RBC is back as a major sponsor of the Yorkton Film Festival this year adding to its contribution with a bursary for the top emerging filmmaker.
"The last few months we've worked to put together an enhanced package," said Festival Executive Director Randy Goulden.The RBC has renewed its $5,000 to the Festival, but has also taken another step in its sponsorship.
The Yorkton Film Festival has partnered with RBC Foundation to present a new cash bursary award for the 2011 festival. Filmmakers entering in the Emerging Filmmaker category will now be competing for a $1,000 prize bursary in addition to the Golden Sheaf award trophy.
"We know this is a win-win situation," said Goulden, adding the Festival " has been focusing the last three years on emerging filmmakers."
Goulden said in supporting emerging filmmakers the RBC is supporting young talent with cash they can use to continue producing film.Brett Franklin, RBC's branch manager in Yorkton said the additional sponsorship is one which makes sense since it supports emerging talent, and bolsters interest for those filmmakers to enter and participate in the YFF.
"At RBC we believe that the arts bring life and excitement to communities, which is why RBC supports programs that encourage artists to build their professional careers through the RBC Emerging Artist Program," said Franklin in a release. "We are extremely proud to be partnering with the Yorkton Film Festival in support of the RBC Emerging Filmmaker Award."
The new bursary appears to be well received, with Goulden noting this year "50 filmmakers have entered into the emerging category."Submissions to the 2011 Yorkton Film Festival closed on January 31, 2011, with 50 entries in the Emerging Filmmaker category. The nominees will be announced on March 21, 2011 and the Golden Sheaf awarded at the Yorkton Film Festival Gala on May 28, 2011 in Yorkton, SK.
This year's festival includes 19 main film categories, ranging from Animation to Student Production. Along with the 19 category awards, the Festival is pleased to once again offer a number of special awards. Submissions that qualify will also be considered for the Ruth Shaw Best of Saskatchewan, Emerging Filmmaker and Aboriginal awards.
The Yorkton Film Festival is the longest running film festival in North America. In the 64 years of its existence, the Festival has developed a tradition of recognizing excellent films and providing great professional development and learning opportunities. The Festival recognizes outstanding Canadian short films and rewards the very best with the annual Golden Sheaf Awards. Join us for the 2011 Festival May 26-29.
