Don’t miss out on an incredible lineup of films at Canada’s largest women’s film festival! From October 22-26, women and gender-diverse filmmakers from around the world will gather in Newfoundland for the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (SJIWFF). With 5 days of must-see gems, there is plenty to see at the festival this year.

SJIWFF has uplifted women and gender-diverse creators for decades. Not only has the festival consistently provided a platform for underrepresented filmmakers, SJIWFF is dedicated to working towards gender equity in the film industry—including their recent partnership with Women in View. Spaces like this are so important for women and gender-diverse filmmakers to thrive, connect, and celebrate their work.

“With a diverse lineup of local and international storytellers, we are bringing an unparalleled level of talent and opportunity to Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Jenn Brown, Executive Director of SJIWFF. “It’s an unmissable event for anyone passionate about film.”

With 9 features and 29 shorts, the 35th edition of SJIWFF offers a variety of films created by women and gender-diverse filmmakers. From poignant mother-daughter relationships to coming-of-age dramas to complex explorations of love, here are the titles to look out for on each day of the festival:

Sweet Angel Baby – October 22

The festival’s opening night film is set close to home in a small Newfoundland fishing town. Eliza is a beloved member of the tight-knit community until her risque social media persona is exposed, causing morals to clash, and putting her relationships in jeopardy. Michaela Kurimsky and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers star in Sweet Angel Baby, the sophomore feature film from local writer and director Melanie Oates. 

A Mother Apart – October 23

This emotionally sweeping documentary is filled with poignant reflections on parenthood, forgiveness, and healing. A Mother Apart follows Staceyann Chin—a powerhouse poet, Jamaican-American, and LGBTQ+ activist. After being abandoned by her mother as a child, she seeks a bond with the woman who brought her into the world, while re-imagining what mothering can look like with her own daughter, Zuri. 

Girls Will Be Girls – October 24

Shuchi Talati’s debut feature follows a teenage girl at a strict boarding school in the Himalayas as she discovers romance and desire. The coming-of-age drama is a sympathetic portrait of mother-daughter dynamics in a sexually repressive culture, and was a prize-winner at Sundance.

Shepherds – October 25

Filmmaker Sophie Deraspe was recently awarded Best Canadian Feature at TIFF 2024 for Shepherds, a drama that follows Mathyas, an advertising executive who leaves his career in Montreal to become a shepherd in the south of France. Joined by Elise, they start a journey together filled with challenges and rich encounters, towards a new way of life in the mountains.

Paying For It – October 26

Closing out the festival is Paying For It, Sook-Yin Lee’s adaptation of the graphic novel by her ex Chester Brown. In late 90s Toronto, when Sonny (Lee’s alter ego) wants to redefine their relationship, Chester starts sleeping with sex workers and discovers a new kind of intimacy in the process. This is a story about love, sex, non-monogamy, and sex work, told through the female gaze.

In addition to this standout selection of films, SJIWFF is also known as a must-attend event for film industry professionals. Filmmakers can attend panels, pitch sessions, project consultations, artist talks, and networking events at the Film Industry Forum—an invaluable opportunity to connect with and learn from women and gender-diverse creatives making waves in the film industry. 

The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival runs from October 22-26. To view the full lineup of films and purchase tickets, visit their website.