'One movie can change you'

Wednesday evening, local movie enthusiasts were invited to a special preview night hosted by the Shadows of the Mind Film Festival at the Grand Theatre.

Attendees were able to preview the films and documentaries scheduled to screen at this year’s festival which kicks off with a pre-Shadows day of films on Tuesday, February 24 to celebrate its 16th year.

“People are looking at as more than just a film festival showing films about mental health. Now, we’re often the first time many get to see locally shot films,” Bill MacPherson, festival producer and co-director, told SooToday.

That said, two locally shot films will be featured during this year’s festival - The Masked Saint and Fall.

The Masked Saint will screen on Friday, February 27 at 9:15 p.m. and Saturday, February 28 at 4:30 p.m.

Both screenings take place at the Grand Theatre (641 Queen Street East) and producer Cliff McDowell will be in attendance to host Q&A sessions after the film.

Fall is scheduled to screen on Sunday, March 1 at 9:20 a.m. and director Terrance Odette will be available to answer audience questions.

Other films showcased during the 2015 Shadows of the Mind Film Festival include The Spectacular Now, Benny & Joon, Red Army, Out of Mind Out of Sight, Omar, Whiplash, The Case Against 8, and many others.

“Initially, I think the movies were seen to be a little bit more clinical, a little darker, and probably a little bit more obscure” said MacPherson. “What we’ve done over the years is brought in movies from all over the world that look at mental health, addiction and social issues in a different way. We’ve also built on the reputation from year to year, so people really look forward to the films we bring in.”

As in previous years, panel discussions will take place in conjunction with screenings of The Spectacular Now (February 24), The In Turn (February 26), Susanna (February 27), and Out of Mind Out of Sight (February 27).

And on Saturday, February 28 at 2 p.m. at the Grand Theatre, the festival presents a series of short films including those from students of Sault College’s Digital Film Production program.

“We hope to promote discussion,” MacPherson told us. “We’re not just about entertainment, but about education at the same time.”

“The line up really is reflective of our community. There’s really something for everybody. The motto this year is ‘One movie can change you’, and we hope that happens.”

The Shadows of the Mind Film Festival Box Office is open now until February 25 at the Dennis Street entrance of the Station Mall, and will relocate to the Grand Theatre from February 26 through March 1.

For more information about the Shadows of the Mind Film Festival, call 705-759-8160 or visit www.shadowsfilmfest.com

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