YELLOWKNIFE (April 29, 2014) – Today is National Canadian Film Day – an opportunity to raise awareness of the achievements of Canadian filmmakers and to encourage Canadians across the country to take time out and watch a great Canadian film.

As one of this year’s national sponsors, the NWT Film Commission is joining with its community partner Western Arctic Moving Pictures (WAMP) to commemorate this year’s event with a free “Dinner and a Movie (Screening)” beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 at the Northern United Place Auditorium in Yellowknife. The film is La Grande Seduction and chili and refreshments will be served.

“NWT filmmakers contribute both to the richness of our cultural community and to the NWT economy by showcasing our territory through their creativity and art,” Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay says. “National Canadian Film Day allows us to recognize these valuable contributions, and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is committed to providing the necessary support to help this important sector continue to grow.”

In response to requests from NWT filmmakers and in cooperation with industry representatives, the GNWT is currently finalizing a new NWT Film Strategy to provide a rationale and framework for future government investment in the industry. The new strategy will serve to identify and develop optimal approaches, business models, initiatives and programing that will help NWT film makers and the government work together to grow and sustain the NWT film industry.

In response to recommendations made in the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy, the GNWT is also preparing to pilot a rebate program to support filmmaking in the NWT over the next two years.

For more information:

Drew Williams
Manager, Communications and Engagement
NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy
Tel: (867) 873-7272
Email: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca