Johnny Blakeborough
Contributor
The Navigator
(Photo by: VISFF)
The Vancouver Island Short Film Festival (VISFF) is now accepting submissions for the 2014 show. VISFF, which will celebrate its ninth anniversary in 2014, is an annual event that brings filmmakers and filmgoers together, and continues to be the only short film festival on Vancouver Island that focuses on local talent. This year’s festival will take place on February 7 and 8, 2014.
“We are very excited to see this year’s submissions to the festival,” said Festival Director Johnny Blakeborough. “Every year we are so thrilled and impressed with the level of talent on Vancouver Island. I’m sure this year will bring us another amazing selection of films.”
Now, in its ninth year, VISFF is a hugely successful event. Building on the success of eight previous years, the festival continues to support local talent by providing filmmakers with an opportunity to screen their films in front of an audience. The festival accepts films from any location, so local films will be shown along with films potentially from anywhere in the world.
“Our main goal is to turn the spotlight on our talented local filmmakers,” said Blakeborough. “More than anything, this festival is for them. It’s an opportunity to show their films to a large audience. The festival also has a commitment to rewarding filmmakers that produce outstanding work—cash awards will be given out in several categories, including ‘Best Film.’ Thanks to the continued support of the Nanaimo Arts Council and its members, this year promises to be the best yet.”
The deadline for entry into the VISFF is November 1, 2013. However, films submitted before October 1 will qualify for the Early Bird entry fee rate of $20. The festival is looking for films in all genres, created by filmmakers of all levels of experience, with a running time of 12 minutes or less (including credits). Filmmakers may submit multiple entries, but each film requires a separate entry form and fee of $30 ($20 if submitted by October 1). Each film must be submitted separately (on a separate DVD, etc.), and no filmmaker shall have more than two films selected for the show. The VISFF is a juried event, and filmmakers receiving the distinction of official selection are entitled to artist fees. For more information regarding film submission, filmmakers should visit <visff.com> for entry forms and festival guidelines.
The festival will take place at the Malaspina Theatre on the Nanaimo Campus of Vancouver Island University on February 7 and 8 at 7pm. The 2014 show will be comprised of 12-20 juried films. This year’s festival will also include a filmmakers’ Q&A session. The Q&A gives audience members an opportunity to engage with filmmakers by asking questions, and to hear filmmakers speak passionately about their work.
Drop off entries at the Nanaimo Arts Council in Nanaimo North Town Centre, or mail to #259-4750 Rutherford Road, Nanaimo, B.C., V9T 4K6. Entry forms and festival guidelines are available at www.visff.com. For more information, email submissions@visff.com or call 250-729-3947.