The red carpet will be rolled out this evening to mark the opening of the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival, Canada’s longest-running film festival for women.
Women are significantly under-represented in the film industry, especially in creative and financial positions of authority says Interim Executive Director Meaghan Hollett.
The St. John’s event, launched 33 years ago, is not just about films. There’s also considerable discussion going on behind the scenes to try to improve opportunities for women in film.
Ruth Lawrence, a local filmmaker, produced a short documentary this year titled “A Lot of Love in the Room,” which reflects on the history of the festival.
The five-day festival kicks off tonight at Cineplex in the Avalon Mall.
There’s also a film industry forum which includes panel discussions on all sorts of issues including where the industry can make changes.