4TheRcrd Mag.

What’s delightfully free in VIFF, you ask? Well, aside from the screenings taking place every 2 weeks prior to the VIFF start, VIFF and Cineworks present MEET THE FILMMAKERS - A Series of Free Seminars at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Not all of us have the resources to see films, based on schedules or finances - so here’s another option, and it’s completely free! Check back soon for more film reviews and previews, compliments of the new editors here at BR.

For the 13th year running, Cineworks presents informal and insightful panel discussions with filmmakers attending the festival provide a rare opportunity for film festival audiences to engage in meaningful dialogue with the creative visionaries of modern cinema. Taking place between 29 September - 12 October, seminars will be held at Cineworks via the Pacific Cinematheque [1131 Howe], and at the Vancouver International Film Centre & Vancity Theatre [1181 Seymour Street]. Check Cineworks or call 604.685.3841 for exact locations.

Seminars are Absolutely FREE of charge and open to everyone - just bring your love of film and prepare to be inspired!

Confirmed seminars include:

Monday October 1st 12 noon - 1:00pm
CREATIVE NON-FICTION IN FILM
Panelist: Jennifer Fox (Flying: Confessions of a Free Woman)
Moderator: Nova Ami

Part diary, part anthropological study, Jennifer Fox’s Flying: Confessions of a Free Woman is an artful, philosophical and intimately personal interpretation of what it means to be a free woman today. This discussion will explore how our creative process shapes our lives, how our lives shapes the subject matter, all the while focusing on the use of creative storytelling in non-fiction film.
Presented by: Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society

Friday October 5th 6:00pm - 7:00pm
FILM SCHOOLS AND THEIR IMPACT ON FILM COMMUNITIES
Panelists: Amy Belling (Hirsute), Gwen Haworth (She’s a Boy I Knew), Bruce Sweeney (American Venus)
Moderator: Liz Shorten
In the last decade, many private schools and colleges have opened film programs due to the size of the film industry in Vancouver. Yet UBC’s Dean of Arts is looking at shutting down UBC’s film production program. As UBC has one of the only graduate level film production program in Western Canada, its loss would no doubt have an impact on future Western Canadian filmmaking. Though colleges and trade schools may continue to exist, neither provides the broad liberal arts education that a university can offer, nor the graduate level program that allows an experienced filmmaker to mature their individual. What is the role of film schools in shaping Vancouver’s and Canada’s (independent) film industry and community?
Presented by: Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society

FILMMAKING FOR AND ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT
Panelists: Laura Dunn (The Unforeseen), Oliver Hodge (Garbage Warrior), Mark Leiren-Young (The Green Chain)
Moderator: Maia Iozova
Join these environmental filmmakers for a dynamic discussion on the challenges of making films with our precious planet in mind¬-from leaving a smaller footprint during production, to creating films with integrity that break down boundaries or decide to stay purposefully within them. Learn about the approaches of these three diverse filmmakers as they discuss their experience from pre-production to the release of their films.
Presented by: Documentary Organisation of Canada - BC Chapter

Sunday October 7th 5:00pm - 6:00pm
POINT OF VIEW DOCUMENTARIES

Panelists: Tiffany Burns (Mr. Big), Nadav Schirman (The Champagne Spy), Goncalo Tocha (Balaou)
Moderator: Steve Rosenberg
Point of view documentaries have come to the fore in recent years, forcing film audiences to reevaluate their trust of the “objective voice” of “invisible” filmmakers. The filmmakers represented here, though, have decided to wear their creative stamps proudly, letting their perspectives form a significant part of their productions. How does the inclusion of their “subjective” and transparent voice gain the viewer’s trust and empathy, and help to encourage the viewer into action/activism? What special insights are gained when filmmakers become visible? Via outrage and applause, this new wave of documentary films are serving as a catalyst for passionate public discussion about issues of personal, national and global importance.
Presented by: Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society

Tuesday October 9th 15:00 - 16:00
CASHING IN TO WIN: CREATIVE FILM FINANCING
Panelists: Tiffany Burns (Mr. Big), Tracy D. Smith (Taming Tammy)
Moderator: Yvette Dudley-Neuman

Making your own feature? Join us for this in-depth look at creatively financing your feature film and what you need to know about plot, characters, locations, crew and casting to realize your dreams on the big screen. Writer/ Director Tracy D. Smith, and Producer/Director Tiffany Burns share their insights on how creativity and courage helped them make it to the big screen!
Presented by: Women in Film and Television Vancouver

Wednesday October 10th
ENCOURAGING DIVERSITY BEHIND AND IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA,
Panelists: Jake Dunbar (Playground Dual), Jim Finn (La Trinchera Luminosa del Presidente Gonzalo), John Jeffcoat (Outsourced), Michael V. Smith (Wolf Lake)
Moderator: Deanne Esdale
It is vital, both creatively and socially, to allow the voice of all to be heard. Though this is an easier said than done task, these filmmakers have taken the leap of realizing diversity in film through the telling of their own and others’ stories. How does the existence of these films contribute to shaping the identity of the people their subject matter addresses? What stories do people tell about themselves when given an opportunity to do so? How can self-empowerment be encouraged through the medium of film?
Presented by: Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society.

Meet the Filmmakers is made possible by the collective efforts of some of Vancouver’s finest film organizations-Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society, Documentary Organisation of Canada, Praxis Centre for Screenwriters, Women in Film + Television Vancouver, the Vancouver International Film Festival and all our wonderful volunteers.

PICTURE CREDIT: t i n y e y e s’ photostream