ST. JOHN'S, June 24, 2008 - Audiences in St. John's will have the opportunity to view the best of independent film, in a variety of genres, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament (St. John's South-Mount Pearl), today announced funding for the Nickel Independent Film Festival. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie.
The Nickel Independent Film Festival will receive $18,000 in funding to present a five-day festival of films from Newfoundland and Labrador, elsewhere in Canada, and other parts of the world. The festival focuses on short films, including narrative, documentary, and animated films. Featured filmmakers range from emerging artists to award-winning professionals. In addition to the films, the festival also presents workshops, panels, youth-oriented events, and a rural film series.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support this festival, which brings Newfoundlanders and Labradorians together to be entertained and enlightened by independent films," said Minister Verner. "As this festival continues to grow, it adds to the cultural vitality of St. John's and, indeed, the entire province."
"Congratulations to the Nickel Independent Film Festival for organizing this innovative community event," said Minister Hearn. "Films can be thought-provoking, dramatic, and fun--and, ultimately, they should spark our imaginations. Thanks to the Nickel Festival, St. John's audiences have a wide range of opportunities to be entertained by the independent films they have to offer."
"The Nickel Independent Film Festival has become a vital part of the cultural life of the Newfoundland film community, a contribution we could not make without the generous support of Arts Presentation Canada and Canadian Heritage," said Ruth Lawrence, Executive Director. "The funding supports filmmakers, writers, visual artists, musicians, and performers who work together to create a most distinct and essential celebration of artistic work. Thanks to that continuing support, the Nickel festival isn't just a screening of films, it's a complete artistic experience!"
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to give Canadians more access to direct experiences of the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for
La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Beth Ryan
Communications Advisor
Canadian Heritage
Newfoundland and Labrador
709 772-3076
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
