Film festival brings Quebec and Vermont communities together at Haskell Opera House

STANSTEAD, September 19th — political tensions and trade uncertainty continue between Canada and the United States, organizers of the Verbec Film Festival are using local storytelling to highlight connections between communities on both sides of the border.

The festival takes place Saturday, September 19, at the historic Haskell Opera House in Stanstead, Quebec, a building that straddles the Canada-U.S. border. Seven films by filmmakers from Quebec and Vermont explore regional traditions and everyday experiences, including maple syrup production, bikepacking, knife making and moose-shed hunting.

Festival director Mike Beauchamp said the event is an opportunity to focus on the relationships between people living on both sides of the border.

“The tensions are happening at this high level,” Beauchamp said. “But if you look at the relationship between people, I don’t see tensions between us.”

The festival also focuses on “slow cinema,” featuring documentaries filmed at a human pace rather than relying on action or dramatic effects.

Audiences will have opportunities to speak directly with filmmakers during two extended intermissions.

The festival runs September 19th from 3 to 8 p.m., with doors opening at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes popcorn. More information is available at verbec.org

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