The Belleville Downtown DocFest committee has released the following statement.
Belleville’s 14th Annual Downtown DocFest Spotlights Canadian Icons, Music, and More
Stay warm while beating the winter blues at Belleville’s annual documentary film festival. Running Friday, February 21st to Sunday, February 23rd the festival features 3 full days of exciting events in the heart of Belleville. Showcasing a wide range of star-studded, current, and award-winning documentary films. Come take a deeper look into the lives of musicians, and other changemakers through the lens of talented filmmakers who help us see our world in a different light.
“This year’s DocFest celebrates the very best of documentary filmmaking. We always try to present fresh perspectives from award winning filmmakers,” says Holly Dewar, Chair of the DocFest board. “We’re particularly honoured to be able to shine a light on some of the best Canadian and Indigenous docs of 2024, across a range of music and cultural topics.”
(Full list of films here: https://www.downtowndocfest.ca/films/)
Get lost in the world of vibrant musician and celebrity biographies
> Paul Anka His Way
The story of an Ottawa-born teen idol who wrote some of the best-selling singles ever recorded by a Canadian artist.
> Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal
How Five high school friends became one of Canada’s biggest bands and why their work matters so deeply.
> Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story
A pioneering Black transgender soul singer, Jackie Shane was a leading figure in Toronto’s music scene in the late 60s.
> Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg
Based on her unpublished autobiography found after her death, the film focuses on her life as icon, fashion model, muse to Andy Warhol and decade-long relationship with Keith Richards.
Hear intimate stories at the forefront of human dignity, culture, and our world
> Black Box Diaries
The Oscar nominated, award-winning story of Journalist Shiori Ito’s landmark investigation into her own sexual assault, exposing Japan’s outdated judicial and societal systems.
> Singing Back the Buffalo
Focussing on the Indigenous movement to re-introduce the animal to the prairies and restore the age-old bond, Award-winning Cree filmmaker Tasha Hubbard explores the deep connection between the Indigenous people of the Great Plains and the buffalo.
Key dates and details
Friday, February 21 Free School Screening Sponsored by Hawkins Cheezies, Friends of the Belleville Public Library, and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
400+ students aged 12 – 18 registered to see Red Fever followed by special virtual Q&A with filmmakers.
Friday, February 21 at 7pm at The Empire Theatre
Gala Film and Live Music Event Sponsored by PEC Wine Club
As the festival’s opening Gala film, Paul Anka: His Way will be followed by a live musical performance by multi-platinum-selling recording artist, inaugural Canadian Idol winner and Juno award nominee, Ryan Malcolm. Gala Passes available in advance and, when seats are still available, at the door.
Saturday, February 22 at 5:00pm Location TBD
Filmmaker Panel Sponsored by Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board and Bay of Quinte Film Office.
Come listen to local filmmakers talk about their process and trends in documentary filmmaking.
Saturday, February 22 at 7:30pm at Pinnacle Playhouse
Fundraiser: Tragically Hip event – Enjoy episode 1 of Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal followed by a conversation with Director (and the late Gord Downie’s Brother) Mike Downie. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the Community Development Council of Quinte whose services aim to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life and health in our community. Saturday Fundraiser Event Passes available in advance and, when seats are still available, at the door.
Sunday, February 23 at 5:00pm at Pinnacle Playhouse
Local Filmmaker Awards Sponsored by Quinte Arts Council
Finale Film Screening sponsored by CVS Midwest Tapes, with intro by the filmmakers: Mark Rankin and Brian Wilson.
How to get tickets and passes
Early Bird Passes on sale now at: https://www.downtowndocfest.ca/passes/
Rush tickets ($15 at the door – Gala and Saturday Night Fundraiser Event priced separately)
Tickets to Tragically Hip Fundraiser Event – https://www.downtowndocfest.ca/2025/01/13/2025-saturday-night-at-the-belleville-theatre-guild/
More about Belleville Downtown DocFest
DocFest is a community-oriented documentary film festival featuring outstanding films that celebrate life and human dignity around the world and right here at home. Our sincere thanks to our government funders: Ontario Trillium Foundation, Government of Canada, and City of Belleville.
Visit downtowndocfest.ca
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