With a record number of entries this year, the jury was extremely impressed with the quality of many entries in Powell River Film Festival’s 5-Minute Film Contest.
“This is my first year as a juror, and I was very impressed by the films and the innovation and creativity shown by young filmmakers,” said Nettie Wild, award-winning documentary filmmaker.
There was lively discussion and a lot of deliberation before the final decisions were made. The jury awarded prizes in the following categories: best drama, best documentary, best experimental, best writing, best camera, best story concept and best sound design. Films were submitted from around the province and two of the winning films are from Powell River.
Winners for each category will be announced at the 5-Minute Film Contest awards and during the closing gala of the festival, Saturday, February 23. Two of the jurors, Rajie Kalib and Wild, will be on hand to present the awards.
“It was inspiring to see the effort put into the films and how diverse they were,” said Kalib, formerly Toronto-based journalist who has recently joined Shaw TV as a Powell River area reporter. “I’m excited to be on hand to present the awards and meet the filmmakers in person.”
Presentation of the awards is always a fun-filled and dynamic event. By attending and viewing the films, audience members show support to the emerging generation of filmmakers. Presentations and screening take place at 4 pm at Patricia Theatre. The grand prize winners will be shown at the evening gala event 6 pm that same night.
Visiting youth filmmakers who attend the Adventures in Film Camp, running concurrent to the festival, will present their short films at 1 pm Sunday, February 24 at the Patricia. This year approximately 20 youth from around the province and 10 local youth will attend the camp. Screening of their films is free and open to the public. The 24-Hour Film Contest will also be presented at this time.
For more information, readers can visit the festival website or call 604.414.9758.
