Prominent members of the Humboldt community joined members of the Saskatchewan International Film Festival board and event sponsors to cut the ribbon on the third annual festival at Reel Attractions in Humboldt. Pictured (L to R): Liza Baliad, Mike Yager, Danny Baliad, Joe Von Doellen, MLA Donna Harpauer, MP Kelly Block, and Mayor of Humboldt Michael Behiel. (Submitted photo/Becky Zimmer)

By Becky Zimmer

Lights, camera, action

Provincial and global film industry on display as Humboldt hosts international festival

Oct 15, 2023 | 9:00 AM

Humboldt rolled out the red carpet for filmmakers from around the world this weekend for the third annual Saskatchewan International Film Festival (SIFF) on Oct. 14.

Delegates and organizers welcomed everyone to the city during the gala event at Reel Attractions in Humboldt. Attendees got a taste of the 32 films selected for the six different award categories with all the trailers on view before the screenings started on Friday night.

Danny Baliad expressed his gratitude to the host city and the delegates who came to support the event.

“It’s an honor to stand before you tonight on this momentous occasion and I’m deeply grateful for your presence here in Humboldt, our gracious host city,” said Danny Baliad, Chairman of the SIFF Board.

Federal, provincial, and municipal representatives spoke at the opening ceremonies about the importance of having the event in Humboldt with MP Kelly Block, MLA Donna Harpauer, and Mayor Michael Behiel in attendance.

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Harpauer and Behiel had fond memories of coming to the Humboldt Theatre as kids, before it was purchased by Mike and Shannon Yager and became Reel Attractions. They would not admit how long ago that was, but Behiel did admit that he could take two dollars to the theatre and get admission, a drink, popcorn, and a chocolate bar and still have a quarter left, much to most peoples’ shock and amazement.

Much has changed but Behiel also spoke about the ever-present power of filmmaking and how it can incite a wide range of emotions, often within the same film. Every filmmaker has a story about their past, their culture, and even their dreams, he said, and it is a privilege to be able to view them through their eyes.

“As we enjoy our time viewing these films from all over the world, please take the opportunity to expand your knowledge and embrace the experiences expressed throughout all these creative minds.”

This was the main mission of the festival according to Baliad, to break barriers and promote the art and science of filmmaking.

“Just as Canada is home to people of different ethnicities, we want SIFF to be a venue for budding and seasoned filmmakers from across the globe, to meet, and tell the story to the world. In addition, we want the province of Saskatchewan to be internationally well-known.”

Joe Von Doellen spoke on behalf of the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce about the impacts the event will have on local businesses.

“This kind of event brings Humboldt to the world stage,” said Von Doellen. “We hope that you have a wonderful time visiting our attractions such as the gallery, the museum, don’t forget the water tower, and of course support our local businesses.”

The event itself has grown over the years. In its inaugural year, there were 21 film entries from eight countries while 2022 saw 24 entries from five countries. This year, 60 entries came from 17 countries.

Shayne Metcalfe, Dianne Ouellette, and Dante Nico Garcia, industry professionals in their own right, were invited to be part of the panel of judges and will pick the award-winning films in each of the six categories.

SIFF was presented thanks to many local and provincial sponsors, including Traction Uranium Corporation and PRIMECom Corporation.

Screenings will continue through Sunday and Monday in Humboldt before the award ceremony at TCU Place in Saskatoon on Oct. 21.

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becky.zimmer@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @bex_zim