The Kamloops Film Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary with 25 films and 25 events at the Paramount Theatre located in Downtown Kamloops. From March 3 - 12, get your favourite movie snacks and catch some of the most anticipated movies of the year.

Tickets can be purchased individually or a full film pass to enjoy multiple films for the whole week.

Top Academy Nominated Films

King Richard is the story behind how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams achieved their level of success after their father Richard Williams coached them. This film has been nominated for 6 Oscars including Best Picture. Watch it at the Paramount Theatre on:

  • Sunday, March 6 at 6 pm

  • Saturday, March 12 at 1:30 pm


Nightmare Alley is a story directed by two-time Academy Award winner Guillermo del Toro. Bradley Cooper plays Stan Carlisle, an ambitious conman with a talent for manipulating people with just a few well-chosen words who hooks up with a female psychiatrist who may be more dangerous than he is. This film has been nominated for 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Watch it on:

  • Friday, March 4 at 8:30 pm

  • Sunday, March 6 at 7 pm

Awarded three prizes at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, including Best Screenplay. Drive My Car is a haunting road movie travelling a path of love, loss, acceptance, and peace. The film is nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. You can see the film on:

  • Saturday, March 5 at 6:30 pm 

  • Friday, March 11 at 7 pm


Based on a true story, Licorice Pizza is a story about Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up and falling in love in the San Fernando Valley in 1973. Film critics have awarded the film with the American Film Institute Award, and the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Screenplay. The film is also up for 3 Academy Awards. Licorice Pizza will be screened at the Paramount Theatre on:

  • Thursday, March 3 at 6 pm

  • Sunday, March 6 at 11:30 am


Having won over 10 international awards, Flee spins a beautiful tapestry of images and memories to tell the deeply moving and original story of a young man who has to grapple with his traumatic past if he wants to save his marriage, find his true self, and find his place in the world. The film has been nominated for three Oscars and will be screened on:

  • Friday, March 4 at 6 pm

  • Thursday, March 10 at 7 pm

 

Top 3 Canadian Films

Among the many Canadian films and documentaries featured at the Kamloops Film Festival, these are some we think you shouldn't miss.

The Indigenous comedy Run Woman Run has won over eight film awards. Watch the story of Beck, a single mother who is inspired by an unlikely coach to regain her dreams, family, and honour her life.

The documentary, Re-inventing the Wheel, tells the story of a wheelchair community in the Okanagan Valley that guides a newly injured member through his first year living as a paraplegic.

Drinkwater takes place in small-town British Columbia. Follow the journey of Mike through quirky family moments, emotional challenges and an unexpected friendship.

 

Bonus Picks

We have listed some bonus picks that we are sure you will enjoy, whether you are a film enthusiast, looking to surprise your kids or just want to have a little fun. Visit the Kamloops Film Festival's website to see this year's full film lineup.

 

Don't miss out on the special events

The Kamloops Film Society has put together 25 special events in celebration of its 25th anniversary. Come discuss the cliffhanger ending of your favourite film with fellow film fanatics, meet the pros who produced some of the films, and sample some delicious food and drinks during this festival.

We've selected a few events we think you might enjoy, but make sure to look through their entire list.

Flavours & Flicks

From March 3-12, pair your favourite wine with a favourite friend, a food experience, and a riveting KFF feature with Flavours & Flicks. In partnership with the Kamloops Wine Trail and participating restaurants, this year's festival is bringing together the best of local wine, food, and film in downtown Kamloops. Indulge in a variety of specially prepared menus with fun film-based themes at local eateries like Red Beard, Cordo Resto & Bar, The Noble Pig, Underbelly by the Pig, Mittz Kitchen, and more. On Tuesday, March 8 - International Women's Day - the Kamloops Wine Trail will host a complimentary wine tasting featuring wines from Harper's Trail, Monte Creek, and Privato wineries. Wines will be poured from 8pm - 10pm in theatre 1 and theatre guests are welcome to join in for a tasting after the 6pm or 7pm show.


Red Carpet

From 5pm to 7pm on March 3, the Paramount will hold an in-person red carpet on Opening Night to help you capture those viral memories for your social media accounts. The carpet is your oyster for group shots or solo poses!


Darkfest

Throughout the festival, 3 DarkFest titles will be featured on select days. As part of Drunk in a Graveyard, enjoy the visit of a thrilling award winner from one of today's most talented filmmakers, a heartwarming can-do documentary from the UK, and a vampire thriller from Canada. Enjoy special short films, prizes, and a Q&A with filmmakers, including Blaine Thurier, director of The New Pornographers.

Family Party

Kids, this one is for you! Don't miss Uncle Chris the Clown's magic and humour on March 5, and make sure you pick up popcorn and goodies before the big line-ups.

The festival will also include a themed scavenger hunt, made in partnership with the Downtown Thompson-Nicola Regional Library, which will open at the start of the festival. Finish the hunt any time before Sing 2, and get your prize. Plus, be entered into a major prize draw for a Tumbleweed Toys gift basket, which will be drawn at the film.


Kamloops Independent Short Shorts Film Fest

The KISS competition creates opportunities for local filmmakers to tell stories in 5 minutes or less while experimenting with movie magic. On March 6 at 11 am come down to the Paramount Theatre to enjoy both amateur and professional short films. Who knows? Maybe the next Steven Spielberg might be among us.


Beer and Wine Tasting

Not sure which one you want to try? Try them both! Experience the beer tasting provided by one of our local breweries Iron Road on March 6 from 8:30 to 10:30 pm at the Paramount Theatre or join on March 8 from 8 to 10 pm to enjoy some wines from our incredible local wineries sponsored by The Kamloops Wine Trail.

To learn more about the festival and safety protocols, visit kamloopsfilmfest.ca