NewWest FilmFest Returns This October with a Spotlight on Independent Cinema

Hosted by the NewWest Film Society, the festival has grown from a small gathering of film enthusiasts to a vibrant showcase of local and international independent cinema.

In a recent episode of "ArtBeat" on NewWest TV, host Deni Loubert sat down with the board of the NewWest Film Society to discuss the festival’s history and the films that have graced its screens over the years. The society, which is entirely volunteer-driven, has consistently brought diverse, thought-provoking, and entertaining films to the community, often highlighting voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard.

Board president and festival programmer Cathy Sostad shared her enthusiasm for the festival. “One of the things that I think is really exciting about our festival and that I never tire of is the gratitude I feel towards filmmakers. That they are submitting their work to our small and completely volunteer-driven festival. This experience just remains exciting to me,” she said.

Over the years, the NewWest FilmFest has featured an eclectic mix of films, from hard-hitting documentaries and foreign films to emerging Canadian talent and shorts from local filmmakers. Past highlights include screenings of the critically acclaimed documentary My Enemy, My Brother, the Canadian drama Kayak to Klemtu, and a special retrospective on the works of New Westminster-born director Mina Shum.

This year’s festival promises to continue this tradition, with a carefully curated lineup that reflects the festival’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and community engagement. Film lovers can look forward to a week of screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and networking opportunities in the heart of New Westminster.