Film Pix
Film Pix Uses the Big Screen to Help Aspiring Filmmakers
Kennebecasis Valley High School graduate Kirsten Stanley is busy in her second year at college and she can thank Film Pix for playing a part in her early success.
Stanley, a student at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) has twice won the $1,000 Film Pix Scholarship for Aspiring Filmmakers - in its inaugural year, and again last year.
Kendra Black, the creator and operations manager of Film Pix - a Saint John volunteer, not-for-profit organization - is extremely proud of Stanley. Film Pix raises money for the scholarship through ticket sales to its monthly 35 mm film series, held the first Tuesday of every month at Empire Studios 10 theatres on Saint John's East Side.
"She's a great example of New Brunswick's colony of next-generation artists," says Black.
"She's an entrepreneur and an artist, with a mind for problem-solving, who's already produced and directed 12 films, some of which have been commissioned by local companies."
Locals aspiring to a film career should note the fast approaching May 7th, 2010 deadline for this year's scholarship.
Go to www.filmpix.ca for more information on how to apply. You can also find the film schedule there.
Atom Egoyan's erotic thriller - Chloe - is next on the Film Pix schedule, with a one-night-only showing Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m.
Starring Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson and Amanda Seyfried (of Mamma Mia! fame), the film is a mind-bending exploration of sexual jealousy.
Currently in its 6th season, recent showings have included A Single Man (starring Oscar-nominated Colin Firth), High Life, An Education, and Departures (filmpix.ca has an archive of all films shown).
The films are always high quality, often independent, award-winning, and frequently foreign. Film Pix essentially a once-a-month repertory cinema, always at Empire Studios 10, and always sponsored by BMO Nesbitt Burns.
Black gives credit to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as a 'feeding ground for programmers', and Film Circuit, a division of TIFF. "They chase films on our behalf, make recommendations for titles, and help out when there are logistical issues. We're a team."
Black, who works at 4FRONT Film Services and runs Film Pix as a volunteer, says she loves playing host to Saint John cinema fans.
"It feels like a family to me," she says.
"Many of our audience make it a night out, and tend to arrive in groups. There's a positive charge in the air as people chatter, watch the big screen updates on local filmmakers and anticipate the film. If you're looking for a feel-good social experience, come to a Film Pix event."
- Written by freelance writer Craig Pinhey for saintjohn225.com. Read more of Craig's articles at www.frogspad.ca.
The Saint John 225 Spotlight is posted biweekly on Thursdays. Comment on this story or send us your story ideas - info@saintjohn225.com
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