The Multicultural Cinema Club (MCC) was established in December 2006 to create a culture of cinema within Waterloo region by screening films, hosting discussions, creating artistic works, and encouraging community film-making.

Links: How to Reach Us The Multicultural Cinema Club Website

MCC founder, Azam Fouk Aladeh is a professional filmmaker/producer. The Multicultural Cinema Club is not only for New Canadians. It is an open concept for anyone interested in artistic community projects.

Its purpose is two-fold:

1. It organizes three film festivals per year: two that showcase award-winning films from different countries and cultures around the globe, while the third is a "Local Focus" film festival which celebrates animation, short, feature, and documentary films produced in the Region of Waterloo. The community is invited to view these films free of charge, and to participate in discussions following each screening. In addition, "Local Focus" viewers get to vote at each screening, rating each to establish the People's Choice Award for best documentary, best short and best feature.
2. MCC has developed a small film studio that will provide the tools necessary for film-making workshops, production of documentaries or dramas on social and community issues, and rental of film-making equipment in a low-cost and accessible manner.

Film Festivals

Three times a year, free film festivals are held in Downtown Kitchener that have featured international films, locally produced films, or films focusing on a particular culture or group. Films are eligible for People's Choice and Jury selection awards. Discussions of films are hosted after screenings. Check out the MCC Website for news about upcoming film festivals.

Workshops

Workshops such as film-making and animation classes for youth and university students, video camera tutorials, and lessons on editing software are held regularly. See the MCC Website for more details.

Equipment Rentals

The MCC rents out film production equipment such as video cameras, sound and lighting kits, and editing suites, and accessories at affordable rates. See the MCC Website for more details.

Film Production

Three documentary films have been produced by the MCC so far:

• Downside up: Explores the causes and consequences of youth homelessness in Kitchener. This documentary looks at the human side of life on the streets, and presents profound insights into the lives of the youth, their struggles with mainstream society, and their recommendations for social change.
• Legacy of the Heart: This documentary honours celebrated Canadian journalist, author, and humanitarian, June Callwood. An Officer of the Order of Canada, June's most notable achievement was founding the world's first hospice for people living with HIV/AIDS.
• Northern Choice: A thought-provoking documentary that explores Canadian immigration. Featuring interviews with immigrants from all over the world, the film takes the viewer deep into the hearts of Canadian immigrants as they share their hopes, dreams, and experiences.