With the 96th annual Academy Awards slated for March 10, Sudbury Indie Cinema is presenting 10 Oscar-nominated films from all the top categories this month, screening most nominees of any cinema in the region.
From the juggernaut Oppenheimer to Palme d’Or winner Anatomy of a Fall, the movie-house is playing the best to draw cinephiles out to see these masterful films on the big screen.
Sudbury Indie Cinema is also set to host a fun-filled evening on Oscars Night that will serve to not only celebrate the best in cinema but also mark two milestones for the first arthouse, independent cinema in Northeastern Ontario.
One of the special guests in attendance March 10 will be Canadian indie darling Valerie Buhagiar.
She first came to prominence as the co-star of Bruce McDonald's trailblazing Canadian indie film hits Sudbury-shot Roadkill and Highway 61.
She’s since made her mark as a writer/director with her latest feature Carmen being chosen as an official selection to the Oscars in 2022.
“You know you're in the ‘in’ crowd when you get invited to Sudbury to watch the Oscars,” said Buhagiar. “I wouldn't want to be anywhere else for the Oscars — other than being on stage getting one.”
Also travelling to Sudbury especially to attend this event is Sudbury-born film success story Alfons Adetuyi.
His company, Inner City Films, specializes in international co-productions and, in 1997, initiated the Canada and South African audiovisual co-production treaty that paved the way for collaboration between the two countries on film and television productions.
His brother Amos was the producer of the ground-breaking television drama series, ‘Diggstown.” They credit their Sudbury Sec teacher the late Jack Smith for igniting their passion for film and television.
Alfons is staunchly behind the Indie as he credits the theatre for “celebrate(ing) the true spirit of independent filmmaking.”
More special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.
The Oscars Party at the Indie will be co-hosted this year by local cinephiles Jason Tripp and Devin Mahesh. Both are passionate lovers of cinema, and deep supporters of the city’s only independent cinema.
Mahesh insists that at the Oscars party, the awards ceremony isn’t just watched: “it's celebrated with a passion only true cinephiles understand. Join us for a night where glamour meets indie spirit.”
“I’m indebted to Sudbury Indie Cinema for providing a means of enjoying independent cinema from around the world in all its beauty and diversity,” said Tripp.
This is also a landmark year for Sudbury Indie Cinema, as it marks the organization’s 10th year of having formally incorporated as a not-for-profit co-operative, and its fifth year since opening at its own venue, The Indie, at 162 Mackenzie St.
“We would not be where we are today without the support of our engaged members, volunteers, government partners and community stakeholders,” says board chair Ian Carlyle.
“Our Oscar Party Fundraiser has been a signature event for the Indie since re-emerging from pandemic-era lockdowns. This year’s event will serve as a great way to beat the doldrums of winter and offer an evening to share your appreciation of cinema with other admirers of the silver screen.”
This year’s Oscar Party has a vintage Hollywood dress up theme and will be catered by Verdicchio’s. Early bird pricing is available until Feb. 29. Tickets are available online here.
