The Barrie Film Festival (BFF) is excited to announce that Reel Stories is back from March 23 to 24 with films being screened at Galaxy Cinemas. The documentaries presented during this two-day festival will feature extraordinary stories about our world and the people who live in it.
Claudine Benoit, the Director of the Barrie Film Festival shares, "There's nothing like the collective viewing experience. You really do have to support seeing films on the big screen. It has such great impact and these films create conversation."
Films Featured In This Year’s Reel Stories
Here are the 6 films featured in this year's Reel Stories.
The Movie Man
Screening March 23 at 1:00 PM
Nestled deep in the Canadian woods, a one-of-a-kind movie theatre thrives. The Highlands Cinemas, established in 1979 by the determined (and sometimes grumpy) Keith Stata, has blossomed into a five-screen haven for cinephiles. Movie buffs can geek out over vintage projectors and memorabilia from shuttered theatres across North America. And for the truly unique touch? The place is teeming with cats!
But with a global pandemic threatening to shut the doors on Stata's dream, The Movie Man is a heartwarming documentary follows his fight to keep the magic alive. Filmed over five eventful years, director Matt Finlin paints a loving portrait of Stata, celebrating his unwavering passion and solidifying the Highlands Cinemas as a testament to the enduring power of movies.
“Think of it as a Canadian Cinema Paradiso.” — Pete Hammond, DEADLINE
The Eternal Memory
Screening March 23 at 3:25 PM
The Eternal Memory weaves a deeply touching love story. Augusto and Paulina, a couple strong for 25 years, face a life-altering diagnosis – Augusto's Alzheimer's. He, a renowned cultural figure in Chile, has spent his career documenting memories. Now, the tables turn.
With Paulina, a celebrated actress and former Minister of Culture, by his side, Augusto fights to preserve his own memories and identity. Their love and humor remain a constant, even as Augusto's grasp on the past fades. This documentary is a testament to the enduring power of love in the face of loss.
“Rarely if ever do movies depicting the descent into Alzheimer’s qualify as “enjoyable.” But director Maite Alberdi’s documentary … isn’t just an Alzheimer’s story. It’s a love story, and an undeniably beautiful one at that.” — Mike Scott, Times-Picayune
COPA 71
Screening March 23 at 5:30 PM and March 24 at 4:00 PM
Forget everything you think you know about the Women's World Cup. Copa 71 unearths a forgotten chapter in soccer history. This documentary, backed by tennis powerhouses Serena and Venus Williams, delves into the 1971 Women's World Cup in Mexico City.
Imagine: packed stadiums, media frenzies, and world-class competition – all for a women's tournament erased from the record books. Using captivating archival footage and insightful interviews, the film brings this groundbreaking event back to life, celebrating the players who defied expectations and the beautiful game they dominated.
“Extremely inspirational and heartwarming… The sense of international sisterhood that permeates this World Cup is something rare and special.” – Collider
Immediate Family
Screening March 23 at 7:40 PM
Buckle up for a backstage pass through music history!
Immediate Family spotlights the legendary session musicians Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, and Waddy Wachtel. These guys weren't household names, but their fingerprints are all over the hits of the 70s and beyond. Think Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt - the list goes on!
This documentary, following on the heels of The Wrecking Crew (about 60s session players), dives into the golden age of the singer-songwriter, where these four musicians were the secret sauce behind countless classics.
Director Denny Tedesco pulls back the curtain, using interviews with the musicians themselves and the iconic voices they helped shape, to reveal the deep friendships and tireless work ethic that fueled their success. Immediate Family is a must-watch for music lovers, a tribute to the unsung heroes who helped create the soundtrack of a generation.
“Immediate Family is an affectionate and insightful group portrait and a sweet jolt of nostalgia for boomers — but more than that, it’s time well spent with delightful subjects who played crucial roles in shaping the popular music of a ground-shifting era.” — Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter
Four Daughters
Screening March 24 at 1:00 PM
A shadow falls across Olfa's life. This Tunisian mother of four sees her world upended when her two eldest daughters vanish without a trace. In a bold cinematic move, director Kaouther Ben Hania weaves together reality and fiction. Professional actors step in, portraying Olfa's story and the lives of her daughters.
This innovative approach sheds light on their hopes, struggles, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. But the darkness they face is a chilling reflection of our world. Four Daughters is an unflinching exploration of loss, resilience, and the forces that shape our families and societies.
“Four Daughters stands on its own as a distinctive, daring and original work.” — Wendy Ide, Screen International
500 Days In The Wild
Screening March 24 at 6:30 PM
Award-winning filmmaker Dianne Whelan embarks on a life-changing odyssey across Canada in 500 Days In The Wild. In a quest to heal the planet and rediscover hope, Whelan undertakes a challenging yet inspiring journey.
Hiking, biking, paddling, snowshoeing, and skiing, she traverses the vast expanse of the country. Disillusioned by the world's condition, particularly climate change, Whelan finds solace in nature and the kindness of strangers. This solo trek, both grueling and exhilarating, transforms her. With newfound wisdom, hope, and even love, Whelan returns determined to share her story and inspire others to care for the planet and each other.
BFF encourages attendees to purchase tickets in advance, either online or by calling 1-888-655-9090. Individual tickets are $10. You can also purchase tickets at the Box Office. The Box Office is open 1 hour before each performance.
Don’t wait! Head to the Barrie Film Festival Site to view the Reel Stories schedule and reserve your tickets.
