An international film festival that brings the world to Sarnia's doorstep is back for another year.
The South Western International Film Festival, or SWIFF, begins on Thursday with a packed film schedule, virtual reality exhibits, workshops and more.
Executive Director Ravi Srinivasan said the festival, now in its fourth year, continues to expand.
"The attendance has grown every year, we've added two nights of concerts, we've had bands like The Sadies and Born Ruffians play, and people are catching on and buying advance passes before our lineup comes out because they're excited about our four day weekend. So it's just really great that the community has embraced it."
Eighth Grade director . (Photo by Heather Martino)
The opening feature will debut Eighth Grade in Sarnia, a comedic portrait of 13-year-olds living in the age of social media directed by comedian Bo Burnham.
Srinivasan said this feature will bring you back to school both figuratively and literally.
"Given the film is about a very funny, charming young woman in her last year of elementary school, we thought it would be a fitting setting to have it at Great Lakes Secondary, the former SCITS location. This movie is very funny, very smart and on-point with our current culture, and the way we embrace technology."
There are 15 films in total over the four-day event, including works by two local filmmakers.
Sarnia-native Patricia Rozema is returning to the festival for the first time since it's inaugural year with her film Mouthpiece, which plays on Saturday night.
Bruce Sweeny, also from Sarnia, will be making his SWIFF debut on Friday night with his film Kingsway.
Srinivasan said he sees films as a window into the world, and that this year's festival, definitely brings the world to Sarnia.
For film times and dates visit www.swiff.ca