Fargo Film Festival 2023 - A Filmmaker's Journey, er, Journal

Mawwige is whut bwings us togevveh, except in this case, the Fargo Film Festival in Fargo, North Dakota, established in 2001, brings filmmakers, residents, and guests from around the world together for the love of films. The festival invited lii Bufloo aen loo kishkishiw (2022) to screen in March 2023.

Brian Stockton — who screened his feature film, The Sabbatical (2015) and attended the festival in 2016 — had mentioned the festival is fantastic, and that I should go! So, next thing you know, we're heading to Fargo with Tobi Lampard in tow (not really towing her, that would be cruel)!

Brian Stockton, James Whittingham, and Tobi Lampard, Fargo 2016

Tuesday March 21, 2023

The road to Fargo is not lonely when you have friends and thankfully, there were no rodents of unusual size along the way. I did, however, lose Brian at a truck stop for a brief minute, only to figure out he'd been in the backseat the whole time. That guy is stealthy, and I may have been a little tired, being up since 5:00 AM and all.

“Do I look tired?” Dianne Ouellette and Brian Stockton in the vehicle on their way to Fargo, North Dakota.

The southeast roads from Regina to Fargo are flat, and with the way the road curves, it's only two turns and about 75% divided highway, with speeds of up to 75 mph (take the #2 to Grand Forks, then south on the 29). It took us 10 hours to drive there as we raced to beat a blizzard! My body could feel the snow coming, but the skies betrayed that feeling, as the clouds were sparse. When we pulled into the hotel in Fargo, we all breathed a sigh of relief and wondered if the weather prediction was a lie! As we settled into our rooms, the skies darkened, and the first flakes began to fall. Tobi told me that she had a nap, and when she awoke, she thought Brian had closed all the curtains, only to discover that the thick wet snow was coming down in blankets. The blizzard was here, and so were we! We ventured out into the blowing snow as we walked to the Fargo Theatre down the street. A beacon of light in the distance led the way: it was the Fargo Theatre sign.

Tobi and Brian trying to stay dry and warm under the Fargo Theatre sign.

Opening night began with pipe organ music resonating through the theatre as the player and organ rose from below to center stage, belting out familiar tunes that echoed through the room's pipes. I soon learned that the organist always played a selection of songs before each screening. What a treat!

The documentary screening was a multiple award-winning film, JessZilla (2023). A brilliant undertaking that takes us on the journey of Jesselyn, starting from age 11, as she strives to make the 2024 US Olympic boxing team. The film deeply moved me as I was hooked by the story of the determination of this young girl with a big dream. We clapped and cheered as the documentary ended and the lights came up. The filmmakers, director Emily Sheshin and producer Ben Kainz, were in attendance. It was great to hear about behind-the-scenes and their journey to complete their project.

Soon we were back outside in the dark, with the blowing snow and a beacon of light from the Fargo Theatre illuminating the path back to the hotel (exaggerating a wee bit).

Wednesday March 22, 2023

We awoke to snow piled high with residents digging their way out. Here I thought Regina had a lot of snow! In Fargo, the city not only plows the streets but also removes the piles of snow the plows make. Think about this concept, City of Regina!

My screening took place the second day in the afternoon, and as the pipe organ resonated throughout the theatre, everyone settled in their seats. The community support was astounding, as many people from Fargo and the surrounding area were in attendance. I was honoured to screen my film and seeing it on the big screen in such a beautiful venue was great.

Fargo Film Festival volunteer Craig Roath and director Dianne Ouellette.
Photo courtesy of Brian Stockton.

There were so many films to see at the festival, and I couldn't view them all, but the ones I saw were unique and had distinct views from around the world. There were luncheon panel discussions about heists, cons, and murders in media and writing for the screen. There was a filmmaker's dinner and social gatherings, where they fed us repeatedly. Hospitality and generosity were abundant. The festival was everything you can imagine and more!

Writer's panel featuring: Sean Volk, Geoffrey Prather, Christopher Rucinski, Mike Flanagan, and Kate Siegel.

Thursday March 23, 2023

One documentary that stands out is Iron Opera (2021), directed by Mike Scholtz and Marius Anderson. Opera is alive in the middle of northern Minnesota! The documentary feature screened with Scholtz and performer Steve Solkela — a participant in the film — in attendance. The story follows a group of diverse people who come together from the area and worldwide to create an opera for small community venues across the Iron Range, in Northern Minnesota, during the annual summer Northern Lights Music Festival. As an extra bonus, Solkela performed live for us with his opera singing and accordion in hand.

Friday March 24, 2023

Late afternoon, there was a SWAT team, including a police dog, across the street from my hotel. All was resolved in a short time and nobody was hurt. Reminded me of the time in the 90s, when I walked into the middle of a SWAT situation in Regina, while on my way to a film set - another story for another time!

For The Princess Bride (1987) lovers out there, Cary Elwes made an appearance on the Friday evening of the festival. We are fans and were sad when we heard the event was sold out. It was inconceivable! The festival organizers went out of their way to ensure we got tickets for this event, and as you wish, came through! Let me explain, the theatre was packed and many in attendance dressed up as characters from the movie; Elwes had the audience in tears from laughter. The community involvement was astounding, and true love shone through!

Saturday March 25, 2023

The closing night was an on-stage conversation with horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan and writer/actor Kate Siegel (the Queen of Horror). I must admit, I had to look them up. Some horror genres scare the crap out of me; hence I have not seen even one of the shows either has been involved in. I'm working myself up to watching at least one now! After all, I did have a lovely conversation with Siegel about foster puppies and their new giant puppy at the guest filmmaker's dinner! So, sharing true love for dogs is definitely a way into my heart.

Back: Dianne Ouellette
Front, L-R: Brian Stockton, Tobi Lampard, and Margie Bailly, a retired executive director at Fargo Theatre Management Corporation.

Final Thoughts

The festival was incredible! We were treated very well by the Fargo Film Festival, including executive director Emily Beck, long-time volunteers, organizers, and many locals. I'd highly recommend attending in 2024. The Fargo Film Festival reminds me of the Yorkton International Film and Video Festival, with its small-town feel and hospitality. Now, if Yorkton brought in a pipe organ and had more screenings at the Tower Theatre, there would be some competition!

My advice for all movie lovers is to go to the festivals within your reach or beyond, watch some independent films, each popcorn, and meet the locals. I'll be skeet shooting with other filmmakers in Yorkton this upcoming weekend. The Regina International Film Festival, the Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards, and the Saskatchewan International Film Festival (opening screenings in Humboldt) are coming soon! I'll see you there!