Synopsis

The 2023 Oakville Film Festival celebrated a decade as Oakville’s only independent film festival and ran from June 21-27th, 2023. Virtual screenings were available until 30th June, 2023. For their 10th anniversary, they offered FREE TICKETS to anyone 21 years of age and under to any of their festival screenings at Film.ca. Q&A’s and events were available live streamed for the June festival.

This year’s lineup included over 100 films, including 13 Canadian features and documentaries, and nine other feature films and documentaries from around the world including: UK, USA, India, Germany, Ukraine, and Cambodia. In addition, guests could watch 79 short films from all over the world, and enjoy conversations with filmmakers and special events with some screenings.

Festival Launch: National Indigenous People’s Day June 21, 2023 at The Five Drive-In Oakville.

The 10th annual Oakville Film Festival launched on Wednesday June 21st, which was National Indigenous People’s Day in Canada, with the Canadian Premiere of "The Beehive", from Writer/Director Alexander Lasheras, and a special Gala evening highlighting Indigenous film, song, and dance. This event was hosted by the Five Drive-In, and partners include: Grandmother’s Voice, 101 Deweguns, and the Town of Oakville.

The Thursday night gala featured the Eastern Canadian Premiere of "The Year of The Dog", a Drama/Comedy from Montana Writer/Director/Actor Rob Grabow, who attended the film for a Q&A, along with others from the film. This event includes a special performance by Oakville’s own Intrada Brass, highlighting well-loved theme songs from movies. Oakville’s own 10-year old dancer extraordinaire, Cydnee Abbott, performed as well. This remarkable girl was short listed as a finalist in the Canada’s Got Talent show.

Following a full day Industry Summit on Friday 23th, June, was the Friday night gala in which they presented a really special film sponsored by Oakville’s own Capstick McCollum. Just in time for Pride week, OFFA was proud to present the Canadian Theatrical Premiere of Shamim Sarif’s new film, "Polarized", with a special performance by singer/songwriter Brooke Pallson to open the screening. The Q&A includes Director/Writer Shamim Sarif, actors Holly Deveaux and Maxine Denis, and others from the film.

OFFA’s own Tori Nixon has compiled a list of galas from past years, and where to watch them as a special offering for our 10th year. Watch festival favourites from the very first year by downloading this schedule: https://offa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Past-OFFA-FIlms-where-to-watch.pdf

Funders/Supporters

Executive Producer Level Sponsors: STARMETROLAND Media, EY, CELESTYAL, Expedia.

Grant Partners: Ontario, Ontario Creates, Telefilm Canada, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Oakville Arts Council, Oakville Cultural Grants.

Producer Level Sponsors: Intrada Brass, CAPSTICK McCOLLUM, caju, COGECO, Film.ca Cinemas, thrillhouse studios.

Director Level Sponsors: forest of flowers, ACE COWORKING, Sheridan, CHCH, YourTV, Oakville Blueprinting, BUM, Visit Oakville, Knoll Studios.

Community Partners: Seasons Restaurant, Falcone Law, FRONTDOOR, Buck Productions, Oakville Chamber of Commerce, Arthouse, Halton Environmental Network, WEST of the City.