The Forest City Film Festival is preparing for its annual week-long event from Oct. 14 to 22. Forest City Film Festival Executive Director Dorothy Downs says that this festival is where people celebrate and nurture the film industry in Southwestern Ontario.
“Film is vital for our culture, history and moral compass. We have fantastic talent in this region and city to show,” Downs says. “It is overlooked because we tend to be very humble. What better way to show that talent than with a festival where people can honour, learn and connect with the work being made in this region?”
Downs says they expect around 5,000 people for this year’s Film Festival. She adds that all films at the festival come from the “hearts of artists.”
“It is a different experience than seeing big blockbusters that studios might regurgitate. Those are not stories from the people’s hearts that the audience can connect emotionally with,” Downs says.
Downs says there is something for everyone as the festival screens feature shorts, documentaries, short documentaries, and short animations. She adds that their opening night film this year is Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe.
“There are about 80 films this year, and we also have a screenwriting competition to reward the best filmmakers of the night,” Downs says.
Forest City Film Festival Fund Development Manager Jacqueline Demendeev says that film and, especially, film festivals are great places to encounter new ideas, have amazing conversations and get exposure to the big companies.
“The younger generations who are curious about the world and want to know more about human nature, some other part of the planet, or themselves have the beautiful opportunity to explore all of those things through films,” Demendeev says.
Downs says that the Forest City Film Festival has always been about cultivating the talent around filmmaking. She adds that they have always supported filmmakers through their filmmaking journey.
“We are bringing important people from the industry to be able to talk to filmmakers who are just getting on their feet. London is a way friendlier place to do this than in Toronto.” Downs says.
Downs states that this Film Festival has three primary purposes: to generate pride and art in their audiences for the talent that comes from among them, to build the capacity of regional filmmakers and to inspire future filmmakers.
“We are not here just for students or future filmmakers; we are here for anybody who wants to get in the industry, improve their work, make connections, learn, and grow,” Downs says. “Anyone can apply for this festival no matter where they are from.”
Down says students benefit from attending the festival by seeing something unique and new, with great ideas and understanding the film community.
“You get the experience of hearing the reactions of other people around. Everyone is immersed in this incredible experience of impactful, powerful films,” Downs says.
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