MIFF 2019 has come and gone… it’s a wrap, the lights in the opera house are dark.

Thank you for making MIFF 2019 such a success! It’s wonderful to welcome new patrons from near and far to our festival. It’s good to know that people have not lost their desire to see films on the big screen. Watching a film with other people is an experience we shouldn’t loose. The feedback has been overwhelming, lots of inspiring conversation.

I want to thank our guests: Director Alison Reid and Dr. Anne Innis Dagg, actress Anna Lambe, ZoomerMedia CEO Moses Znaimer and professional athlete/climber Leslie Timms for making the interviews interesting, informative and entertaining.

The People’s Choice award, MIFF’s own Pomme d’Or went to The Grizzlies, a Canadian film directed by Miranda de Pencier.

We had four incredible student films from the Grey Bruce Youth Film Festival, every year the students explore new technology to create such diverse films.

To the restaurateurs who catered our four delicious meals and after parties, thank you. To our very generous sponsors we also thank you. To the staff of Meaford Hall, thank you for your hard work. To all our volunteers, a truly heartfelt thank you for making MIFF an incredible experience for everyone.

On a personal note, it’s a bittersweet farewell after three years as Artistic Director. I’ve watched so many wonderful films. I’ve met and interviewed incredible people from all walks of life. Over these three years I’ve gotten to know the patrons who come every year and have been coming to MIFF for years – it’s been fantastic to talk about the movies with you! It truly takes a village to put on the Festival. This unique event grows every year and I look forward to attending many more MIFF’s.

So I say to you, it’s been quite a ride and I’ll see you at the movies!

Joanne McKenzie MIFF Artistic Director