Established in 2010, the Wakefield International Film Festival (WIFF) was created in order to showcase documentary films that allow viewers to take the time to reflect on key issues and the world around us. It is also a great way to pass the time in the depths of winter.
According to WIFF, “The first documentary ever made, Robert Flaherty’s 1922 film Nanook of the North, was Canadian. It was filmed in northern Quebec and wasn’t called a documentary at the time. John Grierson coined that term when he started the NFB. It’s a form of expression that speaks to our particular collective imagination as Canadians – to our sense of community.” It was Oscar-winner Budge Crawley who pioneered independent filmmaking in the Gatineau Hills, so Wakefield seemed like a good place to celebrate the documentary art form.
Wakefield International Film Festival’s 2016 lineup was curated by Robert Rooney. This was his last artistic endeavour before he passed away January 5, 2016. The festival takes place at the Centre Wakefield LaPêche Community Centre over four consecutive weekends from February 6- 27, 2016. For more information visit the WIFF website.