To The Haldimand Press
CAYUGA—Watch Local Week is returning for a third year this April and it’s bigger and better than ever before! With five in-person screening events, two virtual Facebook live events, and one new 24-hour youth film challenge, there is something for everyone of all ages. All events are free, and everyone is invited to attend this celebration of locally focused and locally produced film and television in Haldimand County and Norfolk County.
“The Haldimand County Public Library is excited to partner once again with Windecker Road Films, Rainey Media, Riverside Communications, and the Norfolk County Public Library to offer opportunities to showcase and celebrate the artistic achievements of local filmmakers,” says Paul Diette, CEO, Haldimand County Public Library.
“Our Library is proud to promote the local creative economy and Watch Local Week is an ideal venue to do so,” continues Diette. “We’re confident residents will be entertained and informed by the films selected and enjoy coming together at our Cayuga Branch to view them. Film selections are sure to spark meaningful conversations and this year’s new 24-Hour Youth Film Challenge will inspire budding filmmakers and prove a valuable learning opportunity.”
The third annual Watch Local Week will see in-person screening events held in libraries in Delhi, Port Dover, Simcoe, and Cayuga. The event kicks off with a Facebook Live to Meet the Filmmakers at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 16.
“I’m excited that Watch Local Week keeps growing, and every year we have new local TV shows and films to showcase. That should be encouraging to up and coming local filmmakers and producers,” says Dean Rainey of Rainey Media in Delhi, which is hosting the opening discussion.
The full event schedule and film list is now available so film fans can plan their week. Haldimand County residents will especially enjoy the two screening events being held at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre on Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. featuring a collection of short films, and on Thursday, April 20 at 1 p.m. featuring a feature-length film. Both events will offer a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers following the screenings, and attendees will even enjoy popcorn donated by Sweet Retro-spect in Dunnville.
Watch Local Week is proud to provide licensing support to participating filmmakers.
For more information, visit the Haldimand County Public Library and the Norfolk County Public Library Facebook page, or email Haldimand County Library at library@haldimandcounty.on.ca or email Cayuga filmmaker and founding member Graeme Bachiu at graeme@windeckerroadfilms.com.
Visit the Watch Local Week 2023 Facebook page at fb.me/e/OxSFrTtz for the latest updates and follow #watchlocalweek on Facebook and Instagram.
