicker) tackle some heavy subjects in their work. CBC’s Nabila Qureshi guides them in a warm and sensitive conversation around using creative expression to navigate trauma.

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Jun
15

The Before Show Show (Thursday)

The Before Show Show

A free evening talk show about filmmaking • LSPU Hall Cox & Palmer Second Space 6:30-7:30pm


Thursday, June 15 • Hosted by Ife Alaba

Journalist, musician, and actor Ife Alaba breaks it down with directors Minerva Navasca (Guardians) and Chen Sing Yap (Feeling the Apocalypse), chatting about life, the universe, and everything. Well, that’s a bit ambitious. But they’ll definitely unpack their experiences as first-time filmmakers, editing non-fiction, and breaking down barriers in the film industry.

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Jun
13
to Jun 16

The Before Show Show (Tuesday & Wednesday)

The Before Show Show

A free evening talk show about filmmaking • LSPU Hall Cox & Palmer Second Space 6:30-7:30pm


Tuesday, June 13 • Hosted by Matt Wright

Join host Matt Wright is joined by David Feehan (Director, CAPTCHA), Catherine Vielguth (Actor, CAPTCHA) and Amanda Bulman (Writer, Dead Wife Club). “Could a robot successfully navigate a grief support group?” and other age-old questions will be answered tonight.


Wednesday, June 14 • Hosted by Matt Wright

Host and comedian Matt Wright chats with Parida Tantiwasadakran (Dir. Old People, Young People, and Nothing in Between) and Sean Wainsteim (Dir. Demon Box) about honouring challenging intergenerational connections with humour and heart.

 

 

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Jun
13
to Jun 16

Nickel Film Lab (Tuesday to Friday)

Free and open to the public, this recurring drop-in event will be part studio, part co-working space, and part drop-in workshop. Operating at the LSPU Hall Second Space from 1-4pm, Tuesday through Friday during the festival week, with professional filmmaking mentors on hand to offer support.

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Jun
10

Saturday: Film School in a Day

**FULLY BOOKED**

A day-long classroom workshop series for beginning or emerging filmmakers

Creating Your Film’s Visual Style with Heather Rumancik and Rodrigo Iniguez
Composition and Framing with Jennie Williams
Directing with Jamie Miller
World Building in Film: The Essential Steps with Grind Mind's Francois van Zyl

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Sunday 7pm: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film Challenge
Jun
19

Sunday 7pm: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film Challenge

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film Challenge • June 18 • 7pm


All tickets are pay-what-you-can. Select your price at the links above.


Do or do not, there is no try!

Our challenge to you: You have just one weekend — from June 10th to 12th — to write, shoot and edit a short film of five minutes or less, and your film can fall in any genre of sci-fi or fantasy.


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Workshop: Film School in a Day
Jun
19

Workshop: Film School in a Day

The Nickel Independent Film Festival is thrilled to be back in-person with our popular Film School in a Day series at the LSPU Second Space. Join us from 10am-4pm on June 19th for a full day of workshops with established leaders in the film industry from Atlantic Canada. For aspiring, emerging and seasoned filmmakers alike.

Tickets are free or pay-what-you-can, but space is very limited. Book your spot today.

 

Sunday • June 19


The Nickel Independent Film Festival is thrilled to be back in-person with our popular Film School at LSPU Hall's Second Space as part of our 22nd annual festival. Join us from 10am-4pm on Sunday, June 19th for a full-day of workshops with established leaders in the film industry from Atlantic Canada. For aspiring, emerging and seasoned filmmakers alike.

This workshop is made possible with support from the NFDC — the Newfoundland Film Development Corporation. https://nlfdc.ca/

Writing for Film with Nik Sexton 10AM (How to Be Deadly, Skeet)

Screenwriting, more than any other form of creative writing, requires an understanding of the creative as well as the technical: a flair for dialogue, a familiarity with the film media, and an ability to work with life experience in a visual way. In this workshop, writer, director and producer Nik Sexton will discuss the creative and technical processes behind some of his best-known films, including Good People, How to Be Deadly, Skeet (forthcoming release), offering participants valuable professional insight into the art of writing dialogue, the technique of structuring film scripts, and the different ways filmmakers combine both to make for compelling stories on screen.


11AM: Directing a Feature Film with Adam Perry (A Small Fortune)

At the heart of filmmaking is the director as storyteller. The director’s job, done well, brings the story to life with the best use of their actors. Adam Perry, who recently directed the feature film, A Small Fortune (2022), will discuss his approach to directing the feature length film, A Small Fortune, and share his professional insights into how he guides actors toward truthful and compelling performances in his films.


12-1 Break


1PM: The Art of Editing

Like screenwriters and directors, the job of a good editor is that of both a creative and technical storyteller. In fact, they say you make your movie three times: once as the writer, once as the director, and once as the editor. In this session participants will learn about the importance of organizing and controlling their shoots and footage, and how to effectively use structure in ways that centre and move their story forward creatively.


2PM: Writing Music for Film with Ian Foster (Close to the Bone)

Music is one the most important devices used in film, for both influencing the audience’s emotions and response, and for psychologically transmitting and transporting visual narratives. Multi-talented composer and filmmaker Ian Foster has created multiple scores and soundtracks for film, including his own short films: Hand. Line. Cod., One More Song and his hybrid music and film project, Close to the Bone. In this workshop, Foster will discuss his unique approach to creating music for film, and impart professional knowledge about the different techniques one can use to create and influence visual narrative through music.


3PM: Funding your Project with Ruth Lawrence

You’ve got the script and crew but you need the dollars. Aimed at developing the knowledge and skills of emerging TV, film and digital media producers and content creators, film industry veteran Ruth Lawrence will help demystify the process of how a financing plan comes together for small budget and big-budget productions, alike. She’ll discuss some of the issues that producers might encounter when trying to secure financing as well as some solutions, and show how various funding sources fit together.

Visit Eventbrite to reserve your free or pay-what-you-can ticket.

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Saturday 9:30pm Shorts presented by Quidi Vidi Brewery
Jun
18

Saturday 9:30pm Shorts presented by Quidi Vidi Brewery

Saturday 9:30pm Shorts • June 18


All tickets are pay-what-you-can. Select your price at the links above.


Presented by Quidi Vidi Brewery

The Shadows of Magellan (Germany, 5 mins)

The connection between digitalisation, globalisation, and changing climate is explored using footage of a performative dance art installation in Hamburg, Germany, itself based on the discovery of the Strait of Magellan. Its five segments: Preparation of the Expedition, Transatlantic Caravel Voyage, Romantic Interlude on the Rio Bravo, Increasing Aggression, and Triumph of the Explorers. Director: Per Pegelow


Identibye (Iran, 15 mins)

Our protagonist faces the dilemma of choosing between sense and sensibility regarding their innermost feelings. From the very beginning, fear brought on by the judgements of the ones closest to them, fuels persistent doubt and indecision. They must work against the clock, knowing that one's true identity is what matters most. Director: Sajjad Shahhatami


The Missus Downstairs: The Long Road Home (Newfoundland and Labrador, 8 mins)

Episode one of this comedy series by local comedy greats Mary Walsh and Dave Sullivan! John, down on his luck, finds his dream home. However, he quickly learns that the house comes with strings attached. An oddball friendship hatched between one man and his nosy, yet loveable, neighbour. Director: Mary Walsh • Writers: Dave Sullivan and Mary Walsh • Producers: Mary Walsh and Ruth Lawrence

Close to the Bone (Newfoundland and Labrador, 22 mins)

A woman looks back on her life as a series of rooms. A gorgeous visual album from St. John’s singer-songwriter Ian Foster and starring Alison Moira Kelly, Bridget Wareham, Darryl Hopkins, and Des Walsh. Director: Ian Foster • Producers: Justin Simms, Michael Ciuffini


Unnecessary Things (Ukraine, 14 mins)

Could a robot adopt a pet in the near future? Could this pet be a human? Could they become friends? …And what would become of the robot afterwards? Ukranian animator Dmytro Lisenbart expertly crafts an adaptation of Robert Sheckley’s short story “The Old Curiosity Shop” in a film noir style that also recalls mid-20th Century science fiction. This clever homage extends as far as depicting the central figure as a version of the author in his younger days. Director: Dmytro Lisenbart


House, Car & Cottage (Newfoundland and Labrador, 6 mins)

Suspecting that her husband has been unfaithful, Abbie meets him at a restaurant, where she launches a plan to take him for what he's worth. Director: Jeff Lewis


Lydia Emily's Last Mural (USA, 21 mins)

Lydia Emily, a mural artist living with progressive multiple sclerosis, paints her last mural in downtown LA. Director: Christoph Johannes Superstar Green


Shelter (Australia, 6 mins)

During the height of the COVID-19 lock-downs, performance artists from around the world were invited to express the emotion of isolation through dance. Originally planned as an “armchair project”, featuring a dozen or so participants, it grew into something much more. We’re extremely fortunate that it did. Director: Martin Ponferrada

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Saturday 7pm Shorts
Jun
18

Saturday 7pm Shorts

Saturday 7pm Shorts • June 18


All tickets are pay-what-you-can. Select your price at the links above.


Gay, Asian, Immigrant (USA, 10 mins)

With a nod to the tropes of American situational comedies, a privileged gay Asian immigrant lands a job by perpetuating a harmful stereotype. It comes home to roost when his boss shows up at his doorstep, and he keeps up the pretence in front of his lover. Ultimately, he must make a choice to maintain the illusion or reveal the truth. Director: Ushmey Chakraborty


Coin Slot (Nova Scotia, 16 mins)

A young man tries not to unravel as the anniversary of a traumatic attack looms closer. Coin Slot captures the many shades of trauma and healing through fragmented moments of honesty and vulnerability. Director/Writer: Scott Jones • Producer: Aly Kelly


Look (Newfoundland and Labrador, 9 mins)

Love is grand. Love hurts. Sometimes, love is a battlefield. Finally — although events might suggest otherwise — love is all around. So if you’re searching for love, it might be a good idea to get out of the house and take a look. Director: Lorne Warr • Producer: Bruce Brenton


I Want To Love You In Analogue (New Zealand, 3 mins)

A poem by Paula Harris exploring romantic passion within the context of yearning is brought to life with a nod to melancholic longing — where one desires something more than what currently is. Director: April Lampre • Writer: Paula Harris

Evan’s Drum (Newfoundland and Labrador, 14 mins)

What a joyful visit to a loving home and an uplifting story of cultural pride. After generations of silence, the rhythm of the traditional Inuit drum has returned to Labrador, and seven-year-old Evan is part of the new generation that will keep its heartbeat strong. Director: Ossie Michelin • Producers: Kat Baulu, Rohan Fernando, Latonia Hartery


The White Whale (Iran, 10 mins)

A young soldier loses his friends in an air attack on a river. Thirty years later, he still searches for their remains with a white whale as the only sign. Director: Amir Mehran


Mudder’s Hands (Newfoundland and Labrador, 15 mins)

With a dash of youth, a pinch of age, and an unrecorded recipe, this charming love letter to a mother — disguised as a superb documentary film —  lifts our hearts like a pan-full of dough. Centred around baking raisin bread, “Mudder's Hands” shines a light on arthritis, while blending laughter, loss, and memories into baking tips. Director: Clint Butler • Producers: Clint Butler, Karen Shopsowitz


The Savior (Iran, 15 mins)

Following the death of her mother, a girl’s only companions are her pet turtle, and the fish in the nearby river. She begins to behave in a manner that justifiably upsets her father, who understands her motivation, but is unable to condone it. Loss, grief, compassion, and kindness are brilliantly woven together with imagination, sensitivity, and a sense of wonder, into a film that is sure to remain with us long after the end credits. Director: Soheila Pourmohammadi

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Saturday 3:30pm: Secret Nation (Paul Pope Tribute screening) in partnership with NIFCO and CNA
Jun
18

Saturday 3:30pm: Secret Nation (Paul Pope Tribute screening) in partnership with NIFCO and CNA

Paul Pope Tribute Screening • June 18 • 3:30pm (Theatre Exclusive)


Screening:

Secret Nation &
Stone’s Cove


A screening to celebrate the legacy of Paul Pope — one of the key builders of the film and TV industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

For more than 40 years, Paul Pope led with kindness and passion. As a producer, Pope worked on hundreds of films and shows, and owned Pope Productions, the company behind productions like Hudson & Rex, Grown Up Movie Star, Rare Birds, and Life with Derek. He was a passionate advocate for independent Canadian media, and served as a founding member of NIFCO (Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Cooperative) as well as a board member of the Canadian Media Producers Association and vice-chair of the Canadian Media Fund. 

Paul passed away in April of 2022 after a short illness.


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 Past Events