John Griffin 

With the extended unpleasantness of the COVID plague years in the rear view mirror, the extended Brome Lake community can look forward to a summer of revitalized cultural activity.  Theatre, music, film, the tourist crowd magnet Tour des Arts and all manner of spontaneous gatherings are on the slate.  The fourth Knowlton Film Festival is back with new expanded dates, August 18 to 26; new director, the capable Julie Bradet; a new short film competition with compelling cash incentives, chaired by Pascale Bussières; and a continuing commitment to spotlight work from this part of the world.  Festival headquarters remain Theatre Lac Brome, the short film entry deadline is June 21 and the web address is ffkff.ca 

Much is still on the wish list, but there are some confirmations. Townships resident Guy Édoin will show his new feature “Frontières”, and actor Karelle Tremblay will be on hand to screen Éric Tessier’s “Tu te souviendras de moi”.  There is a first film by Benoit Brière called “Mourir en vie”, Luc Picard’s “Confession”, and Monia Chokri’s Cannes entry “Simple comme Sylvain”.  There are Anglo Canadian possibilities like former critic Brian D. Johnson’s “The Colour of Ink”, Irish hit “Banshee of Innischerin”, and David Bowie doc “Moonage Daydream”, closing the event with a party and band at the Thirsty Boot.  Kids have free outdoor shows in the vitally renewed Coldbrook park and a retrospective of American master Steven Spielberg is planned, including his most recent, “Meet the Fabelmans.”  These are early days but the Lac Brome summer of 2023 looks so bright you want to wear shades.