2010 marks the fifth year for The Vancouver Island Short Film Festival! The Festival continues to celebrate the best works by Vancouver Island Filmmakers.

Sponsored by the Nanaimo Arts Council, the festival debuted in 2006 and held a sold out screening of short films by local filmmakers at the Nanaimo Entertainment Centre. In 2007 we received 48 entries of short films from filmmakers on Vancouver Island, 17 of which were screened at the festival. The festival itself sold out very quickly and the response was incredible. Several audience members and entrants told us it was the best short film festival they had ever attended. Given the success of the previous two years the festival ran 2 shows in January 2008.

There are many feature film festivals in Nanaimo and on Vancouver Island, but none that specifically serve short filmmakers from our community. All entries featured local actors, writers, directors, musicians and film technicians. The 2010 Vancouver Island Short Film Festival promises to be even bigger and better in its fifth year. Awards will be given out for several categories with cash prizes including a people’s choice award.

The 2010 festival will take place on two nights. Opening night will be Friday, February 12th and the second showing will be February 13th. Both nights will commence at 7 p.m. at the Vancouver Island University Theatre. Awards will be presented following the screening on the 13th.

Tickets are $15 and are on sale now at The Nanaimo Arts Council (Nanaimo North Town Centre), Falconer Books (Port Place Mall), The House of Indigo (Commercial Street, Nanaimo) and The Nanaimo Art Gallery (VIU Nanaimo Campus).

The Vancouver Island Short Film Festival creates opportunities for local filmmakers, not only to screen their films, but to network with other film professionals and inspire growth in our film community. For more information contact us at admin@visff.com or 250-729-3947.