Introduction

by Tony Massett
Welcome to this year’s film festival where we plan to entertain you with screenings of innovative and diverse imagery, as we probe the vast complexities of contemporary life through the presentation of independent film, video and projection art.

The moniker film festival is something of a misnomer, considering the expansive nature of film, video and multimedia that has incrementally grown to become a significant feature of this festival and the art world in general. Nevertheless, this ever expanding visual repertoire continues its dissection and critique of the pressing issues of the day, in an increasingly fragile world.

A few changes in this year’s budget have effected the format of the festival. Instead of the festival spanning the usual two weekends, this year will be consolidated into one weekend. We have been fortunate in receiving funding from Tourism Ontario to enhance the festival’s tourism potential. We have implemented this funding by purchasing a new portable movie screen and equipment. This will significantly expand our capability for screening outdoors and has allowed us to expand into performance art with a musical focus. We will feature Bob Wiseman of Blue Rodeo fame, performing with his band as the music component to Guy Maddin’s film Cowards Bend the Knee and Montreal composer Ben Shemie will premier his latest work Invisible Ink comprising an ensemble of string musicians and media artists.

Michelle Gay will project her video installation Spampoet onto the windows of the old Stedmans store on Durham’s main street, while at the Durham Art Gallery Diane Landry’s media installation explores the visually sublime through the prism of the prosaic and mundane.

Filmmaker John Greyson will be present to introduce his documentary Fig Trees recent winner of a Teddy Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. An unsparing portrayal of the continuing impact of the AIDS epidemic and the political quagmire surrounding its treatment.

Heather Keung of the Reel Asian Film Festival is presenting a provocative and poignant program of mixed media performances and videos by Asian women.

New Generation’s Choice, a program juried by the young adults of the surrounding area, with their keen insights and focused cultural perspective, will offer an incisive and critical overview of contemporary video entertainment.

Once again we are pleased to announce that Leslie Chan will be conducting filmmaking workshops for kids and adults. So book early as enrolment fills up fast.

Come out and slake your aesthetic thirst in the sultry summer air as we provide a long weekend of thoughtful exuberance and vibrant contemplation.

Opening Reception

July 30, 8pm
Durham Art Gallery

Followed by:
F'n F's at 9pm

Produced by

Supported by