Second annual Blue Mountain Film Festival returns June 1 to 4

Blue Mountain Film Festival returns to Blue Mountain Village from June 1 to 4 for their second edition. Joining festival and artistic director Helen du Toit in 2023, Penelope Bartlett, former director of programming for the Criterion Channel, will be a guest programmer.

Hosted once again at the Blue Mountain Village Conference Centre, the festival will bring together top international and Canadian films, while also inviting industry professionals to connect for sessions over two days.

BMFF announced that they will put the spotlight on 25 feature films, while showcasing Ontario-based productions in particular.

“When the opportunity to work with Helen on BMFF came up, it was an immediate ‘yes!,” said Penelope Bartlett. “There are few events more special than an intimate film festival where people come together to bask in the best of cinema. Similar to Telluride, I love that BMFF is set in a locale which encourages community, discovery and that the patrons have a huge appetite and appreciation for international film. I am delighted to join the team this year.”

Previously, du Toit and Bartlett worked together at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

“Watching BMFF launch into the welcoming arms of the public and industry last year will always be a special highlight of my career. Penny and I are currently deep in programming to bring audiences a vibrant new edition and we can’t wait to share it with our patrons and peers,” said du Toit. “The locals and visitors who come to escape into the magic of the film festival are deeply curious about culture and storytelling from around the world. You don’t need to spend too much time in the Blue Mountain area before realizing what a majestic place it is, from the location to the community – we couldn’t ask for a more enthusiastic locale to showcase the BMFF 2nd edition.”

The inaugural festival featured a wide range of industry professionals, including Patricia Rozema, Jennifer Baichwal, Dan Bekerman, Shant Joshi, Jane Tattersall, Sheila Hockin, Karen Harnish, Phillip Barker, Elisa Sauvé, Nyla Innuksuk, Danny Iron, and Allison Black.

Some of the notable films at last year’s festival included Academy Award-winner Navalny, The Phantom of the Open, Carmen, Slash/Back, Fire of Love, Into the Weeds, and Costa Brava Lebanon, to name a few.

Visit the BMFF website for more details. Tickets will be on sale in the coming weeks.