John Griffin

It’s early days yet, but this much is known about the 5th Knowlton Film Festival (Festival du Film de Knowlton).

It is set for Aug. 9 to 17 and will be back in its home at Theatre Lac Brome. A total of 45 films are confirmed for the nine-day event, centred at the theatre, with sorties to Coldbrook Park, Douglass Beach, Auberge Lakeview, Café Frères Caron and the Thirsty Boot.

Well-known actress Pascale Bussières is the spokesperson for the festival that will be opening its arms this year to an estimated 50 invited guests, including Claudia Puig, program director of the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Puig will head a jury to choose the best feature and documentary and present the winners with cheques for $1000.

Expect both local entries and international films, including a number of premieres, when the full program is announced July 18.

Capable Julie Bradet returns as fest director, and original co-founder Nicolas Pynes is on hand to offer sage advice and a night of silent film with live musical accompaniment. “I feel upbeat and positive for this edition. It is great for Knowlton, for the theatre, for filmmakers, cinephiles and the public in general.

“I am pleased to have helped plant the seed.”

Bradet is back to finding “inner peace” after labouring last year with the loss of both her parents. “It has been a lot of fun to organize and come up with new ideas and venues. I am feeling very positive with the way it has developed. We will see what you think July 18.”

The 5th Festival du Film de Knowlton is set for Aug. 9 to 17. For info as it develops go to festivaldufilmdeknowlton.ca