The artistic director for the inaugural Blue Mountain Film Festival is preparing to watch a lot of films as she receives submissions for the June event.
Helen du Toit, who recently moved to Clarksburg, has worked on many large film festivals in Canada, the U.S. and Scotland, to plan events and program films people will enjoy.
This one, she said, will be a little more personal.
"My dream for this festival in many ways is to create the festival I have always wanted to attend," said du Toit.
The Blue Mountain Film Festival is hosted by Blue Mountain Village, with sponsorship from Blue Mountain Resort, and is slated for June 1-5, 2022.
There will be about 25 feature films with a focus on both international and Canadian film. Submissions are due by January 31 with a late deadline of Feb. 21.
Hooked on cinema early – and in part because of Kryzsztof Kieslowski's Dekalog mini-series – du Toit is excited by the craft of cinema, which combines many aspects of visual, audio, and psychological storytelling to create the art.
"I think anybody who watches television ... used to stand around water coolers and talk about it ... you know a good film when you see one," said du Toit. "You have the added bonus of having the guest speakers at screenings, and it's really magical because you get to unpack the art with the creator."
The festival will also be seeking volunteers to help with various roles. There will be information posted to the festival website soon allowing volunteers to sign up.
For more information about the upcoming festival or submitting a film for consideration, visit the festival website at bluemtnfilmfest.ca.
