Cinéfest Sudbury has announced a sneak peek into this year’s film programming at the Sept. 13-21 festival.
The early announcements include:
Gala Film Presentations
Eleanor the Great [Scarlett Johansson, USA, 2025]
After a devastating loss, witty and proudly troublesome 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own. Eleanor the Great is actress Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut and stars June Squibb (Nebraska) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave). Sponsored by Laking Toyota.
The Choral [Nicholas Hytner, UK/USA, 2025]
A choral society’s male members enlist in World War I, leaving the demanding Dr. Guthrie to recruit teenagers. Together, they experience the joy of singing while the young boys grapple with their impending conscription into the army. The Choral stars Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) and Simon Russel Beale (The Death of Stalin). Sponsored by Cineplex.
Amour apocalypse (Peak Everything) [Anne Émond, Canada, 2025]
A kennel owner, grappling with climate anxiety, falls in love with a customer service rep over the phone. Amid a natural disaster, he embarks on an adventurous, bilingual romantic journey to find her. Amour Apocalypse (Peak Everything) was shot in Sudbury and stars Patrick Hivon (Babysitter) and Piper Perabo (Coyote Ugly).
Special Presentations
Blue Moon [Richard Linklater, USA/Ireland, 2025]
Tells the story of Lorenz Hart's struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of "Oklahoma!" Blue Moon stars Ethan Hawke (Before Sunrise) and Margaret Qualley (The Substance).
A Breed Apart [Adam Belanger & David Lafontaine, Canada, 2024]
An English cattle breeder and his 9-year-old son struggle to connect while settling in 1850s Canada. A Breed Apart was shot in North Bay and stars Joshua Close (Killers of the Flower Moon) and Isaac Highams (Blitz).
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You [Mary Bronstein, USA, 2025]
With her life literally crashing down around her, Linda attempts to navigate her child's mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You stars Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids) and Conan O’Brien (Now You See Me).
Kiss of the Spider Woman [Bill Condon, USA/Mexico, 2025]
Valentín, a political prisoner, shares a cell with Molina, convicted for public indecency. An unlikely bond forms as Molina recounts a Hollywood musical plot starring Ingrid Luna. Kiss of the Spider Woman stars Jennifer Lopez (Hustlers) and Diego Luna (Y tu mamá también).
Vie privée (A Private Life) [Rebecca Zlotowski, France, 2025]
The renowned psychiatrist Lilian Steiner mounts a private investigation into the death of one of her patients, whom she is convinced has been murdered. Vie privée (A Private Life) stars Jodie Foster (The Silence of the Lambs) and Daniel Auteuil (Caché).
Features Canada
Violence [Connor Marsden, Canada, 2025]
Henry Violence, an anti-hero in an alternate 1980s world, becomes entangled in a brutal drug war as rival cartels battle for supremacy, forcing him to make difficult choices to navigate the treacherous landscape. Violence was shot in Sudbury, ON and stars Maddie Hasson (Malignant) and Rohan Campbell (The Monkey).
Cinema Indigenized / Nishnaabek Dbaajmawaat
Nika & Madison [Eva Thomas, Canada, 2025]
The story follows two Indigenous women, Nika and Madison, who flee their reservation after a violent encounter with a predatory policeman, embarking on a powerful journey of self-discovery, friendship, and redemption. Nika & Madison stars Ellyn Jade (Little Bird) and Star Slade (Dream Scenario).
World Cinema
Dans la peau de Cyrano (Speak Out) [Jennifer Devoldère, France, 2024]
A dramatic comedy adapted from the play Being Cyrano that tells the story of a boy who takes refuge in an imaginary world to escape the violence of his father. Dans la peau de Cyrano (Speak Out) stars José Garcia (Now You See Me) and newcomer Joachim Arseguel.
L’inconnu de la Grande Arche (The Great Arch) [Stéphane Demoustier, France/Denmark, 2025]
The story of Otto von Spreckelsen, a real-life architecture teacher from Copenhagen who surprised the world when he won an open- call competition launched by French president François Mitterrand. L’inconnu de la Grande Arche (The Great Arch) stars Claes Bang (Bonjour Tristesse) and Xavier Dolan (Matthias & Maxime).
A Poet [Simón Mesa Soto, Colombia/Germany/Sweden, 2025]
An aging poet finds purpose mentoring Yurlady, a talented teen, though exposing her to the poetry scene might be unwise. His own poetic pursuits led nowhere, leaving him a stereotypical obscure writer.
Visit www.cinefest.com for further details, including ticket information and more! Passports are on sale now, with the full 2025 film lineup set to be revealed late August.
Anyone interested in volunteering this year is encouraged to fill out an application form at www.cinefest.com/get-involved today.
The 37th edition of Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival will run September 13-21, 2025, at SilverCity Sudbury.