Something to Think About - ViewFinders: International Film Festival for Youth Unveils Thought-Provoking Film Program ... Including a Canadian Premiere!
Halifax, NS, April 8, 2009 - The 8th ViewFinders: International Film Festival for Youth (April 21 - 25, 2009) announced today it's full film program, which includes streams of programming geared towards Preschool, Elementary School, Junior High/ High School audiences, as well as specific programs for francophone/French Immersion students, families and Aboriginal Studies.
"We have truly elevated the ViewFinders program this year to include films that are relatable to students of all ages, while always being thought-provoking in their subjects, themes and formats," said Andrew Murphy, Programming Manager. "We want to spread the notion that a children's film festival can actually engage and inspire film fans of all ages."
It's Not Me, I Swear (C'est pas moi, je le jure) by Quebec director Philippe Falardeau opens The Festival this year at the Oxford Theatre on April 21. It tells the story of a hypersensitive young boy who endures his life's troubles with a vivid imagination and streak of mischief. It's Not Me, I Swear was a runaway hit at the 28th Atlantic Film Festival, earning its young lead actor Antoine L'Ecuyer Best Actor honours at The Festival this past September.
The Best of the Fest Closing Gala returns to the this year on April 25th with it's biggest and best collection of films to date. Headlining the evening is the Canadian Premiere of the newest installment to the much loved Wallace and Gromit claymation series A Matter of Loaf and Death. Among the selected films screening is the surreal rotoscope animation short The Even More Fun Trip by Bob Sabiston (Waking Life) and hauntingly beautiful Danish short We Who Stayed Behind.
Among some of the not to be missed feature documentaries at ViewFinders this year include the indie art film Roadsworth: Crossing the Line, and two films that chronicle both the hardships and inspirational stories of Canadian Aboriginals - Club Native by award-winning director Tracey Deer, and Wabanaki People of the Dawn: Dreamcatchers by Terry Fulmer.
ViewFinders is also proud to be one of the lone festivals screening the critically acclaimed documentary about copyrighting in the age of digital music RiP: A Remix Manifesto in both English and French. The film stars acclaimed mash-up DJ Girl Talk.
This year ViewFinders is also screening it's largest French Program. The full day dedicated to French cinema takes place on April 22nd, and offers nine films for youth ages 3 to 18 including the eco-friendly themed animated feature Mia et le Migou, and La belle personne, the film for High School aged students based on the bestselling French novel Princesse de Cleves. It's Not Me I Swear (C'est pas moi, je le jure) will also be screened in French, and will feature a discussion panel after the screening.
In addition to It's Not Me I Swear, two other films that received rave reviews at the 28th Atlantic Film Festival are making their return to Nova Scotia at ViewFinders. The Danish film Fighter, and award-winning Australian film The Black Balloon were both praised for their adventurous storytelling geared towards a teen and young adult audience, and are not to be missed this time around.
There are also nine collections of short films screening through the five-days of The Festival - including a selection of short films by local Halifax filmmakers including Pardis Parker's Afghan, The Scavengers by Cory Bowles and This Movie is More Than It's Title by first time filmmaker Melanie Barron.
For all dates, times, locations and age recommendations please consult the full schedule of ViewFinders screenings which can be found in this year's ViewFinders Program Guide or online at www.atlanticfilm.com/view.
To Purchase Tickets to ViewFinders Screenings
Online - atlanticfilm.com/view
By Phone - ViewFinders Ticket Hotline, 902-422-6965
In Person - ViewFinders Box Office (From April 21 - April 25)
Empire 18 Cinemas, Bayers Lake. 190 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax.
Or at select Ticketpro.ca outlets. Please visit the ViewFinders website for a full list of locations.
About ViewFinders
ViewFinders: International Film Festival for Youth takes place April 21-25, 2009 and works to inspire young people to find and broaden their own views of the world through hands-on media workshops, networking with professionals in the industry, and exposure to the large scope of international cinema.
ViewFinders: International Film Festival for Youth is an annual production of the Atlantic Film Festival Association (AFFA), along with alFresco filmFesto, Strategic Partners and the Atlantic Film Festival.
ViewFinders gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Hansen-MacDonald Family and the Copyright Collective of Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Cristin Anelysse Fraser, Communications Officer
Tel: (902) 452-9544
Email: cristinf@atlanticfilm.com