Since its inception in 2001, the Nickel Independent Film Festival has been a cornerstone of independent cinema in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Held annually in St. John’s, this vibrant festival showcases a diverse array of local and international short films, features, documentaries, animations, and music videos. Named after the historic Nickel Theatre—the first venue in Newfoundland to screen talking films—the festival was founded by filmmaker Roger Maunder to provide a platform for local filmmakers to share their work. Over the past two decades, it has grown into a vital cultural institution that fosters community, supports emerging talent, and champions diverse storytelling.
A Platform for Diverse Voices
The Nickel Independent Film Festival is more than just a film festival; it’s a celebration of independent filmmaking with a strong focus on Newfoundland and Labrador, Atlantic Canada, and Indigenous filmmakers, including those of Inuit, Innu, and Mi’kmaq descent. Between 2020 and 2024, over 40% of the festival’s programming featured local content, highlighting the region’s rich storytelling tradition. The festival also curates innovative international works, often showcasing films that audiences in Newfoundland would not otherwise have the chance to see, such as TIFF’s 2023 Short Cuts Award winner Electra and the Oscar-nominated animated short Ice Merchants.
Held primarily at the historic LSPU Hall in downtown St. John’s, the festival creates a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. Screenings are complemented by workshops, panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and networking events, fostering connections between creators and audiences. The Nickel is non-competitive, emphasizing collaboration and creativity over awards, which sets it apart from many other festivals.
The 2024 Festival: A Hybrid Experience
The 24th annual Nickel Independent Film Festival, held from June 10-16, 2024, offered both in-person screenings at LSPU Hall and online programming accessible across Canada, ensuring broader reach and inclusivity. The festival kicked off with a double feature of Newfoundland director Christian Sparkes’ films: Sweetland, an adaptation of Michael Crummey’s acclaimed novel, and The King Tide, a surreal modern fairytale that uses Newfoundland’s rugged landscape as a narrative backdrop. Other standout films included A Quiet Girl, a deeply personal documentary by Montreal filmmaker Adrian Wills about his Newfoundland adoption origins, and The Governor of Georgetown, a documentary following St. John’s beloved bottle collector Wayne Skinner.
Audiences were also treated to unique shorts like Ice Merchants, an Oscar-nominated animated film about a father and son selling ice from a mountain-side home, and Gags N’ Gals: Male Order, which blends classical imagery with a feminist perspective. The festival’s programming reflects its commitment to showcasing experimental and underrepresented voices, with films from countries like Spain, France, Brazil, and Palestine.
Beyond Screenings: Education and Community Engagement
The Nickel is dedicated to nurturing the local film community through year-round initiatives. Its First Take school filmmaking tour brings professional filmmakers to youth across the province, offering curriculum-based workshops. The festival also hosts DIY film challenges, such as the 2023 DIY Sci-Fi Challenge, where participants create short films in just seven days. During the 2024 festival, the Nickel Film Lab transformed LSPU Hall’s Second Space into a pop-up studio, providing green screens, lighting, and mentorship for aspiring filmmakers.
The festival’s Film School in a Day series, held on June 19, 2024, offered free workshops led by industry leaders from Atlantic Canada, covering topics like directing, composition, and world-building. These initiatives reflect the Nickel’s belief that anyone can become a filmmaker, especially in an era where technology like smartphones and editing software is widely accessible.
A Festival That Pays Filmmakers
One of the Nickel’s most notable features is its commitment to compensating filmmakers. Unlike many festivals, the Nickel pays screening fees based on the 2025 IMAA schedule and offers travel bursaries to visiting filmmakers. This support has earned praise from participants, with one filmmaker calling it “an absolute honor” to screen at the festival, citing its professionalism and opportunities for networking and skill development.
Special Events And Community Spirit
The Nickel is known for its lively events, such as the Nickel Party at Bannerman Brewing Company, which in 2024 featured a sci-fi-themed night with a tinfoil accessory station and performances by local band The Texmestics. The festival also hosted a panel discussion on Labrador Cinema, featuring filmmakers Anne Budgell, Jennie Williams, and Latonia Hartery, and a youth-curated program by the Brother Rice Junior High Film Club. These events underscore the festival’s role as a community hub for film enthusiasts and creators.
The Nickel Youth Film Fest
In 2022, the Nickel expanded its reach with the inaugural Nickel Youth Film Fest at The Rooms in St. John’s, a family-friendly event offering stop-motion workshops, sound effect sessions, and screenings focused on young LGBTQ2S+ voices. Supported by a $20,000 annual grant from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, this initiative highlights the festival’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.
A Cultural Cornerstone
Now in its 25th year, the Nickel Independent Film Festival continues to grow as a vital platform for independent cinema. Under the leadership of Sandy May (Outreach Coordinator) and Mike Fardy (Programming and Communications Director), the festival remains dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of film. Whether through its screenings, workshops, or community events, the Nickel invites everyone—filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and newcomers alike—to join in celebrating the power of storytelling.
