Tourism, Culture and Recreation
October 16, 2012
Workshops Focus on Developing a Stronger Film and Television Industry
To further develop and strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s film and television industry the Provincial Government is contributing $142,000 towards a series of professional development workshops. The St. John’s International Film Forum and the FRAMED Film Education Series for Youth are scheduled to coincide with this year’s St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival from October 16 to 20.
“The recent growth experienced in Newfoundland and Labrador’s film and television industry is creating exciting opportunities for local professionals and businesses,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “It is a sector that has emerged as an important economic generator valued at more than $33 million, creating over 440 well-paying jobs. To continue on this path and drive greater activity, it is paramount to invest in people and skill development.”
Established in 1989, the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
attracts over 4,000 participants each year and presents close to 100 local,
national, and international feature films, short films and documentaries, as
featured at www.womensfilmfestival.com.
This year, the St. John’s
International Women’s Film Festival also received $60,000 in operational
support from the Provincial Government.
“I applaud the hard work of the organizers and participants of the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “As one of the longest running women’s film festivals in the world, it provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the outstanding talent that we have in this province. This year, there will be 45 films screened, 12 of which are local productions. I encourage both industry professionals and film enthusiasts in the community to take part in the numerous events being organized by the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival throughout the week.”
Organized by the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival, the St. John’s International Film Forum is a five-day film conference consisting of presentations, workshops, and seminars for approximately 50 local industry professionals. Participants will also have an opportunity to conduct one-on-one meetings with national and international broadcasters, distributors and financiers.
The FRAMED Film Education Series for Youth will enable 86 youth to improve their entrepreneurial and technical skill sets in the areas of screenwriting, filmmaking, directing, producing, and animation. Facilitated by local and national industry professionals, the sessions will provide valuable insight into the film and television sector. Participants will also have the opportunity to screen their projects during this year’s St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival.
“The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival is about more than screenings,” said Noreen Golfman, Chair, St. John’s International Film Festival Inc. “It’s an excellent platform for making industry connections. Over the years we have seen several film deals happen spontaneously at these events. Our local filmmakers usually take wise advantage of the film forum opportunities. The festival is also a home for year-long training events, all feeding the expertise of our community.”
These initiatives were funded through the Provincial Government’s Workplace Skills and Enhancement Program, the Young Entrepreneurs and Innovators Program, and the Cultural Economic Development Program.
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Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 631-8155 DianaQuinton@gov.nl.ca |
| Sarah Smellie Communications/Publicity Manager St. John's International Women's Film Festival 709-754-3141 |
2012 10 16 12:00 p.m.