26th September, 2014, sees the opening night of the AGH BMO World Film Festival...
Tomorrow, 26th September, 2014, is the opening night of the AGH BMO World Film Festival in Hamilton, Ontario. On This Day in Film met with Festival Director, Ryan Ferguson and asked him a few questions about the 6th annual film festival at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.
The AGH BMO World Film Festival is 6. How did it all begin?
The AGH has long been a supporter of film in the community. I have records of film series’ screenings going back as far as our computer files at the gallery will take me. The World Film Festival originated as a partnership between Festitalia and the AGH, that partnership still exists in our commitment to Italian cinema and our year round association with Cinema Insieme a local Italian film group. The festival has rapidly expanded ever since that first year from a handful of features to 37 last year and at a very comfortable 30 here in 2014.
What does the future of AGH Film Fest look like?
The film industry is currently changing so rapidly that it can be difficult to predict the future. My hope is that we can continue to grow our audience and expand our programming and community engagement. My hope is to be seen alongside some of the other great Ontario film festivals that have developed in a similar way to ours but are several years ahead of us, Sudbury and Windsor.
Where and how can people be part of the AGH Film Fest?
Everything you need to know can be found at aghfilmfest.com
For fun, we asked Ryan Ferguson his birthday and found that he shares his birthday with Steve McQueen, Jessica Chastain and the release of Dolores Claiborne. The 24th March also saw the night of the 69th Academy Awards, where The English Patient picked up 9 awards including Best Picture.
Many thanks to Ryan Ferguson and the AGH for their comments, if you're in the area book your tickets now, I'll be there!
by Russell Farnham
Which film at the festival are you most excited about?
There are so many personal favorites in the festival program this year. Having just seen Amour Fou and Tu dors Nicole at TIFF both films and the experience of seeing them with an engaged audience are fresh in my mind. If I had to choose one, I think I would have to pick Tu dors Nicole it was such a fun film to experience in the theatre.
What does the AGH Film Fest mean for the people of Hamilton?
The festival attendance grows every year which I think is a clear signal that it is becoming one of the annual cultural highlights in our city. Our opening night has gone from being half sold in 2012 to selling out in 2013 to selling out almost a week in advance here in 2014. The people of Hamilton deserve the opportunity to see films of this quality and we are very lucky to provide them with that opportunity.
After AGH Film Fest, what is your favourite film festival?
Maybe someday I’ll be commenting on my favorite days at Cannes or Sundance but really my personal festival experience outside of our own is limited to Tiff and a number of smaller regional festivals. Here in Hamilton we have a number of other great film festivals including Hamilton Film Festival, Hamilton Music and Film Festival, H24 and Mac24 to name a few.

