The smell of popcorn wafted through the red-carpeted ByTowne Cinema on Sept. 10 as activists, artists, and cinephiles gathered for the launch of the 26th annual One World Film Festival.
The flagship program of One World Arts has been a mainstay of the charitable organization since its debut in 1989. Though one might expect a degree of staleness from a festival that has been running for over a quarter century, a spark of energy hovered in the air. This is in large part due to new management by Jessica Ruano, who lends renewed vigour and vibrancy to the event.
The Ottawa-based documentary film festival’s mandate remains unchanged: to provide attendees with thought-provoking cinema that educates and inspires. However, several key changes appear to mark the beginning of a new cycle for the festival. The most notable change is the adoption of pay-what-you-can tickets. Admission to festival events is now based on what attendees feel they can afford.
“I’ve worked in theatre and I’ve seen a lot of companies use this method,” Ruano said. She spoke quickly, with genuine enthusiasm enveloping every sentence.
“I’ve always liked the idea behind it. First of all, it brings out the best in people. People have the ability to choose their ticket price, and I find that those who can afford it usually pay the suggested donation [$15 per night] or more. Secondly, this system allows better accessibility for those who wouldn’t otherwise afford admission. I think more art festivals should do this—our programs are meant to better inform people of the world they live in, and I think we should encourage everyone to attend, regardless of their economic status.”
This year’s lineup of films, which was previewed through a trailer by local filmmaker Howard Adler, promises to offer fresh perspectives on pertinent issues in modern Canadian society, including social justice, human rights, degradation of the environment, and globalization. The festival is also hosting the official municipal candidate debate on LGBTQ issues on Sept. 25. Ruano hopes that attendees will reflect on the issues discussed within the festival when they vote in the upcoming federal election.
“I feel it’s important that people vote,” Ruano said. “But also that they have an informed vote and actually do their research. The more research you do, the better you’ll be able to understand the nuances of the decision you’re making . . . Knowledge helps you look past what [candidates] are saying and see what they’re actually doing to make the situation better.”
The festival’s launch event featured the Ottawa premiere of award-winning Canadian director Ryan Mullin’s Chameleon, an exploration of Ghanian journalist Anas Arameyaw Anas—the “James Bond” of journalism—and of the fine line between investigative journalism and vigilantism. The film was well received and will begin a limited theatrical release this month.
Over half of the films featured in this year’s line-up are directed by female filmmakers, and over 40 per cent are by Canadian filmmakers. Notable Ottawa premieres include Landfill Harmonic (South by South West Audience Award), and Haida Gwaii: On the Edge of the World (Hot Docs Best Canadian Feature).
“I’ve learned a lot from these films, and they’ve inspired me,” said Ruano, who hopes the lineup of films and events will inspire a thirst for knowledge and activism within attendees as well.
The festival runs from Sept. 24 to 27.
