MANITOULIN—Artistic Director Dr. Shirley Cheechoo CM is pleased to announce programming for the seventh annual Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF) taking place July 11-14 on Manitoulin.
“The Weengushk International Film Festival is Northern Ontario’s premier Indigenous film festival, dedicated to honouring the residential school warriors (survivors) through powerful storytelling and cinematic excellence,” states a release.
WIFF will be preceded by the previously announced event Blanket of Stars: A Tribute to Resilience on July 11 on Manitoulin. Residential school warriors wrapped in Star Blankets will gather on Manitoulin for a profound and symbolic procession across the iconic Swing Bridge in Little Current to be met by dancers, drummers and community. This meaningful act represents their long journey and serves as a welcoming home. This bridge, which physically connects communities, will metaphorically represent the bridging of past and present, acknowledging the long road these survivors have travelled.
“WIFF 2024 will celebrate Indigenous storytelling and resilience with this transformative three-day event that showcases and empowers diverse Indigenous voices from around the globe with four features, eight shorts, workshops, a gala awards event and musical performances by Aysanabee, Adrian Sutherland, Nishina Esquega and The Poets: A Tragically Hip Tribute.”
WIFF will take place at both the Four Directions Complex in Aundeck Omni Kaning and the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre in Little Current.
Tickets and passes are available at: www.weengushkfilmfestival.ca
For more information go on facebook.com/weengushkfest on Instagram.com/weengushkfilmfest or twitter.com/weengushkfest
