The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival kicked off its 29th year by unveiling its festival lineup in St. John’s today. This highly acclaimed festival is the second longest-running women’s film festival in the world, dedicated to screening films written, directed, or produced by women.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation contributed over $98,000, through the Cultural Economic Development Program and the Business Development Support program, to assist with this year’s festival operations and to host an internationally respected film industry forum.
This year’s edition of the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival will run from October 17 to 21 with opening and closing screenings hosted at Scotiabank Theatres, a special film screening at The Rooms, and a full program of films screening at the LSPU Hall daily. Gifted local and international artists will be featured in the films, and many will be joining the festival to present workshops and panels, and participate in other special events. Each year the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival attracts over 3,000 participants and receives approximately 400 film submissions, presenting a powerful program of international documentaries, short films and feature works.
Supporting the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“The film and television industry in our province is experiencing a strong period of growth and success, exceeding $50 million in total production value in 2017-18. This government is committed to ensure that we capitalize on further opportunities, and that is why we continue to support the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival. This festival also provides local artists the opportunity to screen their works, while providing networking opportunities and professional development – all while keeping true to their mandate to increase the exposure of new works written and/or directed by women.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“The St. John’s International Women’s Film
Festival orchestrates the province’s largest gathering of film and television
directors, writers, producers and decision makers. This breadth of experience is
a catalyst for the growth of the industry as well as cultural tourism. Our work
fosters new business collaborations, promotes the province as a production
location, advances filmmakers to the next stage of their career, and creates an
inspiring experience for both locals and tourists alike. None of this would be
possible without the steadfast support of the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador.”
Jenn Brown
Executive Director, St. John’s International Women’s
Film Festival
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Learn More
St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
Cultural Economic Development Program
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @TCII_GovNL
Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry
and Innovation
709-729-4918,
725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Jenn Brown
St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
709-754-3141
jenn@womensfilmfestival.com