History of Film Access Northumberland

Our Story

Film Access Northumberland (FAN) began in the fall of 2020, when a group of passionate film enthusiasts — Chris Worsnop, Cathie Houston, Micol Marotti, and Ross Pigeau — came together with a shared vision to celebrate the power and art of film in Northumberland County. A series of meetings soon developed into a clear plan to create a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that would connect the community through cinema.

In those early months, the founding team worked with focus and enthusiasm to bring their shared vision to life. They chose the name Film Access Northumberland (FAN) to reflect their belief that film should be shared, celebrated, and accessible to everyone. After holding their first formal meeting, drafting bylaws, and applying for incorporation, their vision became official. On December 19, 2020, FAN was recognized as a registered corporation, marking the beginning of a new chapter for film culture in Northumberland.

FAN Year by Year

2021

  • The first Board of Directors meeting took place on January 22.

  • FAN conceived of Eye2Eye as its flagship film festival.

  • The organization designed the FAN and Eye2Eye logos.

  • FAN applied to the Canadian Revenue Agency for registered charity status and received approval in July.

  • The first Eye2Eye Film Festival took place outdoors in Victoria Park on August 31, directed by Micol Marotti.

  • The first Board Strategy Session was held in October, during which FAN developed its Mission and Vision statements.

2022

  • FAN recruited new volunteers and created an Ethical Code of Behaviour.

  • The organization formed partnerships with other arts organization such as the Art Gallery of Northumberland, Les Amis Concerts, and the Vintage Film Festival, among others.

  • The first indoor weekend Eye2Eye Film Festival was held at Victoria Concert Hall from June 3 to 5, with Mark Johnston serving as Festival Director.

2023

  • The second indoor weekend Eye2Eye Film Festival was presented at Victoria Concert Hall from June 2 to 3, with Sarah Cleveland as Festival Director.

  • FAN launched the first REEL Creatures event at COMICON 23 in the Cobourg Community Centre.

  • The organization entered a FAN float in the Cobourg Christmas Parade for the first time.

2024

  • FAN partnered with Rainbow Cinema in Cobourg to celebrate National Canadian Film Day in April.

  • The third indoor Eye2Eye Film Festival took place at Victoria Concert Hall from June 7 to 9, co-directed by Sarah Cleveland and Lesley Myers.

  • A Budget and Pitch Workshop was held in August at Venture 13 in Cobourg.

  • The second REEL Creatures event took place at the Claymore Pub in October.

  • FAN launched the High School Film Program under the direction of Richard Stoltenberg.

2025

  • FAN once again partnered with Rainbow Cinema and the Cobourg Library to celebrate National Canadian Film Day in April.

  • The third REEL Creatures event was held at the Warkworth Community Town Hall in May.

  • The fourth Eye2Eye Film Festival took place at Victoria Concert Hall from June 6 to 8, co-directed by Sarah Cleveland and Lesley Myers.

  • In September, FAN held its second Board Strategy Session to help shape the organization’s future direction.