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Victoria Film Fest returns to Sidney's Star Cinema after 5-year hiatus

Thirteen of the most popular festival movies will be screened from Feb. 7 - 13
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Victoria Film festival is returning to Star Cinema after five years.

Sidney's Star Cinema is ready to host the Victoria Film Festival again this February after a five-year hiatus.

Some of the most popular films from this year's festival will be shown at the theatre from Feb. 7-13.

"We're thrilled to be back in Sidney," said VFF director Kathy Kay. "We know not all of our film lovers live downtown, so we're pleased to be able to bring the festival to the Peninsula."

VFF screened some of its feature films at Star Cinema before it closed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We've done many years with the film fest, but then, because we had the new theatre built and then the pandemic, we just didn't have a suitable venue for them," said manager Lindsay Pomper.

The last time the festival was held at the cinema was in 2019.

"We're excited to be doing it again because it was always so popular for us and these past five years everybody has been asking if we're doing the film festival," she added. "We have a lot of loyal regulars here who are really invested in films."

Pomper says the thrill lies in watching a broad range of films that regular patrons might not eventually be able to see.

In addition to packing the theatre's 324 seats for the duration of the film festival, the goal is to attract visitors from throughout Greater Victoria to Star Cinema.

"It helps us kind of introduce ourselves to people who might not be aware of this theatre and so it's all around, a plus to have it," she said.

Pomper highlighted the theatre's "nice, community feel and welcoming atmosphere" as one of their biggest draws. Having three screens in a smaller venue, adds to their small-town charm. That, plus buying old-fashioned ticket stubs, which go into a little bucket as you enter the theatre hall.

Thirteen feature films, including The Penguin Lessons, which is based on a Tom Michell novel about the true story of the remarkable bond between a young teacher and a penguin, will be shown at Star Cinema.

Other films in the lineup include The Summer Book; Artur Erikson: Beauty Between the Lines; Paul Anka: His Way; Meet the Barbarians; Bonjour Tristesse; Sono Lino; Four Mothers; Miss Boots; Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story; The Diamond Couple; and Frieda's Case.

Matinee screenings are at 2 p.m.; regular screening time is at 7 p.m. Tickets are only available online through the Victoria Film Festival website