Jessica Schwitek
reporter2@thegoldenstar.net
The Golden Film Festival is heading into its fifth year, but founder Cliff Markham is no longer able to shoulder the responsibility on his own.
“I would really hate to see it disappear,” said Markham, a freelance camera operator who now bases himself primarily out of Vancouver. “But I just don’t have the time anymore, and unfortunately, I’m not going to be in Golden enough.”
Markham’s work takes him all over the world, and he is going to be too busy this year to pull the festival together, which is why he is hoping someone local will be willing to take it over.
The financially successful film festival, which usually takes place in March, features films and shorts which have been filmed partially or fully in the B.C. Interior. The purpose is to showcase the true culture of the Interior mountain communities and its surroundings.Starting last year, there was also a youth category to help promote active lifestyles and media arts within the community.
The content of these films can cover absolutely anything, as long as it is not commercial related.
Markham has already received numerous submissions for this year’s festival. Last year he screened 35 before picking between 18 and 20 to show at the RecPlex where the festival takes place.
“I already have everything lined up for this year – sponsors, filmmakers, insurance.” said Markham. “Whoever comes in to take it over will really just need to get the ducks lined in a row. Until the week surrounding the festival, there shouldn’t be that much to do. All it takes is an interest in community arts, and a little bit of time.”
In past years, Markham has had around 10 volunteers helping him out on the night, but has managed to organize everything else on his own.
For more information on the festival, go to goldenfilmfestival.com. Anyone interested can contact Markham via email at cliff@ridermedia.ca.
