Spotlight Shines on Film Industry at St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival

The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival took centre stage at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre last evening with the showing of the feature film, The Grand Seduction.

The Provincial Government provided $60,000 in operational support for the 2013 film festival which will screen more than 70 films.

“The Provincial Government is proud to support this highly-anticipated festival once again,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “The hard work of the organizers and participants of the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival is commendable. With 72 films being screened, 19 of which are local productions, it’s easy to see how this festival provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the outstanding talent in the film industry that we have in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Screened to rave reviews at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, The Grand Seduction is a film about how the residents of a small Newfoundland fishing community charmed a big-city doctor into becoming the village physician in an effort to secure an important factory contract for the community. The film was directed by Don McKellar, written by Ken Scott and Michael Dowse, and produced by Roger Frappier and Barbara Doran.

“It is inspiring and invigorating to have the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador as such a stalwart supporter of our world-renowned festival,” said Noreen Golfman, Chair of the St. John's International Women's Film Festival. “Our province's film and television industry continues to flourish and it is an honour to have the province onside to help us showcase its best work alongside the best in the world.”

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. For more information about the festival and a full schedule, visit: www.womensfilmfestival.com .

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future provides more than $17 million to support cultural and heritage sectors. Since the launch of Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture in 2006, the Provincial Government has invested $87 million through the plan to promote culture and heritage in the province.

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2013 10 23             10:10 a.m.