The Provincial Government is providing $60,000 to support the 2009 St. John�s International Women�s Film Festival (October 20-24), which this year celebrates its 20^th anniversary of highlighting the exemplary work of women filmmakers in this province and around the world.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, attended a news conference today in St. John�s where festival organizers announced this year�s lineup of more than 90 films to be screened at various venues across St. John�s. The full schedule of films and venues can be viewed at: www.womensfilmfestival.com/.

"This is a particularly exciting year for the festival, as it will showcase three full-length feature films created by women from this province � Crackie, written and directed by Sherry White; Love and Savagery produced by Barbara Doran, and Grown Up Movie Star, written and directed by Adriana Maggs," said Minister Jackman. "It is clear that we are developing a strong film industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, and that we have the homegrown talent and skills to expand it even further."

Minister Jackman noted the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation is providing an additional $20,000 to the five-day festival this year, as part of the Provincial Government�s 2008 commitment to cover financial losses associated with the elimination of federal government arts programming.

"The St. John�s International Women�s Film Festival has grown in popularity over the years and has raised the profile of the City of St. John�s, and the province as a whole, within the international film community," said Minister Jackman. "Therefore, when federal cuts to cultural funding resulted in reduced support available to the festival, the department provided additional funds to ensure this exceptional event would not be adversely affected."

Noreen Golfman, Chair of the Festival Board, welcomed the support.

"We are very pleased that the province has not only continued its strong support of our festival but has also stepped up to fill the gap left by the cancellation of the federal Trade Routes program," said Ms. Golfman. "As a result of the province�s support, and that of our other sponsors and supporters, we are able to present a fabulous program of films, workshops, galas and special events to our local and visiting audience and industry members."

In 2009 alone, the Provincial Government has earmarked more than $7 million, including $4.5 million in equity investment and tax credits for the upcoming CBC television series Republic of Doyle; $2.5 million for the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation (NLFDC), and almost $200,000 to filmmakers, film organizations and film festivals through the Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP).

The Provincial Government has committed more than $32 million (including tax credits) to support local film production through the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation (NLFDC), since that entity was established in 1997. That support has leveraged more than $100 million in outside investment and helped put Newfoundland and Labrador on the national and international film production map.

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