Eye2Eye Film Festival 2024 - Secrets in Film

Message from Ross Pigeau, FAN Chair

Welcome to Eye2Eye 2024, our fourth annual international film festival in beautiful Victoria Hall, Cobourg, Ontario!

Eye2Eye is FAN’s major event for promoting community, tolerance and understanding through the art of film. The festival this year is our most ambitious yet with three full days of programming, industry insiders and young filmmakers. Prepare to be entertained and enlightened through film, a transformative medium that has dazzled audiences for over a hundred and thirty years. This weekend’s movies are immersive and fun, but they are also vehicles for seeing our world in new ways, with fresh eyes. Ad you sit in the dark and suspend your disbelief, enjoy the opportunity to question assumptions and challenge beliefs. We want you to have an illuminating festival experience.

FAN is honoured to work with amazing, passionate people lead by an amazing, passionate pair: Sarah Cleveland, our returning Festival Director, and Lesley Myers, our new Festival Co-Director. It is their vision, skill and creativity that is on display this weekend. Thank you also to our sponsors and donors - your generosity is key to our success. Finally, a massive shout-out to you our patrons. In the end, we do this for you!

Message from Sarah Cleveland, Festival Co-Director

Welcome to the fourth annual Eye2Eye International Film Festival!

It is such a joy to share this weekend of films, speakers, and community with you. Over the past four years, I’ve been honoured to witness this festival grow stronger thanks to our incredible supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and friends. Your generosity and dedication make all of this possible.

Special thanks to our board, FAN members, judges, mentors, and guests—your time, talent, and passion enrich every aspect of Eye2Eye. I also want to acknowledge my co-director, Lesley Myers, and FAN Chair Ross Pigeau, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in our success.

As you take in the films, talks, and exhibits, I hope you’ll also explore and celebrate our wonderful Northumberland community. Thank you for being here—we couldn’t do this without you!

Message from Lesley Myers, Festival Co-Director

Welcome to Secrets in Film! As I searched for a photo to include here, one image from Film Access Northumberland’s REEL Creatures event stood out—captured beautifully by photographer Sherwood McLernon. It perfectly captures my collaboration with Sarah this year: her as the warrior princess ready for battle, and me behind the scenes with a grin, grateful for the journey.

That spirit of partnership, along with the dedication of our incredible volunteers, sponsors, and community collaborators, has shaped this year’s festival. We’re thrilled to share a program filled with adventure, music, romance, comedy, and of course, plenty of secrets. Our Film Talks and Masterclasses bring even more inspiration, and we’re honoured to welcome the speakers and mentors who make them possible.

Above all, thank you to our volunteers, board members, and especially you, our patrons. Your passion and support are what make Eye2Eye special. Enjoy this year’s lineup, and immerse yourself in the stories that connect us all.