Film fest highlighting the importance of journalism comes to Waterloo [Video]

The 2024 International Journalism Film Festival kicks off April 28 at Waterloo’s Princess Twin Cinemas.

“The film festival is just one way to help build a culture of appreciation for quality journalism in aid of democracy,” said Mirko Petricevic of Ink-Stained Wretches, the organization putting on the event.

The festival is intended to raise awareness about UN World Press Freedom Day, which is observed annually on May 3. CTV News Kitchener is one of the sponsors.

In Waterloo, the documentary Killer Water: The toxic legacy of Canada’s oil sands industry for Indigenous communities will be airing.

“We chose Killer Water not only for its focus on the environment, but because of its the press freedom aspect,” said Petricevic.

“In January, Edmonton police arrested and charged Indigenous journalist Brandi Morin, co-creator of the documentary, while she was covering the eviction of people experiencing homelessness. A number of press freedom and human rights advocacy groups — including Amnesty International Canada — …