Submissions are open for the 2019 Vancouver Island Short Film Festival.
Last year the festival received 127 entries from filmmakers in 19 countries, an all-time best for the fest. The selection committee had the task of whittling that assortment down to the final 18 films, which were shown in three screenings over the course of two days at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre.
Returning to take up that mantle are VISFF founder Johnny Blakeborough, Shaw TV videographer Jocelyn Matwe and Western Edge Theatre executive director Frank Moher. New to the selection team are Mallory Gibson, screenwriter and an assistant director on the TV show Riverdale, and local artist and former film and television actor Valentina Cardinalli.
“I’m excited,” Cardinalli said.
“I can’t wait to see [the films]. I just love it when people put forth their creative ideas and realize an artistic vision. I just love it. I almost want all the films to get in.”
VISFF director Karla Duarte said the festival is seeking a diversity of genre. The only requirement is that the films be no longer than 12 minutes including credits. She said the committee will prioritize strong narrative over technical quality.
“Something we’re very conscious of is what happens when we receive so many entries that narrowing it down becomes more and more difficult,” Duarte said, adding that the VISFF is open to adding additional screenings to accommodate more films.
Like last year, 10 per cent of screening time or two films, whichever is greater, will be reserved for Vancouver Island films. Filmmakers from the Island can submit their work free of charge.
“The calibre of local entries has been increasing every year, so if it’s someone’s first time they should totally enter because you never know…” Duarte said.
“There are some amazing local storytellers and we really hope that they submit again this year and really encourage them to submit because it is a great networking opportunity.”
When she’s watching through this year’s entries, Cardinalli will be making her picks based on a simple principle: “It better not be boring.”
“The most important criteria for me is that it not be boring. It’s just got to grab you in whatever way it does that and hold me for the duration…” she said.
“So in that 12 minutes I’d really like to maybe see something from a different perspective or gain a little knowledge in a certain area or be stunned by some visuals or maybe experience a taste of a different culture.”
More information regarding local submissions can be acquired by contacting submissions@visff.com. Films must be submitted at www.visff.com/event-info/submit by Nov. 16.
WHAT’S ON … The 14th annual Vancouver Island Short Film Festival takes place on Feb. 1 and 2, 2019, at Malaspina Theatre. General admission is $15, $10 for students.
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