These St. John's women are taking their stories to the big screen next month

The St. John's International Women's Film Festival is back for its 35th edition in October, and this year the spotlight is on increased accessibility, inclusion and opportunities for filmmakers.

The lineup of films announced Tuesday includes nine feature-length movies and 29 short films.

Eighty-two per cent of the pictures were made by Canadian filmmakers21 per cent of which are from Newfoundland and Labrador.

One of those filmmakers is Melanie Oates of St. John's. Her feature film, Sweet Angel Baby, will open the festival at The Majestic on Oct. 22. The movie follows a woman who is a "salt-of-the-earth" member of her small-town community who grapples with the fallout of her secret online persona.

"I was coming to the Women's Film Festival when I was 18 and learning about the local filmmaking community and being inspired by their work," said Oates. "That got me into filmmaking in the first point, so it's quite an honour [to open the festival]."

Emerging talent

The festival is all about women supporting women, according to executive director Jenn Brown. That spirit lives on with the Michelle Jackson Emerging Filmmaker award, which was awarded to Alexa Jane Jerrett on Tuesday.

Jerrett was "ecstatic and honoured" to bring her short film, Flickers, to life. It depictsher family's experience with her grandmother's ongoing dementia. She also won funding to create another short film to be featured at next year's festival. In front of a crowded room, Jerrett promised she'll use this opportunity to "make something we can all be proud of."

The young director is taking another movie to the big screen at this year's eventa folk horror called Bedlamer which illustrates a modern twist on the selkie myth.

Breaking barriers

Accessibility is a key component of inclusion in art, says Brown. Ticket prices are cheaper this year, in an effort to welcome more artists and patrons. General admission for a regular screening is $15 and tickets for the opening and closing galas are $30.

Additionally, a new discount was announced Tuesday. The festival is offering 15 per cent off single tickets for people of colour, students, seniors, those with low income, and those with disabilities.

"To increase access we've kept our ticket fees low, because what's the point of having a festival if people can't go?," said Brown.

WATCH | The CBC's Maddie Ryan has what you need to know about the St. John's International Women's Film Festival:

35 years young: St. Johns International Womens Film Festival returns next month

3 days ago

Duration 1:58

There are no shortage of films to take in at the St. Johns International Womens Film Festival, with nine feature-length movies and 29 short films. Newfoundland and Labrador filmmakers can boast that just over 20 per cent of the films belong to them. The CBCs Maddie Ryan attended the unveiling of the 2024 lineup.

The St. John's International Women's Film Festival is a platform that brings all kinds of women together regardless of background, says Jerrett.

"This festival is incredible. It's changed and created futures for women in Newfoundland and Labrador and all over it's just beautiful," she said.

Tickets for the film festival are now available online and at LSPU Hall, The Majestic Theatre and The Rooms. The full festival lineup can be found on its website.

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