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22nd annual Northwest Film Festival closes; attendance estimated in thousands

THUNDER BAY -- Even though it’s easier than ever to watch new movies at home, there is still something special about catching a flick on the big screen.
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North of Superior Film Association president Marty Mascarin stands outside the SilverCity theatre on Sunday, the final day of the 22nd annual Northwest Film Festival. (Matt Vis, tbnewswatch.com)

THUNDER BAY -- Even though it’s easier than ever to watch new movies at home, there is still something special about catching a flick on the big screen.

It’s that nostalgia that allows the North of Superior Film Festival to continue to grow.

The 22nd annual edition of the city’s film festival wrapped up on Sunday at the SilverCity theatres, with hundreds of patrons lining up to catch the day’s showings.

“It’s that shared big screen experience. You still can’t get away from that,” North of Superior Film Association president Marty Mascarin said.

“It’s also the social aspect. When people are in line, though it may be long, you get to start chatting with people you don’t know and share different viewpoints on movies so it creates its own buzz and synergy and that adds to the excitement of the festival.”

Mascarin said highly acclaimed films Still Alice, Birdman and Selma were three of this year’s most popular shows.

In particular, Still Alice sold out a 350-seat theatre on Sunday during its second run of the festival.

“The Oscar winners really came through for us this time,” Mascarin said.

“We can easily say we had a few thousand in over the two consecutive Sundays. For split Sundays that’s pretty remarkable.”

He estimated the numbers from this year’s festival will surpass last year’s attendance.

Once again, locally produced short films shown during the festival proved to be popular with audiences.

"Having the shorts is a nice little garnish to the festival and it ties into NOSFA's mandate. Aside from showing international movies we also look within modest means to promote and highlight other cinematic efforts, whether local or regional," Mascarin said.





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