For 17 years, the Reel Canadian Film Festival has championed Canada’s vibrant film industry, showcasing the diversity, talent, and independence that define Canadian cinema. This year, Fernie audiences are in for a cinematic treat as the festival returns with a lineup of thought-provoking, emotionally charged, and entertaining films that highlight Canada’s storytellers, landscapes, and unique cultural narratives.
From mystery thrillers to heartfelt dramas and witty comedies, the 2025 Reel Canadian Film Festival promises an immersive journey through some of the most compelling productions to hit the Canadian screen. The festival continues its strong partnerships with major Canadian film events like TIFF and CIFF, ensuring a top-tier selection of films that have captivated audiences across the country.
This year’s lineup features a diverse collection of films, spanning different genres and themes, all with a strong Canadian connection. Here’s what’s screening at this year’s festival taking place January 24-26, 2025:
The Island Between Tides (Mystery, Supernatural Thriller, Drama)
Filmed in British Columbia
A young woman is lured by a mysterious melody to a remote tidal island. But when she crosses back, she finds herself 25 years in the future, uncovering a story steeped in intrigue and the supernatural.
Directors: Austin Andrews & Andrew Holmes
Starring: Paloma Kwiatkowski, Donal Logue, David Mazouz
Runtime: 99 minutes
Young Werther (Comedy, Romance)
Filmed in Ontario
In this hilarious and heartfelt adaptation of a classic tale, a carefree young writer falls for an engaged woman, turning his world upside down in a misguided quest for love.
Director: José Avelino Giles Corbett Lourenço
Starring: Alison Pill, Patrick J. Adams, Iris Apatow
Runtime: 101 minutes
Hôtel Silence (Drama)
Filming location undisclosed
A desperate man embarks on a one-way trip to a war-torn country, expecting to find an end, only to discover hope and human connection that change his path entirely.
Director: Léa Pool
Starring: Sébastien Ricard, Loena Handschin, Jules Poirier
Runtime: 100 minutes
Drive Back Home (Drama)
Filmed in Canada
Set in 1970s New Brunswick, this film follows a gruff plumber forced to drive cross-country to bail out his estranged brother, a journey that becomes a powerful story of family, identity, and reconciliation.
Director: Michael Clowater
Starring: Alan Cumming, Charlie Creed-Miles, Clare Coulter
Runtime: 100 minutes
The Mother and the Bear (Comedy, Drama)
Filmed in Winnipeg
After an accident in wintry Winnipeg, a mother from Seoul arrives to care for her comatose daughter. But as she meddles in her daughter’s life through a dating app, she embarks on a personal journey that changes her forever.
Director: Johnny Ma
Starring: Kim Ho-jung, Lee Won-jae, Jonathan Kim
Runtime: 100 minutes
Don’t Miss Out on This Celebration of Canadian Cinema!
The Reel Canadian Film Festival is more than just a screening series—it’s a celebration of homegrown talent, storytelling, and culture. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or just looking for a great night out in Fernie, this year’s festival has something for everyone.
Come and support Canadian cinema, experience incredible storytelling, and connect with the magic of film right here in Fernie! Annual Film Festival taking place January 24-26, 2025!
