HIFF 2018 Festival Update #1: The Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival Announces 2018 Programme

Now in its 12th year, HIFF provides a prominent platform for filmmakers and media artists to share their work in a forum dedicated to the celebration of independent cinema. From June 6-9 at the Neptune Scotiabank Stage Theatre in Halifax, HIFF will showcase acclaimed visiting artists alongside local filmmakers for an electrifying programme of local and international features, regional short films, and expanded cinema.

View the full schedule here.

HIFF 2018 highlights two Nova Scotian features, including the daring Mass For Shut-Ins by Cape Breton’s Winston DeGiobbi, an exceptional narrative feature film that challenges conventions in pursuit of a deeper social and emotional truth. Jacquelyn Mills’ impressionistic documentary In The Waves was shot over several years in a small coastal village on Cape Breton Island, depicting the life of her 80-year-old grandmother Joan as she struggles to come to terms with the death of her younger sister.

Things get colourful on Friday June 8 at the Neptune with a trip to Denmark via HIFF’s International Feature Team Hurricane by Annika Berg, which illuminates a fluorescent new-wave of young feminist punks in the digital age. The visual feast continues with a retrospective screening of short films by Winnipeg’s Matthew Rankin, blending live-action with classical and experimental avant-garde, like a “Heritage Minute on acid” (TIFF 2017). Taking place in a sunny tropical setting but oozing with shadowy undertones is Ian Lagarde’s All You Can Eat Buddha, mixing grotesque imagery with existential comedy.

Since its inception, HIFF has showcased the region's most innovative short films through the Atlantic Auteurs screenings. HIFF is pleased to continue the tradition of promoting the work of our talented and passionate Atlantic filmmakers. HIFF 2018 includes 2 diverse programs of 21 short films made by local filmmakers. This year’s line-up features emerging and established filmmakers working in animation, narrative, music videos, comedy, and experimental works. HIFF 2018 includes two exciting programs on Wednesday June 6 and Saturday June 9.

The HIFF Programming Committee presenting the HIFF 2018 lineup

HIFF welcomes Vancouver-based film artist Lindsay McIntyre as the festival’s artist-in-residence. Working primarily with 16mm film, handmade and documentary techniques, Lindsay also makes her own 16mm film, hand-coated with silver gelatin emulsion. During Lindsay’s time in Halifax she will be mentoring local filmmakers in analogue film and instructing a series of public workshops. Her residency will culminate with a screening of her silent life. and a live 16mm film performance at the Bus Stop Theatre on June 7.

HIFF is presented by the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative (AFCOOP). As a filmmaker's festival, HIFF brings the directors of the works we show to Halifax to create opportunities for the filmmakers to connect directly with audiences and local artists through hosted Q+A's, artist talks and workshops. HIFF also presents a number of professional development initiatives, designed to assist local filmmakers with improving their skills and getting their films programmed at festivals around the world.

HIFF takes place June 6-9 at the Neptune Scotiabank Stage Theatre. View the full schedule of events here.