The team behind Those Other Movies says it’s busy finalizing the lineup for the Haliburton International Film Festival (HIFF) Nov. 1-3 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion
Spokesperson Tammy Rea said, “after watching more than 50 films at the Toronto International Film Festival, and Sudbury’s Cinefest, the committee is juggling and debating to select the best lineup to bring to Haliburton County.”
However, she said, “stories will travel across time and geography, genre and language, and ideas and experiences, bringing the world and all its diversity to our community.”
The final lineup will include seven movies; one Friday evening, four Saturday, and two Sunday.
Those Other Movies announced the first three offerings Oct. 8. The first is
The Count of Monte Cristo, a subtitled action-drama out of France.
Rea said, “this big budget, big screen film, with incredible costumes and sets, is based on the classic French novel by Alexandre Dumas. It was the most expensive film made in France in 2024. The film, by directors Alexandre de La Patelliere and Matthieu Delaport, begins in Marseille in 1815 and moves quickly through the years as the lead, Pierre Niney as Edmond Dantes, seeks revenge for a crime he did not commit.
The second offering is Home Free, a Canadian drama.
Rea described this one as, “family secrets, family dynamics, the complexities of love: this powerful Canadian film has it all. Three estranged and very different daughters are invited home to their parent’s house to celebrate an anniversary, but all does not go as expected. This movie is sure to make connections and evoke emotion.” This film carries a trigger warning about suicidal ideas. She noted that director, writer, producer Avi Federgreen will be in attendance.
The third announced film is Can I Get a Witness, a Canadian sci-fi drama. Directed by Ann Marie Fleming, and with a Canadian cast including Keira Jang, Joel Oulettte and Sandra Oh, Rea said, “this movie offers a provocative and thought-provoking ‘solution’ to the world’s problems, including climate change, poverty and trans-species equality.
“What are you willing to do for the greater good? This film is a powerful look at personal grief, accepting death, and kindness towards one another.
The full lineup will be available at thoseothermovies.com when it is finalized.
Rea said, “as we consider programming, we are looking at going from really large films to super small films, true stories to science fiction, live action to animation, we are travelling through film and always making connections.”
New committee member, Myra Stephen, added, “it’s so exciting to see so many great films, then to work together collectively to figure out how to curate an experience that will be meaningful to the Haliburton community. Everyone brings a different perspective.”
Rea said they are also happy to announce a new projector and audio system will be in place for this year’s festival “to improve the viewing experiences.”
Weekend VIP passes are $65 ($60 for season’s pass holders) and are available at thoseothermovies.com – or cash ($10 per film) at the door.
