Founded by Roger Maunder, The Nickel Independent Film Festival began in 2001 as a means to give more local filmmakers a chance to show their work in their hometown.

It has since grown to include submissions and screenings of works from all over the world, and is known for hosting some great workshops and special events as well. This year’s festival marks their fifteen birthday – that’s 15 years of showcasing local movies alongside international gems.

This year’s festival will screen over forty short films – about 50% of which are local. Others hail from places as far flung as Hungary, France, and Ireland. Local screenings include “Boarding” by Jenina MacGillivray – the latest winner of the $10,000 Michelle Jackson Filmmaker Award, “Before the War” by a previous Michelle Jackson award winner, Tamara Segura, and the award-winning “Between Two Walls,” by Roger Maunder, which captures the moment in a politician’s career when his past catches up with him.

Films from every genre will be represented this year, including a special late night horror show on Friday. Also on Friday June 26th, the 11th annual Nickel Workshop Series will take place. A call was placed for local screenplays, and “three lucky scripts will be chosen to receive a makeover by the industry’s best. The Screenplay Workshop Series will allow up and coming filmmakers, writers, and directors the opportunity to collaborate alongside acclaimed writers, story editors, and industry professionals.” The workshop is open to the public.

INTRODUCING THE NICKEL & MUSICNL’S 48 HOUR MUSIC VIDEO CHALLENGE

Nickel Film Festival and MusicNL have teamed up for a fast, furious, and fabulous collaboration. Five filmmakers and five musicians will be selected and paired to produce five music videos … and the twist is they only have 48 hours to collaborate, shoot, and edit the video. The films will screen at the Nickel’s closing night gala. If you miss them there, you can catch them on Nickel’s website throughout July, when the public will be asked to vote on their favourite. “The top video will receive more than just bragging rights,” we’re told. If you’re interested in applying, do so by June 7th, at nickelfestival.com.