Sudbury’s Tiny Underground Film Festival (STUFF), which runs Oct. 5 this year at Sudbury Indie Cinema, dedicates itself to the independent filmmakers of the region.
It is a full day of programming, with 12 straight hours celebrating the low and no-budget artist driven films of Northern Ontario.
The festival is one of a handful put on by Sudbury Indie Cinema, the local independent film theatre on Mackenzie Street. A point of pride in every festival that Indie hosts is its short films programs, featuring incredible, often Northern Ontarian-talent.
“As a filmmaker, having your work showcased at festivals is an invaluable experience. It not only amplifies your voice and connects you with audiences and like-minded peers from around the world but also opens doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and recognition," said Isak Vaillancourt, a local filmmaker who has become a staple of the independent filmmaking community in the city.
A major barrier for independent filmmakers is the lack of exhibition opportunities.
“We have a chance to be the space for filmmakers to showcase their works and refine their craft,” said Simone Widdifield, who has moved into the position as STUFF’s festival director. “It’s important that every community has its home.”
“We look forward to seeing how the creative connections that emerge from STUFF 2024 and from the numerous grassroots community-led film industry initiatives currently sprouting up in Greater Sudbury contribute to a more sustainable, resilient film industry in Northern Ontario,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre.
“Community-building events such as the industry panel and networking sessions planned as part of STUFF 2024 are crucial to bolstering a healthy film scene.”
Rough Cuts is the festival's first attempt at a work-in-progress program, aimed at promoting indie filmmakers and the community.
The featured artists will have their unfinished works reviewed by an industry panel who provide constructive feedback during the discussion time.
“To have their works viewed by industry experts is an incredible opportunity for up-and-coming filmmakers to grow their technical knowledge and build a well-rounded skill set,” says Widdifield.
The panel is made up of Bosmo of Here Kitty Kitty Productions, Dustin Moore of Moore Sound and Film, and Documentarian/Director of Nova & So Where Do We Fit In, Andreanne Germain. They’ll be moderated by filmmaker Isak Vaillancourt whose short “Collective Resistance” made its world premiere at Inside Out in 2023. Each brings with them unique skills and experience in the various technical aspects of filmmaking. Rough Cuts will also feature an industry mixer, post panel, to allow conversations and connections to continue.
The second new program, Artists to Watch, features nine filmmakers who bring their best in these latest works.
Comprised of almost entirely local talent, there isn’t a miss from a Letterkenny Horror/Parody to gripping dramatic and intricately composed experimental shots.
Following six hours of independent shorts, skill-building, and networking, STUFF’s evening offers filmmakers and cinephiles alike a chance to lay back and take in two world class experimental films.
David Lynch’s “Eraserhead” speaks for itself, an icon of the genre and American cinema, it was his debut feature and as he states, his most “spiritual.”
“She Is Conan” from Bertrand Mandico caps the night off. A darling out of 2023 Cannes, it re-crafts the Conan the Barbarian myth into a tale of self-betrayal.
For a full festival schedule and showtimes, visit Sudbury Indie Cinema’s website. Passes and individual tickets can be purchased here.
