BY KIRANDEEP SINGH

The 10th Nordlys Film and Arts Festival is coming to Camrose once again, from Feb. 15 to 17 at the Bailey Theatre. Nordlys means “northern lights” and the festival features a wide range of cinema from across Canada and around the world. The festival has a full weekend of films, special guests, and live music. This year’s lineup includes films from Russia, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, USA, and Canada.

One of the highlights of the festival is the guest list of speakers who attend the weekend. This year, speakers will include producer Mary Sexton, director Josh Wong, musician/producer Blake Reid, filmmaker Jenny Rustemeyer, among others.
Each guest will be available to answer questions, talk about their background working on their specific film, and their experience working in the film and Canadian film industry. Over the weekend, there will also be a line-up of local performers will be providing musical entertainment in the Bailey Theatre, including The Blake Reid Band, #9, The Olson Brothers and several others.
The Nordlys Film Festival is important to Camrose as it provides attendees the opportunity to meet guest filmmakers and musicians. It enables people to be able to have wonderful discussions about the films. The aim of the festival is simply offers great films, music, and community. It also gives people a chance to interact with the artists performing. They have board and committee members, sponsors and festival volunteers. They have no paid staff and the festival is completely volunteer run. There is a tradition of wearing “black and white” on the Friday Opening Night. Some people like to really dress up and others just wear black jeans and a white t-shirt or something fun.

For more information, such as ticket price, bios on the guest musicians and filmmakers, and volunteering opportunities, visit the Nordlys’ website.

Photo credit: The Nordlys Facebook