Cinema Without Borders:What is new in 2007 TREMBLANT FILM FESTIVAL, any new events or categories?<br>Tremblant Film Festival: Two new additions should be highlighted for the second edition of the Tremblant Film Festival.
The first one allows us to program events outside the Tremblant resort. We are now partnering with the City of Mont Tremblant and have scheduled screenings at the ‘’Parc au Fil de l’eau’’. This partnership is important to us: it allows us to reach out to an even greater audience and include the inhabitants of the Laurentian region, who may
not necessarily attend the resort events. Our intention is to become an important cultural rendez-vous for the region, growing with and thanks to the population. The partnership and financial support of the City of Mont Tremblant will be instrumental in reaching this goal.The second addition to this year’s festival is a series of events featuring newcomers on Quebec’s music scene. We believe that these concerts will add a unique and dynamic touch to our festival.
CWB: What is the main focus of the festival?
TFF: We believe that movies, as today’s storytelling medium of choice, can shape, educate, inspire and nurture imagination and creativity. Our selection showcases high-quality films from Europe, the United States and Canada, with the addition of several films from other countries that caught our attention with their exceptional quality.
CWB: What are the different categories in TREMBLANT FILM FESTIVAL?
TFF: Films are selected based on their fundamental qualities, with no intention of making them fit in any specific category.
CWB: Are there any cash awards given at the festival?
TFF: No cash awards will be given during this year’s edition of the Tremblant Film Festival. Awards for best movie, best director, best screenplay, best actor and
best actress will be given by the festival jury composed of industry members. The ‘’Coup de coeur de Tremblant’’ award will be given by a jury of Tremblant Village residents and sponsors. Last but not least, the audience will be able to give their opinion by voting for the movie they enjoyed the most.
CWB: Does international cinema have a strong presence at the TREMBLANT FILM FESTIVAL? How many countries are expected to participate in 2007 festival? Is there any focus on cinema of a region, a country or an international filmmaker?
TFF: This second edition will program movies from Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Israël, the United Kingdom and USA.
CWB: Are there any international film directors attending the festival? Would you please name a few?
TFF: Our jury will be headed by Michael Caton Jones, winner of our 2006 Tremblant Film Festival Best Film Director Award with his feature film SHOOTING DOGS. Edward Pressman, producer and director from New-York will also be present this year, as jury member.
CWB: What are different events of the 2007 festival?
TFF: During the festival, more than 25 movies will be screened in indoor theatres. We are also planning free
outdoor screenings of classics from France such as LES CHORISTES or MOULIN ROUGE from the USA. For the first time this year, we will also present films made by children with the help of Camera-etc. As previoulsy mentioned, young musicians and songwriters will complete the festival program with free outdoor concerts. Overall, it will be a full and exciting 5-day program.
CWB: Please tell us about TREMBLANT FILM FESTIVAL jury members.
TFF: This year’s festival jury will be working under the guidance of Michael Caton-Jones, Edward Pressman, Georges Ayoub, Micheline Lanctôt and Maxim Roy.
CWB: What should we look forward to in the 2007 festival?
TFF: Many exceptional movies including The Good Life by Stephen Berra, Talk to Me with Don Cheadle, both sure to catch the eye during award season nominations. Two excellent performances by Heather Graham (‘Adrift in Manhattan’) and Rosario Dawson (‘Descent’) should not be missed. Both actresses have confirmed their presence and this will certainly help us establish our Festival as a not-to-be-missed event.
CWB: How actively does the festival help young filmmakers who are seeking financial support for their projects?
TFF: A new panel discussion is scheduled for this year’s edition. This panel entitled ”Help! How do I get my film made?” will be hosted by Marie Claude Poulin,
Vice President of Distribution at Equinoxe Films. We are convinced that the panel will attract an audience from all generations. We would like to keep this type of panel discussion on the program of future festivals, in order to be able to reach filmmakers of all ages. What’s more, the increasing number of our international guests from the film industry will bring different perspectives to these discussions that could be of great value to local filmmakers looking to promote their films internationally.
CWB: Please tell us about film selection process at TREMBLANT FILM FESTIVAL.
TFF: Other than standard film submissions, members of our programming team participate in major Festivals and Markets in Berlin, Sundance, New-York and Cannes. This presence is important in addition to personal direct contacts in the industry that allows the festival to get unique, edgy and high-quality films. This combination allows us to program films that are not seen elsewhere.
CWB: Please tell us about your plans for the future of the TREMBLANT FILM FESTIVAL.
TFF: Our plans are to build, step by step, a unique event, different from the usual big city festivals, by providing a more relaxed networking environment for movie industry professionals, as well as a magical place where an international audience can discover new independent cinema in the beautiful Laurentians. All just over a one-hour drive from Montreal.