Advance tickets open as fall program unveiled
The Nanaimo International Film Screen Society has opened early-bird sales for its fall lineup, unveiling eight titles scheduled from September through December and offering incentives to buy before month’s end. The society says the limited-time pricing runs until the end of July, covering five evening features and three matinee selections.
In announcing the season, society president Glen Grunau said the curatorial approach aims to reflect the range of tastes in the local audience, from lighter fare to works that take on current affairs. The fall list includes recent festival and international releases, along with a documentary selected to refocus attention on the war in Ukraine and the role of misinformation in conflict.
What’s playing from September to December
- Thelma (2024)
- Eleanor the Great (2025)
- It Was Just An Accident (2025)
- Koln 75 (2025)
- The Mother and the Bear (2024)
- Mr. Nobody Against Putin (2025) — matinee
- Peak Everything (2025) — matinee
- The Choral (2025) — matinee
Grunau said the programming is built to meet different expectations in the community, noting that some audience members look for humour while others gravitate to challenging themes. He emphasized the importance of works that unpack how information is shaped and used during conflict.
“There are some people who prefer a lighter film with some humour, there are those that appreciate the hard-hitting films that feature current world events.”
One of the matinee entries, Mr. Nobody Against Putin (2025), was chosen, he said, because it has not screened in Nanaimo and to address what he described as waning public focus on the war in Ukraine. The film follows a Russian schoolteacher who documents his school’s shift into a recruitment site during the conflict. It was directed by David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin.
“We would like to remind people that this is still an ongoing war, that is now longer in duration than the First World War, and also, in an era of significant misinformation, not only across the ocean but also in our own continent, we think it’s important for people to see how misinformation can contribute and support unjust warfare.”
Early-bird prices and perks
The society is offering discounted admissions during the early window, with a single ticket at $11.50 and the season pass at $95. Buyers who purchase before the end of July are also entered into draws and receive a voucher incentive.
| Offer | Details |
|---|---|
| Single ticket (early-bird) | $11.50 |
| Season pass (early-bird) | $95 |
| Incentives | One entry to win a free season ticket; one entry for a $100 Black Rabbit Restaurant gift certificate; one free film voucher |
| Sale window | Through the end of July |
Why it matters for Nanaimo audiences
The fall season underscores a commitment to a diverse program for local moviegoers, with titles spanning different genres and themes. The matinee strand adds daytime options, while the early-bird pricing and incentives are designed to lower the cost of attendance and encourage advance planning. For residents keen on independent and international cinema, the mix of lighter narratives and films tackling global issues offers a broader range of choices this autumn.
With a lineup that includes works from 2024 and 2025 and a documentary directly addressing the information environment around the Ukraine war, the society is betting that a varied program can sustain audience interest through the final months of the year. Those intending to attend multiple screenings may find the $95 pass the most economical route, while single-ticket buyers can take advantage of the $11.50 rate until the end-of-July deadline.
