Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, SharpCuts: Guelph Indie Film and Music Festival, returns with a new line up for film and music enthusiasts. Running Oct. 17 to 19, SharpCuts is a free event that includes film screenings, workshops, and special guest speakers.
“We are excited to once again provide an opportunity for local filmmakers to showcase their work in our community,” said Thomas Gofton, the festival’s founder. “And this year we found a new way to combine independent music with film through the creation of electronic press kits,” he added.
Confirmed events for SharpCuts this year feature a Friday night Fright Night at Synn Studios, including two features from Anchor Bay Canada, shorts programming, discussion panel with the filmmakers and more.
Giveaways and prize packs are available from sponsors. There is Limited seating, so come early.
Saturday is a full day of films including a presentation and film screening from Jeff Bird, filmmaker and local musician from the Cowboy Junkies. The closing film is Six Reasons Why staring Canadian acting icon Colm Feore (Bon Cop, Bad Cop, Chicago, The Chronicles of Riddick). This western by the Campagna Brothers, is set in the future where society has come full circle back to the gun-slinging world of revolvers, holsters, and epic standoffs.
Saturday night features the festival gala at Manhattans, where SharpCuts will screen the electronic press kit of local group Kidd Coma, followed by a live performance from the band. Plus at the gala, there will be an awards ceremony for the Friday night Fright Night and the best short film. The gala is open to the general public and will provide an opportunity to meet with the artists, filmmakers, and musicians. Tickets are $10.
Sunday is professional development including two workshops from Ed Video Media Arts Centre and four workshops from Lynnvander and Synn Studios. Workshops will run approximately one hour each and categories include:
– Canadian video art;
– resources for indie filmmakers and video artists in Guelph;
– editing for television by Peter Light, of Goosebumps and Due South;
– getting your day in the indie filmmaking world, by Miguel Galero;
– green screen by Marc Lugee of the Pit and the Pendulum; and
– directors’ workshop by Limestyle Productions director Kevin Lane, on how to sell your indie film.
