The third annual Pickering International Film Festival runs this weekend at Cloud Nine, 368 Bayly Street West in Ajax, and includes a documentary that focuses on recent political controversy and social tensions in Pickering.
Festival schedule and venue
The two-day event takes place on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 at Cloud Nine. Organisers have programmed a mix of documentaries and short films; among them is a documentary titled Hooves Up with a touch of Glitter, which has already received recognition at other festivals.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Festival | Pickering International Film Festival (3rd year) |
| Venue | Cloud Nine, 368 Bayly Street West, Ajax |
| Dates | Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26 |
Documentary spotlights local turmoil
Hooves Up with a touch of Glitter follows two performers — a character billed as Glitter the Unicorn activist and a drag artist named Yvonna Vote — as they navigate rising tensions in the community. The film’s promotional material frames the story as a shift from joyful public life to a community affected by extremist politics and misinformation.
“What begins as a bright, storybook world with unicorns and community parades gradually shifts as extremist politics, misinformation, and an elected city councillor cast a shadow over Pickering.”
The trailer includes footage or references to Pickering City Councillor Lisa Robinson, who has faced multiple integrity commissioner reports and had portions of her pay suspended in the past. The Pickering city council recently acted on a law firm’s recommendation to restrict Robinson’s in-person participation at meetings, requiring her to attend virtually for the remainder of the term.
Awards and local interest
The documentary recently won a festival prize, taking Best Future Documentary at the Niagara International Film Festival, according to festival information. Local viewers may find particular interest in the film because it engages with events and personalities from Pickering politics rather than generic national themes.
- Festival runs July 25–26 at Cloud Nine, Ajax.
- Featured documentary examines political tensions and public debate involving Pickering.
- Documentary is an award-winner at the Niagara International Film Festival.
Pickering residents planning to attend should check the festival’s schedule and ticketing information for session times and availability. The festival’s programming places local stories alongside broader documentary work, drawing attention to municipal governance and how community life is portrayed on screen.
