Film events to take centre stage on Sudbury screens

What is it about brothers who make films together? Successful brother duos include the Coen Brothers (Fargo and The Big Lebowski), the Safdue Brothers (Uncut Gems) and the Farrelly Brothers (Dumb and Dumber).

Now, a set of Canadian brothers is getting plenty of accolades. Award-winning brothers Brett and Jason Butler are bringing their newest film, The Last Anniversary, to Sudbury for two days only. (Don’t confuse the title with the Nicole Kidman film of the same name.)

The Last Anniversary is a horror flick, with all the surprises, twists, turns and blood expected in the genre.

Tom, played by Kenneth Northfield, and Aubrey, played by Jesse McQueen, decide to return to the hotel where they were married 10 years earlier. The hotel is now abandoned. They invite their original wedding party for one final night of celebration. But Tom and Jesse have more than nostalgia on their minds. It’s the eve of the apocalypse, and time to confront the group about the mysterious disappearance of their maid of honour at the wedding. As tensions rise and the world edges toward collapse, truths surface and all hell breaks loose.

The film was shot in Parry Sound, although the brothers admit Sudbury is a favourite location as well.

“We’ve actually got a bit of history with Sudbury that dates all the back to me being a graduate of Laurentian (University), way back when, and has continued over the last 10 years, including being panelists at the NOMFAs (2015 and 2019), as well as the upcoming Cinema Summit and filming our most recent feature with the support of Greater Sudbury (and utilizing Scriptfest members) this past September,” Jason said.

The brothers are no strangers to festival film awards and have scored 20 wins in almost every category, as well as eight nominations. The Butler brothers have forged a tradition of crafting films that are as provocative as they are visceral, stories that linger long after the credits roll.

Jason and Brett will be at Imagine Theatre at Elm Place for the screenings on May 29 at 7 p.m. and May 30 at 9 p.m. There will be a Q-and-A after each screening.

The Last Anniversary is a psychological horror thriller that has been dubbed “unsettling” and “gripping.” Hang on to your popcorn.

– Walk the Red Carpet: Cinéfest Sudbury’s Red Carpet program has hit all the right marks in bridging the time between fall festivals. The latest film to be presented is Tuner by acclaimed filmmaker Daniel Roher on May 27 at 7 p.m.

Niki (Leo Woodall) is a gifted young piano tuner whose heightened sense of hearing catches the attention of criminals eager to exploit his talent for opening safes.

With his once-promising musical career behind him, Niki works alongside his mentor Harry (Dustin Hoffman). After he forms an unexpected connection with a composition student, Niki becomes drawn into increasingly dangerous territory. Tuner marks the first narrative feature from director Daniel Roher.

Limited availability tickets are on sale at cinefest.com, at the Cinéfest box office (40 Larch St., Unit 103), or by phoning 705-688-1234. Red Carpet Patrons are admitted with their 2026 pass.

– Celebration at Indie Cinema: Sudbury Indie Cinema pays tribute on June 10 to former executive director Beth Mairs, who helped launch Indie Cinema over a decade ago.

The event honours Mairs’ contributions to arts and culture in Northern Ontario and raises funds to support the future of the not-for-profit cinema co-operative.

Under her leadership, Mairs helped establish several regional film festivals and initiatives, including Junction North International Documentary Film Festival, Queer North Film Festival, and SOAR, while championing diverse voices and independent storytelling throughout the region.

The board of Indie Cinema is tasked with a major fundraising campaign as it prepares to move to its new location at 30 Ste. Anne Rd. Once it relocates, the Indie will rebrand as a regional art house.

The evening, both a celebration of Mairs and a fundraising initiative, features a mystery film selected by Mairs, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres by Verdicchio Ristorante and a cash bar.

Tickets are $50 each or two for $80 and available at sudburyindiecinema.com. Indie 5000 and a tribute to Beth Mairs begin at 6 p.m.

– Last Chance for the SPARC Arts Symposium: It’s not too late to attend the Northern Arts SPARC symposium weekend, which starts May 21 at College Boréal. It kicks off Thursday evening at Sudbury Theatre Centre with a reception. Workshops and sessions will be held Friday and Saturday at the college. It promises two days of learning and sharing in the arts.

Réseau SPARC Network is a network whose purpose is to ignite and help sustain performing arts communities in rural and remote Ontario and beyond.

Go to the Sudbury Arts Council website, sudburyartscouncil.ca, for more information about prices and schedule.

– Porketta bingo: Whether you yell “Bingo” or “Porketta,” the thrill of winning is the same.

Support local radio CKLU 96.7 by heading to the Trevi Grill and Tavern on Lasalle Boulevard on May 23 at 1 p.m. to experience one of Sudbury’s defining passions, porketta.

– A chill evening of jazz: The Night Owl at 158 Elgin St. presents an intimate evening of “slower and softer” jazz with rising Montréal saxophonist Maude Fortier and her quartet.

Her sound blends classic jazz roots with modern influences. The Night Owl advises it is a limited-capacity show with no bad seats, just good music. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at eventbrite.ca.

– 2V+ on May 30: Anyone who has attended a 2V+ concert has left thrilled and invigorated by their experience. Sudbury Symphony Orchestra closes its season with this bold orchestral collaboration that reimagines a traditional concert experience.

2V+ violinists Cristina Masotti and Melissa Schaak combine their classical virtuosity with an irresistible fusion of popular genres. Backed by a driving band and a full orchestra, 2V+ Symphonique: Mad Violining XL will ignite the stage with exhilarating of unstoppable grooves from Vivaldi to Shakira.

There are performances at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on May 30. Go to sudburysymphony.com for tickets.

State of the Arts is supplied by the Sudbury Arts Council. For more information about the arts in Sudbury, visit sudburyartscoucil.cam.

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