Charlottetown Film Festival celebrates 10 years from Oct. 17-20
CBC asked Festival Director Jenna MacMillan a few questions about this year's event:
Is there one film, that is creating a buzz, before the film festival opens?
"This is tough, we have so many stunners, like Kaniehtiio Horn's debut feature Seeds, and Teaches of Peaches by Philipp Fussenegger and Judy Landkammer, that are exciting to see on the lineup.
"We are very proud of Islander Brian Mason for having his Atlantic Canadian premiere of Drive Back Home, starring Alan Cummings alongside the Atlantic premiere of Heather Young's sophomore feature, There, There and Jason Buxton's much anticipated, Sharp Corner, starring Ben Foster and Cobie Smulders."
To mark the festival's 10th year is there anything special planned?
"To mark the 10th anniversary of the Charlottetown Film Festival we are proud to be hosting the second annual Film Industry Forum taking place at The Guild in Charlottetown. The forum features industry panels, spotlight sessions and new this year, one-on-one meetings with industry professionals from across the country."
Is the Charlottetown Film Festival experiencing an increase of films made by P.E.I. filmmakers?
"Yes, and in fact, the festival has had 10 times more submissions from all over the world than any other year. Our local film community has grown exponentially in the past 10 years and we're very excited to be highlighting Island filmmakers: Teresa Kuo, Logan Fulford, Millefiore Clarkes, Brian Mason and Katie DeRoche in our lineup this year."
What is one thing festival attendees will think about, long after the festival is over?
"We are hearing from all of our VIPs and guests that they have wanted to come to P.E.I. for a long time and that's it's checking off a bucket list item for many. We know that our guests will be blown away by the beauty of the island combined with the many local offerings Charlottetown has to offer.
"City Cinema is our screening venue for all screenings and we know that first time visitors will be inspired by its classic charm. We have fantastic events lined up local venues like Marc's Lounge, Gahan House, Pony Boat, Charlottetown Fire Hall and Salvador Dali Cafe. We are pleased our community partners have stepped up to show off what P.EI. does best: Hospitality."