News

SUDBURY, ON, May 22, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Two years ago members of the Sudbury community came up with an idea of organizing and hosting a film festival that, in their own words, “keeps faith and family in mind, encompassing Films for every age with themes that touch the heart of society.”

After two years of hard work, that dream has become a reality. Organizers are now inviting people to attend the first REAL LIFE Film Festival (RLFF) in Sudbury, Ontario, on June 5-7.  The event will take place at Glad Tidings Auditorium, 1101 Regent Street, South, Sudbury on June 5-7, 2009. (To find out more, click here)

The theme of this year's festival is “life and family.”

Organized by La Porte des Eaux/The Water Gate, the event will bring together 20 films from all over the world with the themes of life, family and marriage. Many of these entries have been shown in international festivals. Features include Bella, Fireproof, Demographic Winter, 22 Weeks, The Terri Schiavo Story, The Wager (starring Randy Travis), psychological thriller A Distant Thunder, and others. 

Children's films will also be showcased, including Horton Hears a Who and You are Special. As well, a number of films will be shown in French or with French subtitles.

“We are not aware of another film event in Canada quite like this,” commented Lina Madore, RLFF project manager and director of La Porte des Eaux/The Water Gate. “Great care has been taken to create a collection of films screened with the criteria of being faith-based, inspirational, family-friendly, or engaging.”

The festival aims to present feature films, documentaries, independent shorts and children's films, at deeply discounted prices. Advance pricing is up to 30% less than prices at the door. The Friday Night Bella Gala (June 5th at 7p.m.) is only $7 per person and $20 per family, including a viewing of the Toronto Film Festival Peoples' Choice Winner, Bella, and a catered reception. The Cinepass is only $15 per person and $40 per family, entitling entry to all films presented on Saturday June 6th (10a.m. – 10 p.m.) and Sunday June 7th (1:30 p.m.), ending with the Viewer's Choice Awards ceremony.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at more than 10 locations across the city, including Gloria's Restaurant, A&J Home Hardware, Walden Word of Life, The Pregnancy Care Centre, Talk of the Town, Fantastic Floors, Librairie Emmanuel, CJTK and Pinto Foods.

Realizing the opportunity to partner with the community, Madore added, “We are also pleased to make a number of free tickets available through local service organizations, for families and individuals in need. As well, we have arranged for students to enjoy a free screening the day before, of two of the RLFF's most popular films, Bella and MOST, in a community-sponsored 'High School Film Day'.”

The RLFF is sponsored through the generosity of organizations, businesses and individuals. Those who wish to join in this effort can make a tax-deductible contribution online, by phone or mail.

All information about the schedule, donation options, ticket prices, film synopses and more can be found at https://www.sudburycinema.com/.