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November 3, 2005

New International Film Centre a Hit with Leading-Edge Technology

Vancouver, British Columbia – Vancouver's growing and internationally renowned film and television industry, today received an investment of $200,000 for the new Vancouver International Film Centre from the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport).

"This centre will foster a strong domestic film industry to succeed in an increasingly competitive global film market," said Minister Owen. "Vancouver's International Film Festival screens some of the world's most innovative movies and short films. Our economy will benefit by showcasing B.C.'s film talent to a global audience."

The Greater Vancouver International Film Society has purchased specialized theatre and audio equipment for the new Vancouver International Film Centre. The centre will foster Vancouver's filmmaking and film-going community through leading-edge technology in film and moving image production. It will be a resource for the film community and provide independent filmmakers an affordable venue to promote their work to a diverse audience.

"We are grateful for the support received from Western Economic Diversification Canada, enabling us to complete our spectacular new facility, " said Jane MacDonald, Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Greater Vancouver International Film Society. " The new Film Centre is an important addition to the cultural fabric of our community and one that would not have been possible without the department's generous and timely contribution."

The Greater Vancouver International Film Society has organized the Vancouver International Film Festival for the past 22 years. The festival's purpose is to encourage the understanding of other nations through the art cinema, to foster the art of cinema, and to stimulate the motion picture industry in British Columbia and Canada. The Society also organizes the Film and Trade Forum that takes place in late September. The forum supports professional development and trade in the film industry by bringing together some of the world's leading experts in the field.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada through activities that advance Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Communities. Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget.

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