For the first time ever, audiences across Canada will have the opportunity to virtually enjoy and experience the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival. Taking place from October 14-18, the 31st season of the festival will be the first to be available on demand.
The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival is the second longest-running women’s film festival in the world, dedicated to screening films written or directed by women. This year’s festival is screening 51 short films and 11 feature films, including an opening night gala presentation of Little Orphans, directed by Ruth Lawrence and written by Emily Bridger.
Filled with an assortment of international documentaries, short films, features, workshops and networking sessions, this year’s virtual event will allow patrons from across the country to discover the caliber of the industry here in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year, the festival received approximately 700 film submissions for presentation.
The Provincial Government, through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, contributed $60,000 to assist with this year’s festival operations.
As announced in Budget 2020, the Provincial Government is investing $4 million annually in the Equity Investment Program for film and television in the province. In 2019-20, the industry produced more than 500 direct/indirect/induced fulltime employment equivalencies, totaling $50 million in production activity.
Quotes
“Having grown from a bold vision in 1989, to one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s flagship cultural events, this festival is a key contributor to the success of our province’s $50 million film industry. The film and television industry is important to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and I congratulate organizers and volunteers for your continued commitment and dedication to celebrating the art of filmmaking, and I commend your effort to innovatively produce this year’s festival.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival continues to be a premier event – one that engages women in screen-based industries from around the globe. Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers for coming up with such an innovative approach to delivering their festival virtually this year, so we can continue to celebrate films written, directed or produced by women.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Newfoundland and Labrador is home to a community of world-class artists who inspire and connect us while sharing our unique culture and history. The arts are a critical component of a resilient, sustainable, dynamic economy. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their continued support of our festival and the entire film industry. This investment transforms ideas and stories into films and experiences enjoyed by our citizens and exported beyond our shores, drawing people in from around the world. Our cultural sector’s reputation continues to grow and attract partners, bringing vitality and business development to our province.”
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
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4918, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Lisa Lawlor
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 631-8155
lisalawlor@gov.nl.ca
Jenn Brown
St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
709-754-3141
jenn@womensfilmfestival.com