2019 Festival
The 2019 Yorkton Film Festival will run from Thursday May 23th, 2019 to Sunday May 26th, 2019 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
Registration
Our registration rate of $200 per day. Student registration is $50, but does not include tickets to either Lobsterfest or the Awards Gala (gala tickets can be purchased separately. Lobsterfest is now sold out). All registered delegates have access to all our festival panels and lunch . Entry into screenings is free of charge.
Event Highlights
Opening Night Screening
Painted Hand Casino, Parkland Room
Thursday, May 23
Doors: 6:30PM Show Starts: 7:00PM
Fifty years after trailblazers like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jackie Wilson defined music as we know it today, three world-class tribute artists carry on their legacy – but what happens when borrowed fame begins to lose its charm? Can they ever find stardom on their own terms?
Almost Almost Famous takes us on a musical ride and follows the stories of Texas rockabilly musician Lance Lipinsky as Jerry Lee Lewis, Las Vegas-based R & B singer Bobby Brooks as Jackie Wilson and the “Elvis from Orlando”, Ted Torres on their “Class of ’59” cross country road tour.
From the beer joints of Texas to the Karaoke bars of Honolulu, the film explores how three incredibly talented singers wound up paying the bills as tribute artists. Ted would be happy to play the young Elvis forever but he’s getting older. Lance dreams that his own band, The Lovers, will make it big one day. And Bobby Brooks finds his aspirations turned on their head with a startling revelation.
Who will break out and who will be forced to settle for less? Their intrepid road manager, Marty Kramer, has his work cut out for him as he struggles to keep their feet on the ground, the music centre stage, and the crowds clamouring for more.
Also Featuring
The YFF will also be premiering Midnight Shine’s third music video, Leather Skin
Inspired long ago by Coldplay’s captivating beach video for Yellow… Midnight Shine frontman Adrian Sutherland dreamed of one day shooting his own music video on the remote beaches near his home. And on one rainy October afternoon, that’s exactly what he did…
“I often think about going to my favourite place,” Adrian sings in Leather Skin, peering into the camera as he strolls the stunning shoreline. With footage from the Twin Islands interspersed with shots captured on the dusty streets of Attawapiskat, the video shows both sides of Sutherland’s life – the pursuit of music juxtaposed with his simple life out on the land. His favourite place.
Most serendipitous of all was some unexpected weather that ended up tying it all together in an unbelievable way… resulting in what just might be the ‘coolest’ rock music video ever shot… 😉
Leather Skin was shot on the coast of the James Bay in remote Northern Ontario – a gorgeous place unseen by most Canadians. To reach the isolated beach requires traveling 90 minutes north of Attawapiskat, by boat, to a set of small islands. With the resulting video shot in Ontario and Nunavut, a crew from Ontario, Manitoba and BC, and the video debut in Saskatchewan… Leather Skin makes for a lovely little piece of ‘Canadiana cinema’ ready to be shared with the rest of the world.

Friday, May 24 - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Presented by the Yorkton Tribal Council
Come join us for a celebration of Indigenous Art! Through partnership with the Yorkton Tribal Council, we are proud to host a half-day gala event featuring local, handcrafted art and performances. Artwork produced through this event will be available for purchase by the public, with all proceeds from the artwork sold going directly to the artist.


Friday, May 24 - 6:00PM
Shuttles start leaving the Gallagher Centre at 5:30PM
A festival favourite, offers an east coast lobster dinner with a side order of skeet shooting. Enjoy fine dining in a relaxed and unique atmosphere that promises to be an unforgettable experience.
A single ticket is included with each non-student registration. Extra tickets are available to purchase from the festival office and the Yorkton Lion’s Club. Steak and vegetarian tickets are also available.


Saturday, May 25
Cocktails – 5:45PM – 6:15PM; Supper – 6:30PM; Awards 8:00PM
Join us for a gourmet dinner and our annual award show as we celebrate the winners of this year’s Golden Sheaf Awards competition.
A single ticket is included in all non-student registrations. Extra tickets are available online and from the festival office.


Friday, May 24 - Sunday, May 26
See some of the best short film this country has to offer. See selected films from this year’s Golden Sheaf Awards competition. See films from all our categories; including, animation, comedy, documentary, drama, experimental, and student productions.
All screenings are free of charge and open to the public.
Our schedule will be announced closer to the festival.


Friday, May 24 - Saturday, May 25
Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Sunday: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Miss a screening? Looking for something that isn’t on the programmed schedule? Our mini-cinema has all of the festival entries from this year available to view on demand. Admission is free and open to the public.


Friday, May 24 - Saturday, May 25
Friday: 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Come and experience in person several amazing virtual reality projects from Twisted Pair Productions, Concordia University, and the National Film Board. Appointment bookings available at the registration desk.