As the Meaford International Film Festival (MIFF) approaches – it kicks off next Thursday, folks – the producers have announced a series of interviews which will round out the screenings of three of the films.

Christopher Thomas, popular host of CBC radio and television programs, will take the stage after the screenings for these interviews.

Following Thursday’s premiere Canadian screening of The White Meadows, Thomas will be interview Marina Nemat, the well-known author of two books about her experiences in prison in Tehran, where she was sentenced to death for her political actions. The Iranian film makers of The White Meadows are currently under house arrest in Iran, and Nemat will shed light on why this film is so threatening to the current regime.

On Friday, Mila Aung-Thwin, one of the Canadian producers of Last Train Home, will discuss his film, the changes sweeping China and the special challenges of making films there.

On Saturday, MIFF presents an interview with Justin Chadwick, the director of The First Grader (and The Other Boleyn Girl). He’ll discuss the background to the film, and the difficulties he encountered when filming in a remote part of Kenya.

“We’re honoured that we can bring these interviews to MIFF,” says Festival Producer Michael Anderson. “One of our goals at MIFF is to show other cultures and ways of life, and our distinguished guests will bring special insights that will greatly increase our enjoyment of these films.”