What began as a way for local filmmakers to have their movies shown, has grown
into the Riding Mountain National Park Film Festival (RMNPFF), a well-known
Manitoban event, screening 15 movies from across Canada and the United States,
July 16 to 21.
Celebrating independent film, RMNPFF offers a week of movie-related activities
and events, from workshops and screenings, to youth and adult events. Festival
Director Steve Langston is pleased to continue to feature films about
environmentalism, agriculture, adventure, the local food movement and
regionally inspired films.
A partnership with Sunrise Credit Union and the Park Theatre in Wasagaming has
ensured the second annual Toonie Screening of Life Of Pets 2 at 7 p.m. in North
America’s largest log cabin theatre is part of the festival. This is a family friendly
event where you can watch a modern, inspiring movie in a log cabin theatre for
only $2.
Also returning is the Assiniboine Community College Digital Media Camp for youth
at Wasagaming Community Arts. An incredible opportunity for youth ages nine to
17 to learn from experienced film makers and create a short film over two days,
the camp is July 18 and 19. Langston noted there are still a couple spots left, at
time of print.
The Taste for Film event, where patrons watch a one-of-a-kind film and dine on a
selection of chef-prepared plates relating to the film, is set for July 20. The movie
Fermented by chef Edward Lee explores fermentation and how it has changed the
way society consumes food.
“A Taste for Film is kind of our signature event. And just a different, really cool
movie this year,” Langston said, pointing out chef Tim Taylor will prepare a
culinary experience featuring a rhubarb and Bohosoul Market Kombucha cocktail,
walleye tacos and kimchi potato salad accompanied with fermented salsa,
curtido, and seasonal garnishes, plus cherry sourdough bread pudding with miso
caramel and frozen yoghurt.
The festival is rounded out with daily screenings celebrating independent film at
the Visitor Center Cinema in beautiful Riding Mountain National Park.
“We’re really excited to have a great list of movies for this year’s event,” Langston
said, urging Manitobans to check out the schedule at www.rmnpfilmfest.ca.
Reflecting on the 7th annual film festival, Langston noted support for the inspiring
event continues to grow.
“For sure more people know about it and more people continue to get involved,
so it’s great to be a part of it. The venue is obviously great,” he added.
“And you know, sometimes it’s only once a year that people are watching
independent documentaries, but I know that when they show up, they enjoy
them. People come up to me over the course of the year and tell me that the
movies really changed their perspective on something and that’s what it’s all
about,” he said.
RMNPFF kicks off with an opening reception featuring four short documentaries
and a live musical performance from Dauphin, Manitoba duet Melisa Stefaniw
and Marc Clement at the Visitors Centre Cinema, July 16.
