Film and Feast: A Recipe for Success!
News Release
Wolfville’s international film festival contributes to growth of culinary tourism in Nova Scotia
October 24, 2017 – Wolfville, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Nova Scotia’s agricultural heartland will benefit from increased tourism business as the 7th edition of Devour! The Food Film Fest gets underway this week in Wolfville. The festival continues to build an international audience and serves as a valuable tool to promote and grow culinary tourism in the province while helping to provide skilled employment in the arts and food sectors. That is why the Government of Canada is providing a $40,000 investment to Devour! The Food Film Fest to help organizers market the festival in key national and international markets and provide skill development opportunities for culinary students in the Atlantic region.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
It is fitting that the festival is hosted in Nova Scotia where quality goods and export success are the bywords of a food sector that is gaining increasing international attention for its wine, seafood, agricultural produce and value-added products.
The funding is being allocated through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises and not-for-profit organizations that provide support to Atlantic businesses so they can build on their strengths to create long-term employment and economic growth.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including supporting strategic projects that promote long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“Devour! is the signature event on Nova Scotia’s culinary tourism calendar. The stars of Nova Scotia’s wine industry are double-featured with produce from the province’s agricultural heartland to accompany a feast of food films. Devour! is a tremendous example of what can be achieved when industry and governments work together to develop and promote tourism for the region.”
− The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Devour! The Food Film Fest is a crowning showcase of Nova Scotia’s rich culinary offerings, driven by our fresh seafood and abundant produce. The Government of Canada is proud to support what has quickly become one of the most anticipated culinary tourism events in the area. Exceptional food and wine paired with impressive cinema is a total recipe for a terrific time.”
− The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board of Canada and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants
"Our long term strategy for the growth of Devour! is to support economic development in the shoulder season, contributing to a robust rural economy. Cultural activities such as Devour contribute much needed financial stimulus in the region but also add pride of place to a vibrant and attractive community in which to live and do business."
− Michael Howell, Executive Director, Devour!
Quick Facts
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Devour! The Food Film Fest is the world’s largest festival focused on food and film.
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In five days, Devour! will feature 99 events, 72 films and three celebrity chef dinners.
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Later this week, leaders in food related businesses will come together to keep food at the forefront of economic success in the region, at Thursday’s Atlantic Food Summit, taking place in Truro.
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The Atlantic Food Summit 2017 is hosted by Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc. and the Atlantic Food and Beverage Processors Association.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Jill Chappell
Marketing and Communications
Devour! The Food Film Fest
Phone: 902-717-5981
E-mail: jillc@devourfest.com