The Vancouver Island Short Film Festival shines a spotlight on independent films every year.
The festival has continued to grow over the last 11 years it has run.
“We definitely want to continue to grow the festival,” said Karla Duarte, director of the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival. “This year it looks like we will sell out.”
While the format stays the same every year, Duarte says it is always a different experience because of the variety of films shown.
This year, 13 films were chosen: A Late Thaw by Kim Barr; Dude, Where’s My Ferret? By Alison Parker; I am Not Perfect by Sopithan Rajeswaran; Kindergarten, Da Bin Ich Wieder by Aubrey Arnason and Kalyn Miles; Lost by Michael Chen; Mind Game Demon by Angie Hawes; Moth by Evan Britz; Sweet Dreams Norma Jean by Dave Hamilton; The Home Show by Graham Stark; Tugende Baseballer by Hubert Kang and Heather Mosher; Unlock by Isaac Hor; With Dad by Matt Kincses and Vancouver Island Traditional Foods Conference by Elizabeth Kawahara.
The film festival received 47 entries. More than half were from Vancouver Island, with 13 from the Lower Mainland and four nationally. There were also three international entries from Malaysia, Los Angeles and the Czech Republic.
Duarte said getting more international entries helps expose local filmmakers to “different ideas and a broader commentary.”
The film festival is at Malaspina Theatre Friday (Feb. 12) at 7 p.m. followed by a musical performance by Boomshack and Saturday (Feb. 13) at 2 p.m. followed by a filmmaker Q&A at 7 p.m. followed by the award ceremonies.
Duarte said if people have a ticket for Saturday they are welcome to come to Boomshack’s show at about 9:30 p.m. after the screenings.
Tickets are $15 or $10 for students, available online at www.visff.com/tickets or www.porttheatre.com or calling 250-754-8550.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com