Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
June 14, 2016

Strategic Investments Strengthen Provincial Film Industry

Provincial Government Funding Supports Annual Nickel Independent Film Festival

The annual Nickel Independent Film Festival kicks off its 16^th year this evening in St. John's with the support of Provincial Government funding totalling $18,000. The Nickel Film festival plays a key role in showcasing the work, and supporting the career development, of emerging filmmakers. Funding will assist with yearly festival operations.

"Congratulations to the Nickel Independent Film Festival on 16 years of creativity, innovation and ingenuity. Like all entrepreneurs, film makers provide significant social and economic contributions by supporting employment and their communities; all of which contributes to a diversified economy. I am confident this year's series of workshops and special events will be very useful in providing valuable knowledge as well as demonstrating the successes found in this growing and energetic industry."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The 16^th annual Nickel Independent Film Festival will be held from June 14 to 19 at the LSPU Hall in St. John's. The five-day festival offers a variety of documentaries and films, informative panel discussions and workshops, in addition to networking sessions and special events, all of which have served to establish the Nickel Independent Film Festival as a premier event that showcases artists from a variety of disciplines. Screenings include experimental, animated, live-action, comedic and dramatic shorts, documentaries and feature length films.

"We are extremely grateful for the generous support from the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development. Without this kind of funding, the Nickel could not do what it does best—which is provide a platform for hundreds of artists to be seen and heard, and to celebrate a thriving film and television industry where independent film in Newfoundland and Labrador is making its mark internationally. Without such strong partnerships, we also couldn't bring such great talent and entertainment to our own community, something the Nickel has become renowned for."
- Jacqueline Hynes, Nickel Independent Film Festival

Funding for the Nickel Independent Film Festival is being provided through the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development's Cultural Economic Devolvement Program. Additional information on the program, criteria and how to apply can be found by visiting: //www.btcrd.gov.nl.ca/heritage/cedp/index.html.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has provided $18,000 to support the operations of the 16^th annual Nickel Independent Film Festival.
• The Nickel Independent Film Festival is being held June 14-19 at the LSPU Hall in St. John's, and offers a variety of documentaries and films, informative panel discussions and workshops, in addition to networking sessions and special events.
• Information on the Cultural Economic Devolvement Program, criteria, and how to apply can be found by visiting: www.btcrd.gov.nl.ca/heritage/cedp/

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Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

Jacqueline Hynes Publicist Nickel Independent Film Festival 709-697-4365 jacquelinechynes@gmail.com

2016 06 14                              1:15 p.m.