Nordlys Film & Arts Festival finds a new home at The Bailey
After ten years at a private residence near Armena, Alberta, and another two years at the Augustana Faculty of the University of Alberta, this year’s Nordlys Film & Arts Festival will be held in the newly-renovated, century-old Bailey Theatre from February 17 to 19, 2012.
“The intimate character of the festival owes a lot to its roots in a house and then a chapel,” says Hans Olson, President of the newly-formed Nordlys Film & Arts Society. “Now I can’t wait for The Bailey to shape the festival experience in its own way. For movie-lovers, it will be a treat to screen films in such a beautiful, historic theatre.”
These sentiments are shared by Nathan Huisman, Artistic Director of The Bailey Theatre. “The Bailey Theatre is dedicated to the artistic, cultural and educational well-being of the citizens of Camrose and surrounding area. We are excited to be able to partner with the Nordlys Film & Arts Society to bring this Camrosian cultural event into our theatre.”
Augustana Campus, which generously provided a venue for the festival in 2010 and 2011, shares in the celebration. “Augustana is delighted,” says Tim Hanson, Assistant Dean, External Relations. “The film festival has always had a strong relationship with Augustana, both in terms of audience and the volunteer support of our alumni. We wish the Nordlys steering committee all the best during this transition and look forward to finding new ways to support this important community event!”
Exploring culture, deepening and broadening a sense of community - these are mandates shared by both Nordlys and The Bailey and they will certainly be in evidence during the thirteenth edition of this mid-winter prairie celebration of film and music.
During the Family Day long weekend in February, Nordlys will screen first-rate films from Canada, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States. “We’re very excited about our line-up,” says Randy Kohan, a member of the Nordlys film selection committee. “The nine films we have chosen – drama, documentary and comedy, from a variety of cultures and landscapes – present unique perspectives with freshness, colour and thoughtfulness. We believe they contain the same elements that continue to draw people back to the festival year after year.”
Of course, the films are only one part of the festival: music continues to play an integral role. Between films, guests will be able to sip their favourite beverage while listening to a line-up of local musicians. The major music concert on Saturday evening promises to be a memorable event.
The future looks bright. “We want our audience to feel at home and look forward to seeing lots of new faces in the crowd this year,” says Hans Olson. “We feel the Nordlys Film and Arts Festival is a perfect match for us,” adds Huisman, “and we hope to maintain this artistic friendship into 2012 and beyond.”
There is certainly friendship at work. Looking back at the festival’s history, there may even be something more at play.
Mardell and Verlyn Olson, who hosted the festival for ten years in the warmth of their basement and the cold of their garage, are thrilled. “We honestly can’t think of a more desirable venue anywhere,” says Mardell.
Now the couple look forward to sitting in The Bailey’s front row balcony when the festivities begin. It was to this same place that they came on their first date, thirty nine years ago, to watch a movie.
Nordlys. Something special is happening here, and you are invited. A three-day pass will cost you $50; a day pass $20 and a single screening $10.
Visit www.nordlysfestival.com for details or emailwith any questions.