There’s a lot of excitement in store for this year’s festival.

It’s that time of year again.

As the leaves turn and the first signs of winter arrive, we get to witness that very special time of year… Film Fest!

The 28th Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF) runs for ten days from September 25 to October 4, 2014 at various locations throughout the city.

Each year, the festival gathers movie buffs from across central Alberta and brings compelling directors, producers, writers and actors to screen their films. A celebration of cinema takes place that helps to unpack the process of making a movie from page to screen.

But EIFF also gives these creatives a forum for conversation about the issues that drive movie creation. From social to religious, governmental to personal, the diversity of types of films and the great roster of moviemakers puts EIFF on the map in western Canada.

In its 38-year history, EIFF has earned a reputation for being one of the countries warmest and friendliest festivals on the Canadian landscape. Despite the fact that there’s snow on the ground, the festival’s ten days brings a collective magic to Edmonton’s city centre and south side.

Every year, EIFF gives Edmontonians a taste of the world’s best contemporary, independent, documentary and short films. Both the world cinema and film short shows attract huge audiences, but there is a new thirst for our locally grown filmmakers brewing.

But one program that has caught the attention of many schools is EIFF University. This is a program that target junior high and high schools with “a thought provoking and relevant series of films.” These events are open to other groups, too, but the specific programming for youth has had a solid impact on the Edmonton community.

Edmonton’s rich diversity is bolstered by the programs and screenings of the EIFF. It’s reputation and quality continue to drive passionate conversations about our world and how we can make it better. We hope to see you out enjoying some of their events in the coming weeks. We definitely look forward to seeing you out there.

If you would like to have a conversation about Edmonton, its communities or buying/selling a home in our fine city, get in touch with us. We’d be happy to talk with you about your needs.

About The Edmonton Bikeology Festival

Photo by: Sam Saunders

We think its safe to say Summer has finally arrived in The City of Edmonton. The weather is co-operating and the real estate market is heating up. In addition to being a great time to buy or sell your Edmonton home, Summer is also the time to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you’re swimming at Sherwood Park’s Millenium Place, or enjoying some outdoor running through Leduc’s network of trails, this time of year fosters outdoor fun.

A favourite pastime for many Edmonton homeowners is outdoor biking, and our city strives to be as bike-friendly as possible. So much so, that’s there’s a whole month dedicated to cycling. We’re of course referring to the Edmonton Bikeology Festival. For the month of June, the Capital City will unite and celebrate our cycling culture. Local bike shops will host events throughout the month including bike-education, bike breakfasts, a commuter challenge, and learn to bike lessons for special needs children. There’s a lengthy list of events, which you can see in the Bikeology website, but we picked out events coming up within the next few weeks.

Photo by: Bromford

• MEC Bikefest | May 31st | Sir Winston Churchill Square
  Visit Mountain Equipment Coop’s Bikefest between 10am and 4pm, to connect with the local cycling community. According to MEC you can, “try out new great, test ride a new bike, browse exhibitor booths, score deals at the MEC Bike Swap, or learn new skills at a bike clinic.” Best of all, they’ll also have free tune-ups for attendees.
• Bikey Breakfast | June 6th & 27th | Earth’s General Store (9605-82 Ave)
  Enjoy some delicious pancakes at Earth’s General Store and good vegan food, This event will be held the first and last Friday’s of the Bikeology Festival in Edmonton.
• Commuter Race | June 10th | Various Locations
  The commuter race is a friendly challenge for Edmonton cyclists. Each participant will start at separate locations and ride to one location. There’s minimum distances required with the purpose of this challenge being to discover the fastest route to Downtown Edmonton. For more information visit their website.

Stay tuned to the Edmonton Home Pros blog this Summer for updates on upcoming events and real estate advice. If you’re looking to sell or buy Edmonton homes, turn to Stephen Lau and the Edmonton Home Pros, contact them today.