YELLOWKNIFE (September 30, 2015) – The NWT Film Commission is proud to be a sponsor of the 9th annual Yellowknife International Film Festival (YKIFF), which opened Monday.
Founded and coordinated by Western Arctic Moving Pictures (WAMP), the week-long event will feature artist workshops and professional development opportunities, in addition to the screening of 39 feature and short films from around the world, including 11 from the NWT.
This year’s event celebrates the best of the NWT’s film industry alongside a line-up of productions relevant to circumpolar audiences.
Notable in this year’s line-up is Berkshire County - a multi-award winning feature film written by Yellowknife’s Chris Gamble. It chronicles a violent cat and mouse struggle for survival that begins when a bullied and self-loathing teen reluctantly agrees to babysit at an isolated country mansion on Halloween night.
For members of the NWT film industry, YKIFF will also include information and consultation sessions facilitated by the NWT Professional Media Association (NWTPMA) with institutions like Bell Media, the Canada Media Fund, the National Screen Institute and Raindance Canada.
“Thanks to organizations like WAMP and the NWTPA and with the foundation of talent that exists in the NWT, we are building our territory’s reputation as go-to destination in which to work and film,” says Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “With funding and program support provided through the NWT Film Commission, we’re proud to be a part of the growth that we are seeing in this annual festival - and in our industry overall.”
Established in 1999, the Northwest Territories Film Commission works to promote the NWT as an ultimate production location for feature films, commercials, documentaries, television programs, and still shoots. Under the Commission’s guidance, the GNWT’s first ever Film Strategy - Take One: NWT Film Strategy and Action Plan - was released In March of this year.
Way Up North: An Arctic Symphony – which will screen Sunday – is the first production to benefit from a new pilot film rebate program. It features performances by Leanne Goose, Abe Drennan and the Yellowknife Youth Choir in a travelogue documentary following award winning northern musicians as they look back at the origins of their music and the issues that informed and inspired it.
For a complete schedule of events, please visit: http://ykfilmfest.com/files/download/79defff3e1f08be
Media inquiries:
Briony Wright
Senior Communications Officer
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-920-6109
Email: Briony_Wright@gov.nt.ca