Nickel Independent Film Festival Appeals to All Ages With an Assortment of Screenings and Workshops

Film enthusiasts of all ages will once again have the opportunity to enjoy the annual Nickel Independent Film Festival, opening today in St. John’s. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the festival, which has provided a means for local filmmakers to showcase their work to a variety of audiences.

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will attend today’s opening at the LSPU Hall, beginning at 8:00 p.m.

“For 11 years, the Nickel Independent Film Festival has highlighted the best local films, as well as those by international filmmakers, providing an opportunity to showcase work that would not otherwise be seen here,” said Minister French. “The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to the continued promotion and development of our flourishing film industry. I extend best wishes to festival organizers for another successful event.”

The Provincial Government has provided $14,000 in operational support to this year’s festival through its Cultural Economic Development Program. Funding will be used to help offset costs associated with producing the festival.

“The vitality of our film industry is in co-relation to the commitment and support shown by our Provincial Government,” said Ruth Lawrence, Executive Director, Nickel Independent Film Festival. “At all levels, from development to production to promotion, film artists in our province turn their investment into a multi-million dollar industry. The Nickel showcases the work of these emerging and established filmmakers, many of them going on to national and international recognition.”

For more information, including schedules for screenings and workshops, visit the festival website at: www.nickelfestival.com/.

Budget 2011: Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provides $2.9 million through its Cultural Economic Development Program to support arts, cultural, and heritage initiatives throughout the province. Projects are selected based on the strength of the business plan, vision, and potential development within the sector. For more information on the Cultural Economic Development Program and application guidelines, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/artsculture/cedp/index.html.

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2011 06 21             9:30 a.m.