OFFA Expands Its Reach with New Programming and Record Audience Votes
The Oakville Festivals of Film and Art (OFFA) celebrated another successful season this June, attracting enthusiastic audiences to its diverse range of live and virtual screenings. For the first time, the festival broadened its geographic influence beyond Oakville. Executive director Wendy Donnan announced that the 2025 festival will not only feature an additional day of programming in Mississauga but will also introduce a day of screenings in Burlington in 2026, which will include a gala event. This year’s festival highlighted an impressive selection of Canadian films, many of which garnered significant accolades from both the jury and viewers. The audience-selected EY Gala film, Stealing the Sky, won the Audience Choice Award, receiving the highest number of votes from over 4,200 submissions, with Sweet Summer Pow Wow as the close runner-up. In the short film category, the animated comedy Crabsassin emerged as the audience favorite, while Worthy of Honour—a short film about the recently deceased Lancaster Pilot, directed by Eric Cervania—secured the runner-up position.
Recognition and Awards Highlight Canadian Film Talent
On the jury side, Matthew Rankin’s Universal Language was awarded Best Canadian Feature, and Laura Piani’s Jane Austen Wrecked My Life claimed the Best International Feature title. Both Rankin and Piani were recognized as Best Directors in their respective categories. Additional accolades were given to Asia Youngman for Delta Dawn (Best Indigenous Film), Peter Pasyk for The Understudy (Best Canadian Short), and Sofian Chouaib for Ya Hanouni (Best International Short). Several performers also received honorable mentions for their outstanding performances, including Joshua Odjick in Sweet Summer Pow Wow and Danielle Deadwyler in 40 Acres, as well as Ben Foster (Sharp Corner), Matthew Rankin (Universal Language), and Emma Elle Paterson (Nothing Wrong).
Hybrid Festival Format Thrives with Increased Online Engagement
The festival’s hybrid format continues to flourish, dispelling early post-pandemic concerns regarding virtual fatigue. Each year, OFFA has witnessed a consistent rise in online participation, leading the team to extend the virtual screening period, allowing in-person attendees to also experience films from home. This year, virtual access was available until June 30 for anyone who purchased films by that date. A key highlight of this season was OFFA’s commitment to accessibility. For the first time, the festival provided fully accessible live and virtual screenings, including the Canadian premiere of the Australian documentary, The Blind Sea, accompanied by a live Zoom Q&A featuring director/writer Daniel Fenech, complete with audio descriptions for blind or partially sighted audiences. “We had over 40 people sign up for the virtual version,” noted Donnan, emphasizing the importance of creating accessible film experiences.
Year-Round Programming and Community Engagement
While the primary festival occurs in June, OFFA is dedicated to providing programming throughout the year. Monthly screenings are scheduled for the fall and winter, often in collaboration with Sheridan College and other local organizations. The festival also hosts special events for International Women’s Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Earth Day, and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Recently, OFFA concluded a successful Canadian film series that spotlighted women directors, consistently including 70 percent Canadian content in its lineup. The OFFA Film Club offers public engagement opportunities, with membership tiers ranging from Film Lover to Platinum. Members enjoy benefits such as discounted or complimentary tickets, OFFA merchandise, and access to local restaurant discounts in Oakville and Burlington. This year’s membership promotion features an exciting opportunity to enter a draw for the chance to become a “Producer for a Day” on a local film shoot with Buck Productions, led by Oakville filmmaker Sean Buckley, who also serves on the OFFA Jury.
Volunteers Needed for Future Festivals
Volunteers are essential to the success of the festival, and Donnan encourages individuals interested in contributing to sign up on the OFFA website. “We’ve had volunteers return year after year, and we always need help, not just during the festival but throughout the year,” she stated. Looking ahead, OFFA’s 13th edition is set to take place from June 17 to 27, 2026, once again featuring a blend of live screenings, galas, and an expanded virtual offering. As the festival continues to grow, incorporating Burlington and shining a light on local and global narratives, Donnan hopes to see more community members engaging in the various ways to watch, volunteer, and support the arts. For further information, visit OFFA’s website or follow them on social media for the latest updates and upcoming screenings.
