Richard Crouse

Beyond the screenings at VFF

While the numerous feature-length screenings may be the main event at the Victoria Film Festival, there’s plenty of other activities happening during the 10-day event. More info and ticket purchasing options at victoriafilmfestival.com.

• SpringBoard Talks: Introduced at last year’s festival, this weekend-long program features some of Canada’s established and up-and-coming film talents spending 15 minutes on an industry-related topic of their choice—think TED but for the Canadian film industry. Speakers include producer Nicholas Tabarrok, director Warren Sonoda, actor Madeleine Sherwood, Maple Pictures publicity VP Angie Burns and many more. Runs from 1:15-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, January 30 and 31. For the more industry-oriented folks, SpringBoard Industry offers master classes and networking receptions in addition to admission to the Springboard talks.

• An Evening with Kris Kristofferson: The man himself will be in town (again) to receive the VFF’s inaugural IN Award, which they hand out to “a person who has been inspirational, innovative and independent.” Canada AM’s Richard Crouse will do an on-stage interview with Kristofferson before his award is presented and the evening is capped off by a screening of Lone Star. 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, February 2.

• Converge: Happening in week two of the VFF, this fun-filled guerilla cinema event screens short-film programs around downtown in restaurants, back alleys and haunted houses, all with an afterparty at the Victoria Event Centre. 2-5 p.m. Saturday, February 6.

• Special Guests: Whether they’re guest speakers at film screenings or presenting as part of Springboard, look out for film and television folks during VFF. Confirmed guests include Kris Kristofferson, Barry Pepper (Whose Like Dandelion Dust was a late program addition), Mary Walsh (Crackie), Academy Award-winning animator Chris Landreth (at SpringBoard), actor Matt Frewer of Max Headroom fame (at both Darfur and SpringBoard), Madeleine Sherwood, Charles Martin Smith (creator of last year’s festival favourite The Stone of Destiny), SpringBoard host Richard Crouse from Canada AM and film/ television producer and UVic Alum Nicholas Tabarrok (at SpringBoard as well as Coopers’ Camera and Defendor) as well as many more.