ST. JOHN'S, July 4, 2008 - Once again this year, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can look forward to seeing local, Canadian, and international films created by women, 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 19th annual St. John's International Women's Film Festival. He made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie.
The St. John's International Women's Film Festival will receive $38,000 in funding to present a five-day festival of women's films, which will be of interest to all audiences. In addition to the St. John's events, the festival will also travel to rural areas in the province. A variety of artists are involved in creating these films, including Francophone, Aboriginal, and emerging artists. Young aspiring filmmakers and members of the public will have access to workshops and panel discussions during this festival.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support this festival, which showcases the works of women filmmakers, writers, directors, and producers from at home and abroad," 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 everyone associated with the St. John's International Women's Film Festival on their commitment to presenting women's films and highlighting Canadian women in film," said Minister Hearn. "I am pleased to help support the festival organizers in giving Newfoundland and Labrador audiences a chance to explore women's experiences on the big screen."
"Thanks to the continued and enhanced support of Canadian Heritage this year, we are thrilled to offer more programs reaching out to communities within St. John's and beyond the overpass," said Kelly Davis, Executive Director of the St. John's International Women's Film Festival. "The Festival is dedicated to increasing the profile of our province as a vibrant cultural site and to promoting the work of Canadian women filmmakers. This funding will allow us to take these wonderful films by women to areas within the province that would not otherwise experience such works. We are delighted that our government continues to support us in our mission."
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
