In Development

I’m happy to report that Black Field, the feature I line produced this spring, will premier at the Vancouver International Film Festival next month.

It will screen October 13 at 9 pm and October 14 at 12:20 pm at the Empire Granville.

The current issue of Reel West has Black Field as its cover story. Great pics and quotes from cast and crew.

Thanks to my involvement with the NSI Features First program, I was able to attend TIFF on an industry pass this year. I was inspired and encouraged by the people I met and the films I saw. By far the most valuable aspect of attending TIFF for me was having the opportunity to meet with producers, directors and writers, of all levels. I had a good chance to talk with NSI and CFC alumni.

The social events were fun opportunities to connect with old acquaintances and make some new ones. The Manitoba Party was one of the hottest tickets, and an awesome night of networking with Manitobans and expats.

I took in about 18 features. My biggest impression was that the chances people are taking in making films on very low budgets are paying off. I was inspired to hear stories of producers and directors taking on low-budget projects and making them happen.

The audience response to Canadian films like The Trotsky, Gun to the Head, Chloe and Passenger Side was gratifying to witness. I was completely impressed with the reach of Ruba Nadda’s Cairo Time, especially as a second feature, and the calibre of actors she was able to attract to the project. The shorts were definitely worth watching to get a feel for the breadth of Canadian filmmaking, especially as it incorporates landscape.

Three non-Canadian films I loved: Bright Star, Un prophète, and An Education.

On a personal creative level, I was inspired by the films as both a producer and as a writer. I have new lists of ideas, research, connections and applications to carry out this fall/winter!