Editor

The 11th annual Victoria Independent Film & Video is set to open this week with the anticipated film JIMMYWORKS by Canadian filmmaker Simon Sauve’

With submission reaching a record high of over a 1,000 for this years Festival, the programming is sure to be dynamic and well received by the film going audience of Victoria. Known for an ever growing and well-directed festival Victoria is a growing support to filmmakers as they prepare the next decade for VIFVF 2005. From February 4th to the 13th, 2005 on the beautiful Island of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and filmgoers will be entertained with the very best of new contemporary films from around the world.

Now looked upon as a top ten independent films Festival in Canada VIFVF is expanding to hold the first Canadian Co Production Conference during the first weekend of the Festival. The Trigger Point Conference will be highlighted as production companies will be gather together to discuss the aspects of development and commerce within the film industry and Canada. Participants are expected from Asia, Europe, US and Canada to work together on the future of film in North American and beyond.

Victoria has had an admirable first ten years as an independent festival with the addition each year of new and exciting events and programming. Kathy Kay Festival Director works year round to plan this the ten-day festival and is always seeking to encompass the community and arts together to support the visual aspects of cinema.

The mission of the Festival is to expose youth and adults to a broad range of cultural, artistic and philosophical ideas and lifestyles through the presentation of film, video, new media and interactivities in order to stimulate critical analysis and inspire an interest in using the medium as a creative tool. The Festival's vision is to establish an annual independent film event in Victoria with a worldwide reputation that is deeply anchored in the local community and that will eventually become a milestone in the career of young artists and filmmakers.

The Festival that offers high quality films, activities and events, encourages artistic innovation and creativity, provides access for a broad audience segment and is committed to cooperation and collaboration with other arts organizations as well as the business community. The programs are interactive, entertaining, enjoyable, educational and good value for money. The staff is friendly, open, proactive and committed to skills development in order to provide high quality services.




Some of the feature films set for the Festival this year are:
CABLE BEACH, GRAVEYARD ALIVE, HARRY KNUCKELS & THE PERL NECKLACE, JIMMYWORKS, LIES LIKE TRUTH, THE LIMB SALESMAN, THE LOVE CRIMES OF GILLIAN GUESS, SAINT RALPH, SHOW ME, SOME THINGS THAT STAY, TIDELINE, WHITE SKIN, ANGELA, BEAT THE DRUM,
THE BOYS & GIRLS FROM COUNTY CLARE, CLEAN, EL MAGO, EXIST, HAIR HIGH, HOLY CROSS, JESTER TILL, MILLIONS, THE PYTHON, QUITE UGLY ONE, RORY O’SHEA WAS HERE, SEX IS COMEDY, TWO GREAT SHEEP, VARES, ETERNAL PRESENT, MAX RULES, PRIMER, and PUBLIC LIGHTING

Documentary’s set for the Festival are:
BEETHOVEN’S HAIR, BEHIND THE MASCOT, BEING CARIBOU, DRAWING OUT THE DEMONS, FALANG BEHIND BANGKOK’S SMILE, INSIDE JEWISH VENICE, MONDOVINO,BORN INTO BROTHELS, OVERNIGHT. RHYTHM IS IT, ROSY FINGER DAWN, SCARED SCARED, SORAIDA: A WOMAN OF PALESTINE, WEIRD SEX AND SNOWSHOES, and WHAT REMAINS OF US

The festival will also feature over 70 shorts including the Oscar Nominated RYAN by Canadian filmmaker Chris Landreth during the ten-day Festival.