Powell River Film Festival’s 10th anniversary is fast approaching, February 17 to 20. The Adventures in Film Camp and 5 Minute Film Contest are both exciting aspects, bringing interest and energy from young people to the festival.
The 5 Minute Film Contest is open to any youth between the ages of 15 and 19. Deadline is January 14 and entry forms and details are available on the festival’s website.
“This year there has been interest from younger students,” said Michelle Hignell, youth program director. “Young people are becoming more and more media savvy, and I think that we will consider lowering the age requirement for next year.” This year, by special invitation, students from Edgehill Elementary School will be entering their films in a non-competitive section of the contest.
The films are judged by media professionals who are looking at technical skills and well-developed storylines. Prizes are awarded at a special screening, 4:30 pm on Saturday, February 19 at Evergreen Theatre. This is always an exciting event. Although the students know they have won, they do not know their prizes or which categories they will be awarded. The top finalists will have their films screened 8 pm, the same day, at the gala closing.
Winners of the contest are invited to attend the Adventures in Film Camp. Other participants are selected through Rotary Clubs in their communities. There has been increased interest from Rotarians this year, including from clubs as close as Sechelt and Gibsons, and as far away as Drumheller, Alberta, the first time a student has attend from outside BC.
The camp consists of three days of total immersion into the film world, doing hands-on video or animation production with filmmakers and experienced media educators from around BC, viewing the best in independent Canadian cinema, networking and making friends. About 30 to 40 participants will use the cutting-edge facilities at Brooks Secondary School.
Information on films at the festival, as well as camp and contest details, can be found on the festival website www.prfilmfestival.ca. Passes for the festival are now on sale online and at Breakwater Books and Coffee, 6812A Alberni Street. Individual film tickets will go on sale late January, online and at Breakwater, Armitage Mens Wear in Town Centre Mall, and the festival office, 201A 7373 Duncan Street. For more information, readers can call 604.485.0325, extension 224.
