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The best in international and Canadian stories.

Chin Up, Elbows Up, Rise Up – Stories of Overcoming Adversity at the Haliburton International Film Festival (HIFF)

We will be showing seven films, opening the festival with Guillermo del Toro’s  Frankenstein at the iconic Highlands Cinema in Kinmount! We are excited about a local connection to this film that we’ll be announcing closer to show time. All other films on Saturday and Sunday will be shown at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion, four movies on Saturday and two on Sunday.

Here is the line up:

Friday, November 7 at the Highlands Cinema in Kinmount

2:00pm and 7:00pm Frankenstein  (149’), Mexico/USA, drama/fantasy/horror/Sci Fi with special guests

Saturday, November 8 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion

10:00am Little Lorraine (115’), Canada, crime/drama

1:00 pm Once Upon My Mother  (102’), drama, France/Canada, subtitles

3:30 DJ Ahmet (97’), North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Serbia/Croatia, comedy/drama, subtitles

7:30pm Youngblood (105’), Canada, drama/romance/sport with special guests

Sunday, November 9 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion

10:00 There’s Still Tomorrow (118’),  Italy, drama/history/comedy, subtitles

1:00 Köln 75 (116’), Germany/Poland/Belgium, biography/drama/music, subtitles

Frankenstein  (149’), Mexico/USA, drama/fantasy/horror/Sci Fi

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation. This multi-layered story has a Haliburton connection and will be screened at the Highlands Cinema in Kinmount! We are looking forward to welcoming special guests at this film.

Little Lorraine

After a mine disaster leads to the mine’s permanent closure, in Little Lorraine, a small North Atlantic seaside town with a population of 60, many families find themselves without any income. The movie Little Lorraine is based on true events and is a cautionary Canadian story showing what can happen when faced with few choices.

Once Upon My Mother  (102’), drama, France/Canada, subtitles

When her baby is born with a clubfoot in 1963, Esther promises her son that, not only will he be able to walk, he will have a wonderful life. The story of a mother’s unwavering love and devotion for her child as she overcomes physical challenges and social barriers. Her powerful promise drives their remarkable journey through life’s ups and downs.

DJ Ahmet (97’), North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Serbia/Croatia, comedy/drama, subtitles

Ahmet, 15-year old boy from a remote Yuruk village in northern Macedonia and his mute brother find solace in music while navigating grief over their mother and a controlling father.  Music helps him navigate parental expectations, societal conservatism, and forbidden love for a promised girl. This film was an audience favourite at the Cinefest film festival in Sudbury.

Youngblood (105’), Canada, drama/romance/sport

Follows Dean Youngblood, a hockey prodigy who joins the Hamilton Bulldogs and has to deal with toxic behavior during his journey to the National Hockey League draft. This intelligent and thoughtful take on masculinity and race is a remake with a different approach from the 1986 film of the same name. Dedicated to original director, Charles Officer. High drama, intense, character focused, not just about hockey but about choices, relationships, power dynamics, systemic issues, and character growth. We hope to have special guests available for a Q and A after this film!

There’s Still Tomorrow (118’),  Italy, drama/history, subtitles

In this moving drama set in postwar Rome, a working-class woman dreams of a better future for herself and her daughter while facing abuse at the hands of her domineering husband. When a mysterious letter arrives, she discovers the courage to change the circumstances of her life. An Italian box office phenomenon and winner of six Italian Academy Awards.

Köln 75 (116’), Germany/Poland/Belgium, biography/drama/music, subtitles

Köln 75 follows 18 year old Vera Brandes as she defies her conservative parents to organize a Keith Jarrett concert in Cologne in 1975.  Despite near failures, the impromptu performance became the iconic album The Köln Concert, which went on to become the bestselling solo jazz album – and the bestselling solo piano album of all time.

Weekend VIP passes are $65.00 ($60.00 for season’s pass holders) and are available at https://www.thoseothermovies.com/ or cash at the door.

Tickets for individual films are $10.00 at the door. Single tickets for Frankenstein will be sold in advance – available through committee members, or on-line from our website.

For more information, contact:

thoseothermovieshaliburton@gmail.com

The best in international and Canadian stories.

Chin Up, Elbows Up, Rise Up – Stories of Overcoming Adversity at the Haliburton International Film Festival (HIFF)

We will be showing seven films, opening the festival with Guillermo del Toro’s  Frankenstein at the iconic Highlands Cinema in Kinmount! We are excited about a local connection to this film that we’ll be announcing closer to show time. All other films on Saturday and Sunday will be shown at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion, four movies on Saturday and two on Sunday.

Here is the line up:

Friday, November 7 at the Highlands Cinema in Kinmount

2:00pm and 7:00pm Frankenstein  (149’), Mexico/USA, drama/fantasy/horror/Sci Fi with special guests

Saturday, November 8 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion

10:00am Little Lorraine (115’), Canada, crime/drama

1:00 pm Once Upon My Mother  (102’), drama, France/Canada, subtitles

3:30 DJ Ahmet (97’), North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Serbia/Croatia, comedy/drama, subtitles

7:30pm Youngblood (105’), Canada, drama/romance/sport with special guests

Sunday, November 9 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion

10:00 There’s Still Tomorrow (118’),  Italy, drama/history/comedy, subtitles

1:00 Köln 75 (116’), Germany/Poland/Belgium, biography/drama/music, subtitles

Frankenstein  (149’), Mexico/USA, drama/fantasy/horror/Sci Fi

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation. This multi-layered story has a Haliburton connection and will be screened at the Highlands Cinema in Kinmount! We are looking forward to welcoming special guests at this film.

Little Lorraine

After a mine disaster leads to the mine’s permanent closure, in Little Lorraine, a small North Atlantic seaside town with a population of 60, many families find themselves without any income. The movie Little Lorraine is based on true events and is a cautionary Canadian story showing what can happen when faced with few choices.

Once Upon My Mother  (102’), drama, France/Canada, subtitles

When her baby is born with a clubfoot in 1963, Esther promises her son that, not only will he be able to walk, he will have a wonderful life. The story of a mother’s unwavering love and devotion for her child as she overcomes physical challenges and social barriers. Her powerful promise drives their remarkable journey through life’s ups and downs.

DJ Ahmet (97’), North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Serbia/Croatia, comedy/drama, subtitles

Ahmet, 15-year old boy from a remote Yuruk village in northern Macedonia and his mute brother find solace in music while navigating grief over their mother and a controlling father.  Music helps him navigate parental expectations, societal conservatism, and forbidden love for a promised girl. This film was an audience favourite at the Cinefest film festival in Sudbury.

Youngblood (105’), Canada, drama/romance/sport

Follows Dean Youngblood, a hockey prodigy who joins the Hamilton Bulldogs and has to deal with toxic behavior during his journey to the National Hockey League draft. This intelligent and thoughtful take on masculinity and race is a remake with a different approach from the 1986 film of the same name. Dedicated to original director, Charles Officer. High drama, intense, character focused, not just about hockey but about choices, relationships, power dynamics, systemic issues, and character growth. We hope to have special guests available for a Q and A after this film!

There’s Still Tomorrow (118’),  Italy, drama/history, subtitles

In this moving drama set in postwar Rome, a working-class woman dreams of a better future for herself and her daughter while facing abuse at the hands of her domineering husband. When a mysterious letter arrives, she discovers the courage to change the circumstances of her life. An Italian box office phenomenon and winner of six Italian Academy Awards.

Köln 75 (116’), Germany/Poland/Belgium, biography/drama/music, subtitles

Köln 75 follows 18 year old Vera Brandes as she defies her conservative parents to organize a Keith Jarrett concert in Cologne in 1975.  Despite near failures, the impromptu performance became the iconic album The Köln Concert, which went on to become the bestselling solo jazz album – and the bestselling solo piano album of all time.

Weekend VIP passes are $65.00 ($60.00 for season’s pass holders) and are available at https://www.thoseothermovies.com/ or cash at the door.

Tickets for individual films are $10.00 at the door. Single tickets for Frankenstein will be sold in advance – available through committee members, or on-line from our website.

For more information, contact:

thoseothermovieshaliburton@gmail.com

The best in international and Canadian stories.

Chin Up, Elbows Up, Rise Up – Stories of Overcoming Adversity at the Haliburton International Film Festival (HIFF)

We will be showing seven films, opening the festival with Guillermo del Toro’s  Frankenstein at the iconic Highlands Cinema in Kinmount! We are excited about a local connection to this film that we’ll be announcing closer to show time. All other films on Saturday and Sunday will be shown at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion, four movies on Saturday and two on Sunday.

Here is the line up:

Friday, November 7 at the Highlands Cinema in Kinmount

2:00pm and 7:00pm Frankenstein  (149’), Mexico/USA, drama/fantasy/horror/Sci Fi with special guests

Saturday, November 8 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion

10:00am Little Lorraine (115’), Canada, crime/drama

1:00 pm Once Upon My Mother  (102’), drama, France/Canada, subtitles

3:30 DJ Ahmet (97’), North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Serbia/Croatia, comedy/drama, subtitles

7:30pm Youngblood (105’), Canada, drama/romance/sport with special guests

Sunday, November 9 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion

10:00 There’s Still Tomorrow (118’),  Italy, drama/history/comedy, subtitles

1:00 Köln 75 (116’), Germany/Poland/Belgium, biography/drama/music, subtitles

Frankenstein  (149’), Mexico/USA, drama/fantasy/horror/Sci Fi

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation. This multi-layered story has a Haliburton connection and will be screened at the Highlands Cinema in Kinmount! We are looking forward to welcoming special guests at this film.

Little Lorraine

After a mine disaster leads to the mine’s permanent closure, in Little Lorraine, a small North Atlantic seaside town with a population of 60, many families find themselves without any income. The movie Little Lorraine is based on true events and is a cautionary Canadian story showing what can happen when faced with few choices.

Once Upon My Mother  (102’), drama, France/Canada, subtitles

When her baby is born with a clubfoot in 1963, Esther promises her son that, not only will he be able to walk, he will have a wonderful life. The story of a mother’s unwavering love and devotion for her child as she overcomes physical challenges and social barriers. Her powerful promise drives their remarkable journey through life’s ups and downs.

DJ Ahmet (97’), North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Serbia/Croatia, comedy/drama, subtitles

Ahmet, 15-year old boy from a remote Yuruk village in northern Macedonia and his mute brother find solace in music while navigating grief over their mother and a controlling father.  Music helps him navigate parental expectations, societal conservatism, and forbidden love for a promised girl. This film was an audience favourite at the Cinefest film festival in Sudbury.

Youngblood (105’), Canada, drama/romance/sport

Follows Dean Youngblood, a hockey prodigy who joins the Hamilton Bulldogs and has to deal with toxic behavior during his journey to the National Hockey League draft. This intelligent and thoughtful take on masculinity and race is a remake with a different approach from the 1986 film of the same name. Dedicated to original director, Charles Officer. High drama, intense, character focused, not just about hockey but about choices, relationships, power dynamics, systemic issues, and character growth. We hope to have special guests available for a Q and A after this film!

There’s Still Tomorrow (118’),  Italy, drama/history, subtitles

In this moving drama set in postwar Rome, a working-class woman dreams of a better future for herself and her daughter while facing abuse at the hands of her domineering husband. When a mysterious letter arrives, she discovers the courage to change the circumstances of her life. An Italian box office phenomenon and winner of six Italian Academy Awards.

Köln 75 (116’), Germany/Poland/Belgium, biography/drama/music, subtitles

Köln 75 follows 18 year old Vera Brandes as she defies her conservative parents to organize a Keith Jarrett concert in Cologne in 1975.  Despite near failures, the impromptu performance became the iconic album The Köln Concert, which went on to become the bestselling solo jazz album – and the bestselling solo piano album of all time.

Weekend VIP passes are $65.00 ($60.00 for season’s pass holders) and are available at https://www.thoseothermovies.com/ or cash at the door.

Tickets for individual films are $10.00 at the door. Single tickets for Frankenstein will be sold in advance – available through committee members, or on-line from our website.

For more information, contact:

thoseothermovieshaliburton@gmail.com

The New World of AI: How to Know What is Really Real

Who: Dr. Nell Thomas

Tickets: $15/person

Thousands of messages are sent to Canadian municipal politicians from constituents telling them to abandon environmental protection legislation. They are bots, not real voters, but they are convincing… and effective.

Canada’s chief public health officer appears in a video (and website) telling people vaccinated against COVID they are at risk of death from blood clots. The video is AI-generated and the website is fake. But people are scammed and buy the clot busting products being peddled.

Hundreds of millions of AI-generated chatbots are used daily by political influencers to interfere in elections. And they are working.

Images of Taylor Swift endorsing Donald Trump. Kamala Harris speaking to a Soviet-style rally. Mark Carney meeting with Chinese businessmen or selling get-rich quick crypto schemes. Fake robocalls impersonating President Biden telling Democrats not to vote in the New Hampshire primary.

Canadians reported over $58 million in romance scam losses to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre in 2024 (only 10% are actually reported), with AI making impersonation of fake lovers easier than ever. It takes minutes and pennies to create deepfakes of yourself or anyone, using only a photo and readily available AI tools.

In this presentation, we will experience AI wizardry, contemplate its radical influence, and discuss the following questions:

• What guardrails should exist for AI?
• How can social media be held accountable?
• How can we protect ourselves?
• What do we need to know, and do, if we suspect fraud?

BIO

Born in 1966, Nell grew up on forty acres half an hour north of Huntsville in a log home built from a dismantled barn. Her father was an environmentalist/politician/farmer/writer/broadcaster and her mother a teacher/gardener/fearless activist who raised their children genuinely “off the land.” In the 1970s her father built a still and made fuel alcohol from artichokes to run his Volvo.

In Ottawa at age 18, Nell was a member of Friends of the Earth. “I have never not known the truth. That greenhouse gases sent by us into the atmosphere would eclipse our world, luxuries taken by my generation would erase future generations.”

A linguistics degree led to a Master of Clinical Science in communication disorders and a 15-year career as a speech-language pathologist in Muskoka. When the government outsourced homecare services, Nell created a locally therapist-led rehab company.

Medical school at age 39 took her to Sudbury for four years, then to McMaster for a rural Family Medicine residency in Mount Forest. Nell has been part of the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team since 2013.

She is a faculty member at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and a member of NOSM’s Action Committee on Climate Change. She participates in the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education in healthcare curriculum.

“Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a health crisis. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink—it’s all connected.”

As an advocate for climate and public health, Thomas launched the Heathealth.ca project in 2024—a website and billboard campaign educating Canadians about the health risks of rising temperatures. She conceptualized the FOOD ALLIANCE to support local food systems, built a year round growing dome, is working on sustainable food policy and green waste management with Trent University, and created ROADMAP, a climate fiction series that guides humans to live in balance with the land.

Nell has authored two local newspaper series, “COVID Corner” and “Climate Corner.” She is an invited speaker at events (e.g. 350 Canada, SCAN, Probus, environmental groups).

Bring your family and celebrate the festive season with us in a cozy, twinkle-lit winter setting. Stroll through the gardens along our beautifully lit path, then head into the event tent where local artisan vendors will be offering handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and holiday treasures, perfect for your gift list or a little self-indulgence.

Warm up with festive drinks from the Hub, including hot chocolate, cider, and other seasonal sips. The event tent also features our holiday snack bar, serving up delicious bites to keep you fueled while you shop and explore. Whether you’re browsing for unique gifts, enjoying the glow of the gardens, or simply soaking up the holiday cheer, the Holiday Night Market is the perfect way to kick off the season with friends and family.

Admission is by donation, and we encourage you to reserve your tickets online in advance to skip the line should it get too crowded. Priority entry will be given to ticket holders, but will be available at the door as well.

Grab your tickets at abbeygardens.ca under the events tab.