Youth film project is a big success

A youth film initiative through the Yorkton Film Festival has proven a huge success.

Last November, the Yorkton Film Festival was announced as a recipient of Canada 150 Funding, through Canadian Heritage, to undertake projects to celebrate Canada’s 150th. The festival embarked on an ambitious goal of getting youth from across Canada involved by getting them to make short films which highlight our nation’s diversity.

“This project has been embraced by so many young people. We are so proud of the stories they have told,” said Executive Director Randy Goulden.

The program attracted 50 films entered in the high school competition and youth showcase.

Those films will be screened at this year’s festival, which runs Thursday to Saturday this week in the city.

And the winning entries will be broadcast through City Saskatchewan and Rogers.

“This student film competition creates very original storytelling about inclusivity and diversity” said Joanne McDonald, GM of City Saskatchewan, in a prepared release and as the provincial broadcaster, we look forward to sharing these films on our channel to help commemorate Canada 150.

This marks the first round of submissions in the project. A second deadline has been set for both the high school competition and showcase, for November 30. This will give youth another opportunity to share their films if they weren’t able to submit for this spring.

“Through its Canada 150 project, the Yorkton Film Festival is providing youth with an opportunity to share their stories of our country’s rich diversity. We want to continue to build a welcoming country where there is a place for everyone – a Canada where everyone can reach their full potential. I applaud the Yorkton Film Festival for undertaking this inspiring project for Canada’s youth,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, in the release.

More information about the youth film projects can be found on the festival website (yorktonfilm.com), along with information on how films can be submitted.