Kitchener's Multicultural Cinema Club
By: David Briggs
(Originally posted May 26, 2011 on Tri-City Film)
Do you want to get involved in the region’s film culture? Perhaps you have an idea for a film and require support or need to rent some gear to achieve your cinematic vision? If you answered yes, then the Multicultural Cinema Club is the place for you.
Founded by Azam Fouk Aladeh, the club has provided support and
resources for the KW community since 2006. The club also organizes three film festivals per year. Two of these festivals bring award-winning films from various countries to the region. The third is the Local Focus film festival that highlights films produced in the Waterloo Region.
This year’s Local Focus took place at the Registry Theatre in Kitchener and by all accounts was a successful event. Filmmakers can submit
films in various categories—feature length, short, animation and documentary. There is also a youth category, so there is a possibility of finding a spot for your film in Local Focus regardless of age.
Founded by Azam Fouk Aladeh, the club has provided support and
resources for the KW community since 2006. The club also organizes three film festivals per year. Two of these festivals bring award-winning films from various countries to the region. The third is the Local Focus film festival that highlights films produced in the Waterloo Region.
This year’s Local Focus took place at the Registry Theatre in Kitchener and by all accounts was a successful event. Filmmakers can submit
films in various categories—feature length, short, animation and documentary. There is also a youth category, so there is a possibility of finding a spot for your film in Local Focus regardless of age.
With thirty-nine films screened over the weeklong festival,
there was something for everyone. To add to the already impressive line-up, participants who competed in the Local Focus 24-hour film challenge also presented their works. Everyone who has a film accepted into Local Focus competes for the Jury and People’s Choice Awards in each category. The Waterloo Region Museum also donates a prize.
The festival receives support from various organizations, including the City of Kitchener, and the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund. With
their support, Azam gratefully acknowledges, Local Focus will continue to “highlight the area and showcase the local talent and productions.” With such support, the Local Focus festival continues to gain momentum. Moreover, their financial support allows the festival to remain free for attendees.
However, putting on a free festival is challenging for obvious reasons, and Azam admits, “It’s becoming harder for us.” After all, running a weeklong festival is not cheap. The theatre rental is costly, as are artist fees and the many other expenses known only to those who actually run a film festival. Fortunately, the community at large also contributes. “People were so generous,” explains Azam, speaking of those who attended the festival. “They gave us a lot of donations and really supported us.”
there was something for everyone. To add to the already impressive line-up, participants who competed in the Local Focus 24-hour film challenge also presented their works. Everyone who has a film accepted into Local Focus competes for the Jury and People’s Choice Awards in each category. The Waterloo Region Museum also donates a prize.
The festival receives support from various organizations, including the City of Kitchener, and the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund. With
their support, Azam gratefully acknowledges, Local Focus will continue to “highlight the area and showcase the local talent and productions.” With such support, the Local Focus festival continues to gain momentum. Moreover, their financial support allows the festival to remain free for attendees.
However, putting on a free festival is challenging for obvious reasons, and Azam admits, “It’s becoming harder for us.” After all, running a weeklong festival is not cheap. The theatre rental is costly, as are artist fees and the many other expenses known only to those who actually run a film festival. Fortunately, the community at large also contributes. “People were so generous,” explains Azam, speaking of those who attended the festival. “They gave us a lot of donations and really supported us.”
Azam also believes that the festival should remain free because it encourages people to come out, see the films, and meet the people who make them. This community involvement strengthens the film culture within the region.
The Multicultural Cinema Club also conducts various workshops
for filmmakers. For example, Nicholas Oddson recently hosted a workshop to give advice on how to choreograph and film effective fight sequences. Another event provided information about funding resources for filmmakers. There are also workshops designed to promote discussion about cinema, such as Lisa Funnell’s
recent talk about the characterization and narrative treatment of female villains in the James Bond series. Such workshops provide many tools for the independent filmmaker and help build connections with a like-minded community.
The club also offers rentals on video equipment and provides group member discounts. The benefits that this provides to the community cannot be understated. Since such equipment is often prohibitively expensive, the Multicultural Cinema Club is an incredible resource. Without affordable rental equipment, many people would be excluded from producing films. The club strives to add more gear to their rental pool, and Azam mentioned that they would soon acquire a Red One camera.
Clearly, the club is on an upward swing. When I asked Azam what he would like to see more of, he mentioned that he “would like to see more film production happening” within the club. “This is a new target for us.” So if you have a project that you would like to get off the ground, be sure to look into the Multicultural Cinema Club!
The Multicultural Cinema Club also conducts various workshops
for filmmakers. For example, Nicholas Oddson recently hosted a workshop to give advice on how to choreograph and film effective fight sequences. Another event provided information about funding resources for filmmakers. There are also workshops designed to promote discussion about cinema, such as Lisa Funnell’s
recent talk about the characterization and narrative treatment of female villains in the James Bond series. Such workshops provide many tools for the independent filmmaker and help build connections with a like-minded community.
The club also offers rentals on video equipment and provides group member discounts. The benefits that this provides to the community cannot be understated. Since such equipment is often prohibitively expensive, the Multicultural Cinema Club is an incredible resource. Without affordable rental equipment, many people would be excluded from producing films. The club strives to add more gear to their rental pool, and Azam mentioned that they would soon acquire a Red One camera.
Clearly, the club is on an upward swing. When I asked Azam what he would like to see more of, he mentioned that he “would like to see more film production happening” within the club. “This is a new target for us.” So if you have a project that you would like to get off the ground, be sure to look into the Multicultural Cinema Club!
