Eric's Backyard Winter Film Festival supports local filmmakers, musicians and artists
Eric’s Backyard promotes events showcasing local artists, musicians and filmmakers. Génier is hosting Eric’s Winter Film Festival at the Marquee at Sheridan College Trafalgar campus on December 16th.
Eric Génier of Eric’s Backyard Photo credit: Eric’s Backyard website
Eric Génier had a hankering to share the short film that he created for a second-year college assignment with his community. That desire spiralled into an ongoing film festival in Oakville, ON.
The recent graduate of the Sheridan College Bachelor of Film and Television (BFTV) program soon realized that including more of his creative contemporaries would make the event not only more enjoyable, but memorable for participants and viewers.
That paved the way for Eric’s Backyard a volunteer-run, youth-led, not-for-profit that designs, coordinates and promotes events showcasing local artists, musicians and filmmakers.
The inaugural film festival was held during the summer of 2021 when COVID restrictions had relaxed enough to allow masked festival goers to congregate in Génier’s backyard.
Over 16 original short films were showcased for more than 80 people. There was also a community potluck meal as well as a vintage pop-up shop.
After that night, the festival took on life of its own. “The idea has chosen me so I have to keep tending to it because it’s too good not to,” Génier told Small Change.
September 2022, Génier screened 90-minutes of original short films for over 90 people. This time, in addition to the vintage pop-up and community potluck, Toronto-based band, CONNIE performed live.
This past summer, over 120 people came to eat, shop, listen to CONNIE as well as the Toronto-based band Moss Lawn and to participate in an interactive mural painting arranged by artist Jay Stackaruk.
Sarah Matheson created a sculpture of a television, the screen of which was enhanced by attendees.
Then, everyone watched over 90-minutes of original short films and had the chance to buy official festival merch.
“The momentum has really picked up. The ideas never stop and there’s just so many more things we can keep doing that I’m excited about,” Génier shared.
Now Génier and his team are taking the festival to new heights hosting an interactive evening called Eric’s Winter Film Festival at the Marquee at Sheridan College Trafalgar campus on December 16th.
The all-ages event still celebrates local independent short filmmakers, visual artists, vendors and musicians, but on a larger scale.
Vendors include Hamilton-based Emma Kutlesa Jagodic of Lunch Bucket Vintage; Cheyenne McNeil of Plenty Beadwork; Leila Nieto with Sprout Cowboy; Poppi Fella Pellagrino of Broca; Hannah Bennet, Hannah’s crochet; and Sabrina Pascuzzo of Star Drop Goodies. There will also be a vendor selling wares to raise funds to support their thesis film.
Booster Juice is hosting a pop-up venue and there will be popcorn for sale.
Sponsors of the Winterfest include Film.ca Cinemas Oakville, who provided props and couches for guests to use in the Atrium while they meet, mingle and listen to live music before the screenings.
“We put a lot of thought into how people are going to feel in the space and wanted to make sure everyone has fun,” said Génier.
Official sponsors also include the NDP Party of Oakville Burlington North and Carpet Warehouse.
Film screenings will take place in the Student Union space which has an awesome sound system.
Anyone across the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) can submit their independent short films – although, there is no official geographical boundary – by noon on December 9th.
Génier and two additional judges with experience with film festivals and programing will bring together a selection of films to create a seamless program for the evening.
Doors open at 6:30 pm. Moss Lawn and Brother – who are having their foundational performance – take the stage from 7:30 to 9:00 pm after which 90 minutes of short films will be screened.
Artistic director, Claudia Matas has created a theme-based décor that is a must-see and I’ve been told attendees have to go to see the washrooms!
Tickets are $15 or pay what you can.
There is plenty of parking at the Oakville campus and it’s free on weekends.
No outside food is permitted at this alcohol-free event and coat check is available.
Want to get involved? Contact us!
As for the future, Génier says, “Get ready for Eric’s forth annual Backyard Film Festival which is in the works for 2024 with the date to be announced because, it’ll be here before you know it!”
This is great! Young people showing their genius and entrepreneurial skills!