Plumbtech is a huge supporter of the Barrie Film Festival which has been a fixture in Barrie since 1995 offering programming year round. One of its highlights is the annual multifaceted ten-day Barrie Film Festival, which runs every fall. In the winter the Reel Stories festival features fact-based films and documentaries. The BFF also features two monthly film series, access to online programming, outdoor movies in the summer, and a student education program. It’s not just one festival, it’s a whole year of great cinema!
#1 The Fall Barrie Film Festival gives you a chance to see an amazing selection of films
Pre-pandemic the BFF screened a curated selection of 20+ Canadian and international films. The festival usually includes an Opening Night Party, Short Film Showcase, Gala Film and After Party. This past year, the 2020 fall film festival pivoted their programming and for 4 evenings showed movies at the Sunset Barrie Drive-in.
The BFF also hosts an International Short Film competition with a variety of categories focusing on the work of regional and emerging talent with entries from local students, as well as Canadian and international filmmakers. The winners are awarded during the fall festival.
#2 The BFF has a whole festival with fact-based movies and documentaries
This month, the 17th edition of Reel Stories will be running online in digital format March 5 -14.
Reel Stories presents a dynamic international selection of documentaries and dramas based on true stories. This year’s line up features the Canadian Premiere of Camino Skies. For a full list of what’s playing click here.
#3 The Barrie Film Festival offers movie selections all year long
Prior to COVID-19, the BFF hosted 2 monthly film series – Screen One and Third Thursday – which showcased Canadian, independent and international festival-favourites.
In April 2020, the BFF started their Virtual Cinema program through a distributor-lead streaming opportunity to bring a broad selection of films to their viewers over the course of the year. They currently have a library of 13 award-winning documentaries available to rent from their website.
In the warm weather months, the BFF provides free outdoor family-friendly movie nights on a 25 ft inflatable screen – hosted under the stars in public spaces. Moving forward this will depend on when restrictions allow for public gatherings.
#4 The BFF has a Student Education Program
Since 2001, the BFF has had a student education program that presents curriculum-linked films to high school and elementary students from Barrie and the surrounding area. The BFF Education program also provides education resources to the teachers, which include background information on the films as well as pre and post viewing activities and curriculum links.
#5 Rich Community Connections
The BFF is well established within the community providing opportunities to support emerging and established filmmakers and programming for all ages and interests. The BFF relies on dedicated individuals that provide their valuable time and talents to carry out programming initiatives as well as rely on the generous support of community-minded businesses in the region. Check out the BFF Contact page if you would like to become a sponsor or volunteer in the future.
