Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Executive Council
October 19, 2016
Supporting Our Growing Film Industry
Provincial Government Investing in St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
One of the longest-running women’s film festivals in the world is expected to delight film lovers this week as the 27th Annual St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival takes place in St. John's from October 19 to 23. The Provincial Government is providing $83,200 this year to support the festival.
“The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival plays an important role in promoting films of emerging and established women film makers, while providing significant economic benefits for Newfoundland Labrador. In the last fiscal year, the province’s film industry reported more than $45 million in production activity. The Provincial Government is proud to invest in this festival, which is also an investment in the province’s economic future.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
The Provincial Government supports the festival by providing $60,000 from the Cultural Economic Development Program, which provides financial support to professional arts organizations for events and projects that stimulate sustainable economic development of the province's cultural resources. In addition, another $23,200 is being provided through the Business Development Support Program, which assists small and medium-sized enterprises with opportunities to increase their productivity and improve their competitiveness.
“The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival showcases both the outstanding talent that exists in our province among women film makers and the increasing opportunities for women behind the camera and onscreen. Their creative work is being seen and valued at home, nationally and internationally. Congratulations to you all – the entire week will be a great success.”
- The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
Approximately 50 short and feature-length documentary, animation, experimental and live-action films that are written, directed or produced by women from all over the world will be screened at this year’s festival. An Interactive Film Industry Forum will also take place, which will present a series of workshops, networking luncheons and panels.
“The St. John's International Women's Film Festival has advanced the careers of women filmmakers for more than 27 years and helps bring together aspiring and established filmmakers with international audiences. It has increased the exposure for films written and directed by women and brought national and international attention to Newfoundland and Labrador as a vibrant cultural site and place to do business. We are grateful for the support from the Provincial Government.”
- Noreen Golfman, Festival Chair and Founder
For more information, please visit www.womensfilmfestival.com.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is providing $83,200 to support the 27th annual St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival.
- The festival will showcase approximately 50 films this year from more than 400 submissions.
- Each year, the festival increases the exposure for films written and directed by women and brings international attention to Newfoundland and Labrador as a vibrant cultural site and place to do business.
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Media contacts:
Debbie Marnell Director of Communications (A) Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4819, 699-9048 debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca |
Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Finance 709-729-6830, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Candice Walsh Communications Coordinator St. John’s International Women's Film Festival 709-754-3141, 764-2117 candice@womensfilmfestival.com |
2016 10 19 3:50 p.m.