The first annual Eye2EYE International Film Festival was held in Victoria Park in Cobourg on Sunday August 29, 2021.
With over 300 people attending, Ross Pigeau, Chair of the Board for FAN (Film Access Northumberland) called it a “special evening.”
The festival featured a line-up of award winning films, documentaries, animation, digital works, art exhibits, professional development programs and music performances highlighting Canadian and local talent.
The Student Award supports local, emerging talent with both a financial and an in-kind package to further advance their career in the arts.
FAN has recently been granted charitable status from the Government of Canada for the not-for-profit agency.
“We’re hoping that FAN and this kind of event, that we’re going to be giving back to the community in three ways. We want to develop and promote new film makers, we want Northumberland to be exposed to the great film art that’s around the world. And in reverse, we want the film industry to be aware of the great opportunities of the art community there are in Northumberland.”
The vision of FAN is “Connect – Include – Expand.”
“Connect with our community, include all aspects of our culture and expand our perspective, so we become a more inclusive and tolerant society.”
Special guests for the evening were award-winning Executive Producer of Murdoch Mysteries and CEO and Chairman of Shaftesbury, Christina Jennings and star of Murdoch Mysteries, Yannick Bisson.
Speaking with Today’s Northumberland, Bisson said the festival is bringing together a lot of people that are passionate about the film industry.
“It’s very exciting to be asked to be here representing Murdoch Mysteries. We love to shoot here. Last time I directed an episode and had a chance to travel I made sure we came here.”
Bisson said the communities of Cobourg and Port Hope have always been welcoming to the series.
“It makes a big difference to be welcomed. To have the business association talk to people beforehand about the benefits of a production coming to town and helping us out.”
From putting signs up, having spaces for vehicles involved with the production or ordering food makes it much easier and benefits both the town and the production.
Bisson said that it’s tough to compete with Netflix and AppleTV, but having communities like Cobourg and Port Hope willing to work with the production, “is absolutely priceless.”
Bisson has certainly done his background with Cobourg. When asked about the heritage of Cobourg working well with the production he stated with a smile, “it should have been the Capital of Ontario. I don’t know what happened.”
Olinda Casimiro Executive Director of the Art Gallery of Northumberland said it was a great chance to partner with FAN saying it was a great chance to showcase the Spotlight Series which are six mini-documentaries of Northumberland County artists.
The Spotlight Series is the signature annual fundraiser for arts education for children.
“It provides programming opportunities and sending children to camp. It’s a great way to bridge education and the arts.”
Actress Sarah Cleveland was thrilled to be back in Cobourg where she grew up.
Cleveland was born in Belleville, but raised in Cobourg, attending Cobourg Collegiate Institute before moving to London, Ontario where she now works out of Toronto.
“I can’t believe Cobourg is putting this on – it’s amazing.”
She co-starred in a film called, “A Father’s Fight” which will be on Amazon Prime on September 2 and is streaming on SalemNow.
Having some free time throughout the day, Cleveland said it was great to take a stroll downtown and walk past her old school and Victoria Hall where she remembers graduating and having the Town Crier call out her name as she walked down the red carpet.
Red carpets are something Cleveland is getting used to these days with her latest film being nominated for awards at the worlds largest International Faith and Family Film Festival in Orlando.
“A Father’s Fight” was awarded Honourable Mention for Best Feature and Cleveland won Best Lead Actress.
The Canadian International Faith and Family Film Festival takes place in Toronto on September 17/18 and Cleveland has once again been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for the same movie.
Cleveland said acting is everything and more she dreamed of.
“Being able to learn to become someone else and to take on characteristics and turn that into something that people want to see – but the behind the scenes part has been the best part for me.”
“You create this family, this network, this community and you spend the time building something together and hope it turns out great.”
And even if it doesn’t, Cleveland says you come out with amazing relationships that have such longevity.
Jennings and Bisson held a Master Class on Sunday afternoon that was streamed live to over 1,000 students in the southern Ontario area.
At 8 p.m. a number of dignitaries welcomed the Festival to Cobourg kicking off with Town Crier Mandy Robinson.
After the opening ceremonies, people relaxed in Victoria Park and watched a number of films on the big screen including an episode of Murdoch Mysteries.
Films for the evening included, Spotlight Series 3: Cale Crowe, Fireworks, The Making of Fireworks, and Murdoch Mysteries episode “Prodigal Father.”
After there was a question and answer session with Jennings and a number of draws took place for registered guests.
The winner of a set tour of Murodch Mysteries was David Turner from Cobourg.
Because of COVID, Eye2Eye was only one day, but plans are already under way for next years Festival to be a full weekend in June.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
