Edmonton International Film Festival Passes Discount

Just a reminder that until Midnight tonight, you can order Reel Deal Film Festival passes or 6-pack passes for the Edmonton International Film Festival at 30% off! From the industry mailout:

Before you blast away for the long weekend, be sure to purchase your all-access, Reel Deal Film Festival Pass or 6-Pack. Until midnight TONIGHT -- Friday, August 31st -- Reel Deal passes are just $70 (regularly $100) and 6-Packs are $45 (regularly $60).

Purchase at TIX on the Square, Princess/Garneau Theatres (during movie screening hours), Earth's General Store or by phone at EIFF offices: 780-423-0844.

You can check out the full line-up of films and other events surrounding the festival at the official website.

Herland Film and Video Festival Closing

Due to the effects of funding cutbacks, it looks like the Herland Film and Video Festival had its last showing this year according to the Calgary Herald:

I'm very disappointed," says festival board member Tamrin Hildebrant, 33.

"Herland is the only film festival in Calgary that really focuses on films by women. We focus on topics that aren't covered in other film festivals."

For 17 years, Herland has provided a home to films that covered a range feminist-related topics not typically seen in the mainstream. From films about queer culture to movies by and for aboriginal women, women of colour and women with disabilities, the festival has hosted hundreds of independent movies throughout the years.

It began in 1989 when the Calgary Status of Women Action Committee, a feminist collective, joined with the Women of Colour Collective to host a film-focused fundraiser. Building up its audience throughout the years, the festival peaked in 2003-04 with an audience of about 1,700. The next year, however, the audience fell to 1,000."

Though I missed posting about this last month, it's still important to note the effects that government funding cutbacks have on smaller organizations.

You can read the full article at the link above.

2005 Dreamspeakers Film Festival

This weekend (June 22 to 25) is your chance to attend a unique film festival in Edmonton, Alberta. The Dreamspeakers Film Festival focuses on Aboriginal and Native documentaries, films, television shows, actors, directors, and producers. The event welcomes people of all cultures and will feature an incredible roster of talent from independent and high-budget Hollywood productions. Attendees also have the opportunity to participate in outstanding workshops led by industry professionals with topics ranging from Screenwriting to Acting and Filmmaking.

As a good friend of the Festival President, I can honestly say he has put his heart and soul into ensuring the Festival offers something for everyone and provides an excellent venue for storytellers to gather.

From the Dreamspeakers Film Festival website:

When the first Dene filmmaker returned home to Canada’s Northwest Territories, his people had no words for his new art. They called it Dreamtalking. When you make films a Dene elder said, you are speaking your dreams.

Over the course four days, Edmonton, Alberta becomes the site of an international gathering of our own Dreamtalkers: filmmakers, performers and artists. First Nation people from around the globe gather to share their common bond, a linkage with of a natural world whose harmonies and rhythms are being forgotten by those that came later.

Dreamspeakers Film Festival provides a venue for Dreamtalkers and offers a unique exploration into aboriginal cultures from all parts of the globe.

The Dreamspeakers Society supports, promotes and markets aboriginal culture, art and heritage. It is a resource for aboriginal filmmakers, for directors, scriptwriters, cameramen, technicians, actors, musicians, storytellers, artists and craftspeople. The Society is also a resource bank — a way to get in touch with aboriginal filmmakers, performers and artists. And through Dreamspeakers, aboriginal people receive training in arts, culture and festival operations.

Don't miss out on this annual showcase! Call Laurel at (780) 378-9609 to register and purchase tickets.