YELLOWKNIFE (May 8, 2012) -- Northwest Territories resident Andrew Silke’s short film, Amelia, will screen at the 65th Cannes International Film Festival in France. Everyone in the cast and crew is from the Northwest Territories and the production was filmed in the territory.

This year’s Festival runs from May 16-27 and Amelia will screen as part of Telefilm Canada’s program, Not Short on Talent.

“Showcasing an NWT film at the renowned Cannes Film Festival just goes to show the amazing talent we have here in the Northwest Territories and the potential for the film industry here to thrive,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, David Ramsay. “Everyone here at the NWT Film Commission and the GNWT wishes the cast and crew the best of luck at the Festival.”

Providing support to the arts and the film industry is a joint effort between Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE). ITI provides support to NWT businesses, including those involved in film production, through its Support to Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy, and funded a significant portion of Mr. Silke’s travel costs to attend the Cannes Film Festival.  ECE provides support to the film industry through the NWT Arts Council and Northern Film and Media Arts Contributions programs, and made a funding contribution to support this project.

“Supporting the endeavors of Northern artists working in various media is very important,” said Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty.  “Everything they create provides a legacy of culture and a mosaic of Northern life.  For one of our filmmakers to be recognized at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals is a credit to the skill and vision of our artists and the opportunity this provides to share these with the world.”

About the NWT Film Commission

The NWT Film Commission is focused on the development of the NWT film industry and its local productions. The Commission provides support and advice on funding options available, markets and promotes the NWT as a filming location, supports and promotes the industry through funding programs and initiatives, and maintains a Film Suppliers Guide that acts as a resource to assist film productions on location in the NWT.


For more information, contact:

Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-920-8696