Member of Parliament Ryan Leef Announces Support for the Dawson City International Short Film Festival

DAWSON CITY, YT, Nov. 8, 2013 /CNW/ - Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament (Yukon), on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced support for the Dawson City Arts Society, presenter of the Dawson City International Short Film Festival.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Dawson City International Short Film Festival," said Mr. Leef. "This much anticipated annual festival is an important part of the local community. It provides residents and visitors with greater access to films of all genres from around the world, as well as those made in Yukon."

With this funding, the Dawson City Arts Society will present the 15^th edition of the Dawson City International Short Film Festival, which will take place from April 17-20, 2014. The Festival will present a diverse array of films by international and local filmmakers. A series of instructional workshops, information sessions, and panel discussions on filmmaking will also be offered at multiple venues in the community.

"Investing in culture encourages innovation and creativity, and provides opportunities for Canadians to enjoy the artistic diversity that is characteristic of our country," said Minister Glover. "Our Government is proud to fund events that contribute to the development, growth and vitality of our communities."

"The Dawson City International Short Film Festival is grateful for the support of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program," said Dan Sokolowski, Producer at the Dawson City Arts Society. "In particular, we appreciate the program's focus on showcasing the works of local artists to our community, and rewarding the volunteerism that is required to present our festival."

The Dawson City Arts Society, formed in 1998, is a volunteer-based non-profit organization whose mandate is to create an environment for the enhancement of the arts in the Yukon, and in particular, the community of Dawson City. In addition to the Dawson City International Short Film Festival, the Society also operates the Klondike Institute of Arts and Culture, the ODD Gallery, and the Yukon Riverside Arts Festival.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $2,000 through the through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

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SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)