Patrick O'Hearn

Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival

Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival was established in 1989 and despite some early skepticism, Sudburians quickly proved that a mining-oriented community could be receptive to repertory film culture, as cinema-buffs crowded theatres during the inaugural three-day event. Each year since, the Festival has continued to mature and expand, evolving into a full-service film organization which currently screens approximately 135 films, over a 9-day period. These films include: full-length features, shorts, documentaries and animations, showcasing each September. Since the overwhelming success of the Festival in 2003 Festival organizers have worked aggressively to ensure accessibility for its audiences, and in 2004 the Festival expanded from 6.5 to 9 days. At this time, Cinéfest was also established as a year-round venue to showcase the best in film. The Festival's programming now provides audiences with even greater access to the works of Canadian film artists and are providing area schools with educational and inspirational film works that meet the needs of their curriculums. In 2010, Cinéfest Sudbury introduced Cinema Summit, a Festival-long presentation, exchange and development series, devoted to the celebration, promotion and advancement of Canada's new and emerging filmmaking talent. Cinema Summit features a large number of post-film Q&As with respective talent, panel discussions, master classes and lectures; introducing attendees to experts in the film and media arts industries. Cinéfest Sudbury has also extended significant support to its regional film artists. Through programs such as Northern Connections (which highlights the best and brightest of Northern Ontario's regional film talent) and the CTV Best in Shorts Competition (which has awarded over $100,000 in cash prizes to up-and-coming regional film talent), the Festival has served as a place for regional artists to develop, while also having their work showcased and celebrated.