A new film festival showcasing local wildlife-inspired short films and documentaries will make its debut next month.
The event, called the Paws and Claws Film Festival, is presented by the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre, Wild ARC.
“We are really excited about the launch of this first ever annual film festival,” says Gina Bugslag, BC SPCA events coordinator for Vancouver Island. “The purpose of the festival is to promote awareness, knowledge and understanding of wildlife, habitat, people and nature, through excellence in film, television, and other media. We are inviting all Western Canadian filmmakers, first time, amateur or pros of any age to submit their take on the diversity of wildlife in this part of the world and the challenges they face.”
Films can be submitted on one of three themes: Youth Wildlife Education; Urban Wildlife; Wild Settings. The Entry fee is $10 and films made in any style or genre from 2009 and on are eligible.
The deadline for submissions is Oct. 15. Nominated films will be screened during the festival, with a screening Nov. 3 in Victoria at which the general public will be able to vote for their favourites. Online viewing and voting will run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5. Viewing and voting is by donation (suggested donation $10). Prizes will be awarded for the top three films and winning films will be featured in BC SPCA promotional materials.
Films can portray Western Canadian wildlife at play, engaging in interesting behaviour, at home in their natural habitat or adapting to life in an urban environment. “Wildlife” encompasses free-living birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish and insects.
For detailed information on how to submit material as well as other pertinent details visit www.spca.bc.ca/filmfestival, or email gbugslag@spca.bc.ca for more information.