Film festival receives almost $30,000 in funding

NEWS RELEASE DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP ************************* Province provides funding for equipment and Film Festival co-ordinator The provincial government is investing in the Shadows of the Mind Film Festival with $28,600 to upgrade projector equip

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

*************************
Province provides funding for equipment and Film Festival co-ordinator

The provincial government is investing in the Shadows of the Mind Film Festival with $28,600 to upgrade projector equipment and to hire a Film Festival Co-ordinator, David Orazietti MPP, announced today.

“Our government is pleased to support the Shadows of the Mind Film Festival in its 15th season of educating people about mental health, addictions and social issues,” said Orazietti. “This funding will enable the festival to purchase a portable projector, hire a Film Festival Co-ordinator, and secure sponsorships so they can grow and work towards financial stability.”

The provincial funding, which is being delivered through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) over the next year, will allow for the purchase of a new portable projector which will increase the variety and quality of films shown at the festival and enable them to operate at different venues.

The film festival co-ordinator will help with raising sponsorship funds to enable the festival to become more self-sustainable.

This year’s annual Shadows of the Mind Film Festival runs from February 26 to March 2.

“How exciting that this Trillium grant comes at the same time as we celebrate our 15th year of bringing films to Sault Ste. Marie. The funds will allow the festival to upgrade equipment and enhance the movie experience. The grant will also allow for flexibility in allowing other community agencies or groups to use the equipment to suit their needs, as well,” says Annette Katajamaki, co-director, Shadows of the Mind Film Festival.

“In the years that we have been showcasing films on mental health, addictions and social issues, we have had more than 30,000 people attend our galas, workshops, panels and films, all the while creating awareness, educating our community, participating in meaningful discussion and simply enjoying the entertainment provided by film.”

A leading grant-maker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives.

An agency of the government of Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation builds healthy and vibrant communities.

Provincial investments through the Ontario Trillium Foundation in Sault Ste. Marie, since 2003, total over $5 million and include organizations such as: