YORKTON — The Yorkton Film Festival kicked off its annual celebrations Thursday night with a screening of Blue Rodeo: Lost Together at the Painted Hand Casino.
The documentary, directed by Dale Heslip, is described as "an electrifying journey into the heart and soul of Blue Rodeo," Canada’s beloved country-rock band.
The weekend promises a wide range of events for filmmakers and attendees alike, including screenings, panels, the annual Lobsterfest and the prestigious awards gala set for Saturday, May 24.
Among the panels is Pitch-O-Rama, where aspiring filmmakers test their pitching skills in front of an esteemed panel of broadcasters, directors and distributors. Another discussion, The Art of the Re-enactment, explores how filmmakers seamlessly blend re-creations with interviews and archival footage to enhance storytelling.
The festival also offers industry-focused 1-on-1 sessions, where filmmakers can connect with broadcasters and other professionals in the field.
Saturday’s lineup includes discussions on funding opportunities, legal considerations, lighting techniques, editing strategies and interview approaches. Additionally, Saskatchewan-based filmmaker Lowell Dean will lead a master class, sharing insights from his own career.
The Yorkton Film Festival is recognized as the longest-running film festival in North America. For more information on the weekend events, visit the festival's program.
