More great Canadian talent showcased at the St. John's International Women's Film Festival

ST. JOHN'S, Oct. 16, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - As the St. John's International Women's Film Festival (SJIWFF) kicks off its five-day festival with a screening of Deepa Mehta's Midnight's Children, Telefilm Canada and the Canada Media Fund are encouraging more Canadians to get out and experience great Canadian talent and film. The sold-out event is expected to attract more than 1,000 people this evening.

"The success of our industry is a testament to the energy, enthusiasm and passion of countless creative talents and entrepreneurs. Talented Canadians such as Deepa Mehta grace our screens with stories that can be enjoyed on the big screen and television screen alike," said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund. "The Canada Media Fund is proud to be associated with great successes that garner Canada-wide recognition and international acclaim."

"Telefilm Canada is proud to be a part of another opening night screening of Deepa Mehta's Midnight's Children at one of the longest running women's film festivals in the world… the St. John's International Women's Film Festival," said Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. "After its success at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Calgary International Film Festival, Telefilm is excited to bring this movie to St. John's, which provides yet another opportunity to showcase great Canadian talent."

"The St. John's International Women's Film Festival is excited to open this year's festival with the screening of Midnight's Children, a film directed by Deepa Mehta," said Dr. Noreen Golfman, Founding Director of the St. John's International Women's Film Festival. "Deepa Mehta is a prime example of how women can achieve great success in the film industry. As we begin our five day festival with the opening night red carpet, we hope that Canadians and Newfoundlanders will come out and experience award-winning films such as Midnight's Children and see quality works by women from around the world."

The opening night gala featuring the screening of Midnight's Children, a film directed by Deepa Mehta and based on the Booker Prize winning novel by Salman Rushdie, will take place on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at 7:30 pm at the Arts and Culture Centre. For more information on the festival, please visit http://www.womensfilmfestival.com/. Follow SJIWFF on Twitter @SJIWFF and like us on Facebook.

Established in 1989, the St. John's International Women's Film Festival attracts over 4,000 participants and aims to promote and support women filmmakers. Over a five-day period, the SJIWFF will present a powerful international program of short films, documentaries, and feature works.

For information on how to purchase tickets for the festival, please visit http://www.womensfilmfestival.com/the-festival/tickets/.

SOURCE: TELEFILM CANADA

Douglas Chow, Telefilm Canada
Office: [phone] ext. 2225
[email protected]

Pierre Campeau, Canada Media Fund
Office: [phone]
[email protected]

Sarah Smellie
Publicity and Communications Manager, The St. John's International Women's Film Festival
Office: [phone] Cell: [phone]
[email protected]