Calling all aspiring filmmakers and wildlife fanatics!
The BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) is now accepting film entries for the second annual Paws and Claws Film Festival, which showcases North American wildlife-inspired short films and documentaries.
Public screening and voting on the finalist films, as selected by festival organizers, will be held both online during October (dates TBA) and at a screening event on Oct. 21 in Victoria.
“We are really excited to announce that this year’s Paws and Claws Film Festival has been expanded to accept wildlife-inspired films from across Canada and the United States,” says Sara Dubois, manager of wildlife services at the BC SPCA. “Last year’s inaugural event was a great success. We are excited to see what amazing wildlife footage our entrants will have in store for us this year.”
Dubois says the purpose of the Paws and Claws Film Festival is to promote awareness, knowledge and understanding of wildlife and nature through excellence in film. All filmmakers – first time, amateur or pros of any age – are invited to submit their take on the diversity of wildlife in North America and the challenges they face.
Wildlife may be shown in their natural habitats or, where applicable, in their adapted urban environments.
Specifically, “wildlife” includes free-living birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish and insects, but not exotic, feral or domestic animals, or wildlife in zoos or rehabilitation facilities.
Entry categories include three minutes or under, 12 minutes or under and 45 minutes or under. The film entry fee is $10 and films made in any style or genre from 2009 and on are eligible. Submission deadline is Sept. 28.
Awards will be presented to the top films in each of the three entry categories, as selected by festival organizers and public votes.
Formal announcement of the award winners will be held at Wild ARC’s annual fundraiser and dinner auction on Nov. 3, at CFB Esquimalt (Naden Wardroom). Tickets will be available online.
For detailed information on how to submit material as well as other pertinent details please visit www.spca.bc.ca/filmfestival.
