Calling all filmmakers. The Golden Film Festival (GFF) wants your creation — whether that be a documentary about your father or a film that shows off your latest tricks on the hill. The film festival, spearheaded by Rider Media’s Cliff Markham, is launching into its fourth season after three years of sold-out festivals.
This year’s festival will take place on March 19th at the Mount 7 Rec Plex, with a submission deadline of March 5th. All films will be judged prior to the event and a selection of top films will be screened at the main event. The GFF also invites films from ages 18 & under to help promote active lifestyles and media arts within our community’s youth.
Markham said he puts on the festival because he loves films and has a competitive spirit. He used to screen Warren Miller and other types of action sport films, but quickly tired of the monotony of content as he enjoys films with a bit more narrative.
Originally, anybody could submit films and they could be filmed anywhere in the world. This year, the festival is asking that at least 40 per cent of the film be shot within the BC interior, which includes the Columbia Basin, East Kootenays and West Kootenays.
“People in the community really appreciate the local aspect of it and seeing their buddies in the films,” said Markham. “I think it’s a great way to promote tourism in our area, too.”
Submissions must also be filmed within the past three years and shouldn’t be longer than 20 minutes in length. Although the max is 20 minutes, films that are shorter will have a better chance of being screened.
“The shorter the better,” said Markham. “As always, it’s quality over quantity.”
As for what films have been successful in the past, Markham said they usually involve careful planning, some sort of script and storyline. After that, the sky is the limit.
Prizes for the categories, which include genres like documentary, action sport, drama and music, will be determined closer to the date of the festival. There will also be a people’s choice award to be determined by audience voting.
The current roster of sponsors include Liberty Skis, Sole, Pinkbike.com, Intuition, Ewan & McKenzie Lawyers, Rider Media, Kicking Horse Resort, Golden Star, The Force, Biglines.com, Mt. Begbie Brewing Co, Avalanche Safety Solutions, Gulf Island Film & Television School, Alpine Club or Canada, Icebreaker, Altitude Adventures, Elite Nutrition, Kicking Horse Gear Exchange, and even more on the way.
For further information on the Golden Film Festival 2011, to learn more about the submission guidelines or to watch this year’s teaser, please visit www.goldenfilmfestival.com.
