Move over, Tournament Capital of Canada, and make way for the red carpets. The local film scene is bustling with excitement as it gears up for Kamloops Film Society’s 30th season, hosting a fresh film, Mile End Kicks (2025), and will include a pre-show set featuring local Tkʼemlúps band, Janky Eyed Jury, who will set the stage for a night of indie culture.
Since its founding in 1973, The Kamloops Film Festival has carved out a vibrant history in the community, welcoming Canadian, foreign, and independent creations alike. Within the Kamloops Film Society (KFS), there are several committees, each devoted to a subsect of film, including: the French association Cinéloops, the Black Film Festival and the Kamloops Independent Indigenous Film Festival, just to name a few.
This season, the Paramount Theatre will be alight with a new short film that certainly will have all viewers ready to laugh, swoon and stay at the edge of their seats with the introduction of Mile End Kicks (2025), a film written and directed by acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Chandler Levack. Levack made a name for herself with her first feature, I Like Movies (2022), and has been gaining attention from film festivals across the country, including the Toronto Film Festival.
Set in Montreal in 2011, the film follows Grace Pine, played by Barbie Ferreira from Euphoria. Grace is a 24-year-old music critic who moves to the city with one goal in mind. She wants to write a book about Alanis Morissette’s classic album Jagged Little Pill. But, of course, things do not go according to plan. Instead of focusing solely on her writing, Grace gets drawn into the vibrant local music scene of Montreal and starts working with an indie band as their publicist. Along the way, she also finds herself falling for one of the band members, bringing both chaos and charm to her plans in this fresh and alternative rom-com.
At about 110 minutes long, Mile End Kicks blends humour, romance and music in a way that feels familiar and refreshing. Viewers who are into music stories or character-driven films should find themselves laughing and rooting for Grace as she navigates her new life in the culture-rich Montreal.
Before the lights dim, fans will have the chance to hear Janky Eyed Jury. This three-piece band is a rising act local to Tkʼemlúps, known for pushing against the grain in a music world where female voices share an inequitable spotlight with male influence. Their set before the film is a great way to support local talent and get hyped for the night ahead.
Tickets for the screening are available on the Kamloops Film Society website, with student prices starting at $13.33. The event takes place at the Paramount Theatre, 503 Victoria Street, on March 9. Whether you are into films, music, or just looking for something fun to do, this night promises to bring cinematic magic to Kamloops.