Top Five Things to See and Do in Winter 2011
Today I am pleased to unveil a new addition to Kingstonist, a quarterly run down of our top five things to see and do in the Limestone City. In our inaugural episode, this compliment to our ever-growing events calendar will highlight five essential goings on during Winter 2011.
12th Annual ReelOut Queer Film and Video Festival 27 January to 5 February 2011: Lovers of independent film and video rejoice! Reelout12 continues the tradition of honouring the work of those who have championed queer film and video by showcasing the best and brightest queer cinematic offerings from around the world. With over 80 short and full length films as well as amazingly fun festival parties to attend, ReelOut offers something for everyone!
7th Annual FebFest, 3 to 6 February 2011: How do you top last year’s FebFest, which included the OHL All-Star Game, performances by Elvis Stojko, Tom Cochrane, and the annual Limestone Classic Hockey Series? Well, we’re not quite sure as organizers have been rather tight lipped about this year’s program. In any case, we’re hopeful that there will be more big name performers, NHL alumni, and beaver tails than ever before, as well as perfect conditions for the on ice action and snow sculpture competition.
11th Annual Kingston Canadian Film Fest, 2 to 6 March 2011: From DIY comedy to Academy Award-winning drama and workshops for aspiring film makers, KCFF is the largest stand-alone showcase of feature films from across Canada. I’m eager to get my hands on the program for this year’s festival, so that I can plan which films I’ll be screening alongside fellow, local film buffs. Whether you plan on screening Oscar and Genie hopefuls, or rub elbows with the producers, directors and stars of the Canadian film industry, KCFF will not disappoint.
Kingstonist’s Birthday, 2 March 2011: It’s hard to believe but Kingstonist will soon be celebrating our third birthday. We’ve been working hard on some interesting projects and a birthday-related contest to help us put a giant exclamation mark on another great year. Stay tuned for more details on changes to the site, and other secret stuff I dare not mention for fear ruining the surprise. Bottom line, you’d better be here to help us blow out the candles.
OHL Playoffs, late March 2011: Just because Team Canada blew it during last night’s gold medal game against the Russians doesn’t mean that hockey is dead. If you’ve been paying attention to the Fronts this season, you’re probably aware that have the potential to see some playoff action. Now’s the time for Nathan Moon, Ryan Spooner, and the Gudbransons to put together a solid winning streak. Naysayers beware, I’ll be first in line to buy a ticket when the time comes.
I was just looking at the Artignite– there's a lot going on there!
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It's a shame I'm just hearing about this now!?! In spite of our best efforts to connect with event organizers and promoters, sometimes we find out about these things at the eleventh hour. Still lots of time to learn about this event, but sadly too late to be included in my top 5. I really wish I had known sooner…
Fronts will make the playoffs, however a worrisome 2-8 in the last 10 games. Dropped to 6th in the Conference. Some players at WJC but that's a scary stat nonetheless. Shouldn't be that bad. Getting a 4th seed might even be a struggle. I will be nice and ignore a 9-0 loss to end 2010 against Ottawa. First game after Christmas and on the road is a tough one.
You should include the amazing Banff Mountain Film Festival-World Tour at McArthur Auditorium on January 22nd starting at 7pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Trailhead. Words can't describe the quality and quantity of these amazing films. It's a ritual I've been taking my kids to for the last three years.
I'll let the link do it justice:
Also, this is a short from 2-3 years ago called ’The Red Helmet': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Dcx4bcBfWo
This has always been a favorite of mine – best place to see some fantastic, and sometimes harrowing, short films!