BLUE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS SECOND EDITION
Penelope Bartlett, former Director of Programming for the Criterion Channel, joins Festival & Artistic Director Helen du Toit as a guest programmer
Blue Mountains, ON March 16, 2023 — Blue Mountain Village, Southern Ontario’s premier four-season destination, announced Blue Mountain Film Festival (BMFF), led by Festival & Artistic Director, Helen du Toit, returns to the Blue Mountain Village Conference Centre from June 1-4. Once again, BMFF invites film lovers and filmmakers to connect, be inspired, and escape into the idyllic mountains to enjoy the very best in international and Canadian cinema. Early bird tickets are available by visiting the BMFF website.
Recently awarded the Best New Festival by Festival & Events Ontario, BMFF plans to showcase 25 feature films from around the world for its film-loving public, with a showcase on Ontario-based productions. Joining du Toit in the programming of this year’s lineup is veteran film curator Penelope Bartlett, most recently the Director of Programming for the Criterion Channel. Both du Toit and Bartlett previously worked together at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
“When the opportunity to work with Helen on BMFF came up, it was an immediate ‘yes!,” said Penelope Bartlett. “There are few events more special than an intimate film festival where people come together to bask in the best of cinema. Similar to Telluride, I love that BMFF is set in a locale which encourages community, discovery and that the patrons have a huge appetite and appreciation for international film. I am delighted to join the team this year.”
Additionally, BMFF welcomes back industry professionals for a second year of the Creative Forum, which includes 6 Industry Sessions over 2 days. The inaugural conference last year hosted some of the industry’s most sought-after leaders including Patricia Rozema, Jennifer Baichwal, Dan Bekerman, Shant Joshi, Jane Tattersall, Sheila Hockin, Karen Harnish, Phillip Barker, Elisa Sauvé, Nyla Innuksuk, Danny Iron, and Allison Black.
“Watching BMFF launch into the welcoming arms of the public and industry last year will always be a special highlight of my career. Penny and I are currently deep in programming to bring audiences a vibrant new edition and we can’t wait to share it with our patrons and peers,” said Helen du Toit, Festival & Artistic Director. “The locals and visitors who come to escape into the magic of the film festival are deeply curious about culture and storytelling from around the world. You don’t need to spend too much time in the Blue Mountain area before realizing what a majestic place it is, from the location to the community – we couldn’t ask for a more enthusiastic locale to showcase the BMFF 2nd edition.”
Working with the Blue Mountain Village team and Marni Moreau, Director of Partnerships, duToit plans to grow BMFF’s sponsorship and community support. This year’s sponsors include Blue Mountain Village, Blue Mountain Resort, Bruce Grey Simcoe, Town of The Blue Mountains, Directors Guild of Canada (Ontario), Telefilm Canada, Film Finances Canada, Sutton Entertainment, Urban Post, Grey County, Simcoe County, Tatham Engineering, Primont Homes, and Mountain Life Magazine.
About the Blue Mountain Village
Between the foot of the Niagara Escarpment’s scenic Blue Mountains and the rugged shores and crystal-clear waters of Georgian Bay, the picturesque Blue Mountain Village is Southern Ontario’s premier four-season destination. A cobblestoned pedestrian village framed by turn-of-the-century Ontario architecture, the Village offers a wide variety of family accommodations, award-winning festivals and events, over 50 unique shops and restaurants, Iwa Spa, and much more. For a complete listing of Village events, please visit www.bluemountainvillage.ca
About Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain Resort is Ontario’s largest mountain resort. Winter at the Resort boasts 43 ski and snowboard trails across 365 skiable acres, enhanced by a world-class snowmaking system. Summer months offer a variety of activities including golfing at Monterra Golf, playing on the attractions in the Adventure Park, and hiking or biking in the 30km trail network in the Explore Park. At the base of the Mountain, guests can enjoy a stay in one of the 1,000 luxury accommodation units in the pedestrian Village. With 53,000 square feet of state-of-the-art conference space, Blue Mountain caters year-round to groups and special events. Blue Mountain is owned by Alterra Mountain Company. Visit www.bluemountain.ca for more information.
For more information on Blue Mountain Film Festival, visit bluemtnfilmfest.ca.
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