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Exciting weekend of films and events wraps in Dawson.

The 9th version of the Dawson City International Short Film Festival wrapped up on Sunday night with its final presentation of films and awards. Over 1400 people took in screenings, workshops, master classes and panel discussions throughout the weekend. A large, hardy group also braved a windswept, -20°C outdoor screening.

The MITY (Made in the Yukon) AWARD.
Constructed from birch, steel,
copper wire and duct tape.

Richard Lawrence and Rachel Grantham’s heart wrenching drama, smallfilm, won the 1st prize MITY (Made in the Yukon) Award. It was a unanimous decision by the jury and was picked for its strong script, direction and cinematography. Second place was a tough decision because there were several thoughtful and compelling Yukon films in competition. They finally chose River of Life by Werner Walcher. Werner’s documentary on the Paddlers Abreast brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience.

The ever popular Emerging Artist screening was once again filled with a great number of new filmmakers with new works. La Photo, a beautiful and funny animation by Whitehorse artist Fabienne Tessier was awarded first prize and Gerard Parsons and Bob Nixon’s dry and witty Canoe Builders of the Mighty McQueston was the 2nd prize. Our first ever Youth Awards went to young auteurs Cassie Atkins, Sam Crocker, Darcy Johnny and Georgieann Sam. Of special note was the spy thriller L’italien à Dawson, made by the Grade 7 french class, which had the audience rolling with laughter.

The audience also had their say and voted Issaittuq, by Nunavut filmmaker Bruce Haulli as their favorite, with Werner Walcher’s River of Life coming in 2nd Place.

The Lodestar Award, recognizing the best Canadian or International film in the Festival went to My Name is Pochsy: An Industrial film, by Alberta filmmaker Karen Hines. Karen, who was in attendance to recieve the award stated:

“This festival is so classy in every way: killer curation, incredibly well-organized, so hospitable to us visiting filmmakers and extremely civilized in terms of its fashionably late curtains, which of course provide the opportunity to mingle with the thought-filled, tough, but always gracious audience. To win an award on top of all this is almost too much to believe.”

Festival guests were in attendance from across Canada and the world, including Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and Australia. Some other highlights included Lee Demarbre’s master class where participants got a sneak peek at Lee’s riveting documentary Vampiro: Angel, Devil, Hero. A directing actors workshop with Lulu Keating, Celia McBride and Karen Hines, was entertaining and informative. KIAC artists in residence Dan Monceaux and Emma Sterling mixed up the pace with a live audio/video performance of their avant garde Supermarket piece on Sunday afternoon.

Coming off a year where we had the most film submissions ever we are looking forward to an exciting 10th Anniversary in 2009.

See the Youtube clip of Lee Demarbre ringng the bell in Bombay Peggy's!

Also see photos from the 2008 fest here!

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