Nickel Independent Film Fest celebrates 25 years - June 16-22
Week of screenings, workshops and social events ready to roll
We asked Sandy May, the festival's outreach coordinator, a few questions about this year's festival:
Q: The Nickel Independent Film Festival is turning 25 this year? What special events are
planned at this year's festival?
A: So much! Our festival is one of the few opportunities in our province for people to gather and
see independent film work in Newfoundland and Labrador — especially short films and work by
emerging local filmmakers. We have close to 100 films showing, with a lot of short films from
here and from around the world. We cover about 20 countries, focusing on presenting inspiring
work that people here would not otherwise have an opportunity to see.
"One amazing thing this year is that all of the festival's feature films are by Newfoundland and
Labradorian filmmakers — Devin Shears' Cherub (trailer above), Nik Sexton's Skeet, and Kenneth J. Harvey's documentary about Haudenosaunee artist Stan Hill Jr. The filmmakers will be in attendance for each, and afterwards we'll have post-show Q&As."
We also have lots of other opportunities for people to learn more about filmmaking themselves, to really dive into it. Our new afternoon workshop series Deconstructing offers three open-to-the-public masterclass workshops with Shears on Monday, June 16, Harvey on Thursday, June 19, and Sexton (Skeet) on Saturday, June 21.
"You just have to check out the program for yourself, you'll find something that will interest you for sure."
A: "The local short Bedlamer by Alexa Jane Jerrett showing on Wednesday at 9 p.m. is a visually
stunning film that won Best Atlantic Canadian Short at the 2024 Silver Wave Film Festival.
Jerrett is a young filmmaker and this is a real indication that she'll go far. That one will stay with
you.
"Another is In the Shadow of the Cypress, an Iranian film that took home the Oscar for Best
Animated Short Film this year at the Academy Awards — and with good reason. It's a beautiful
short, and the visual imagery and emotional metaphors will mean something special and unique
to everyone who watches it."
Q: What is the best kept secret at this year's festival? That one film that made you, or you believe will make audiences, go "wow"?
"Oh wow, picking just one is so hard. One great short that has a backstory that makes people go wow is The Ugly Chickens showing on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Believe it or not, this was produced by legendary author George R.R. Martin, and is based on science fiction author Howard Waldrop's Nebula award-winning short story.
"A friend of Martin's, Waldrop died in 2024, and Martin wanted to adapt his short stories into short films. This one follows a professor on a cross-country expedition, following leads that suggest that the notoriously extinct dodo bird might not be as extinct as people thought. It's strange, light, and charming, and a lovely tribute by Martin for his friend."
Q: What film is creating a buzz before the festival opens?
A: "Skeet, for sure. It's been making waves here and across the country for its unique local story and unflinching realism. Having director Nik Sexton in attendance will make it all the more special. For those who have seen the film already, there's something extra special about seeing this film at the Hall and being able to interact with the director afterwards, so if you've already seen it, we recommend seeing it again with us." Skeet screens on Friday, June 20 at 9 p.m. It is presented by CBC Newfoundland and Labrador.