Gimli Film Festival presents aquatic-themed movies under stars

It came from the lake. Not a pickerel, not afishfly, it's the mighty 11-metre screen risingonce again from thewaters of Lake Winnipeg. It's the proof that it's time for the 2014edition of theGimliFilm Festival, runningJuly23 - 27.

The festival boastsmore than 100 features, short films, documentaries and,this year,music videos. Indoor venues include the beautifully restored historicGimliTheatre, seating 250, and two smaller 70-seat venues, the Aspire Theatre and the Lady of the Lake Theatre.

Zeghers' top pick is The Overnighters. "It's one of the most personally telling stories about a pastor in a small town in North Dakota-- a boom town because of the oil fracking industry. It gets really personal into his own life, but it's also like a microcosm for the American dream -- they'redown-and-outers trying tomake a quick buck and tryingto support themselves and their families," he said.

Festival director Leona Johnson is most looking forward to the family-friendlyRBC Cinema Under the Stars with thegiant screen emerging out of the water.

"Of course the beach is a natural amphitheatre. As you watch the move the lake takes over part of the scene, so it's beautiful, and of course we have the stars coming out, and northern lights, so it's always a wonderful time," she said.

Water-themed films on the big screeninclude A River Runs Through It,The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, starringBill Murray, Anjelica Houston, Cate Blanchett,and Dead Calm with Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, Billy Zane.

12,000-15,000 visitors are expected to the 13th annual edition of the Gimli Film Festival.