US 

Download the Festival Programme: 2017_swff.pdf
Download the Industry Series Schedule: swff_industry_series_2017.pdf

ANNUAL SILVER WAVE FILM FESTIVAL!

The 17th annual Silver Wave Film Festival will showcase close to 80 films and a full slate of special events, over four days in Fredericton, November 2-5. Silver Wave is excited to announce that the Thursday night Opening Gala presentation on November 2 at 6:30pm will take place at a new venue: the Fredericton Boyce Market.

Tim Rayne and Arthur Thomson’s Capital Project is inspired by the amazing music scene that has been taking place in New Brunswick over the last few years. The scene is bourgeoning with musical talent - from rock, pop, folk, country, hip-hop, jazz and blues and alternative music genres. The Capital Project Presents: Awesome; I shot that. The Opening Gala is a live concert event that will feature a screening of segments of the documentary between performances by some of the bands featured in the documentary. The whole event will be filmed and will serve as the end of the film and web series! In fact, audience members are invited to shoot clips of the event on their phone, and upload them to potentially be included in the documentary! This first of its kind exciting Silver Wave opener promises a night of music, film, and fun with craft beers on tap.

This year’s Friday night programming on November 3 is a treasure trove of shorts programming with NB Shorts I at 7pm at Le Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne, Tall on Talent at 9:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus followed by a special Midnight Madness screening featuring two stellar horror shorts and the feature-length presentation of Anonymous Zombie, produced by Saint John filmmakers Rich MacQueen and Nathan Savage featuring British comedian, James Mullinger.

The Festival's Closing Night Gala presentation on Sunday, November 5 will be Hemmings House filmmaker Lauchlan Ough’s City on Fire, written by Kate Wallace and produced by Stephen Foster and Megan Thelosen. British comedian, James Mullinger, had it all when he was living in London, England; he was the comedy editor of GQ magazine, had his own TV show and a successful career in stand up, but the man who had it all wanted a better life for his family and moved across the pond to his wife's hometown of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. James thought his stand up career was over but was surprised to find an untapped market on the fringe of Canada's comedy scene. James will be in attendance to present the film and do a Q and A afterwards.

Rounding out this year’s complete SWFF program is a top line-up of Canadian shorts and documentaries from around the world. The Silver Wave Film Festival will once again feature French-language films including Ginette Pellerin’s wonderful Herménégilde Chiasson: Constraints and Break-offs and, Phil Comeau’s joyous films Belle-Ile-En-Mer, A Breton and Acadian Island, and Zachary Richard’s Cajun Heart. The films are in French with English Subtitles and will screen free of charge on Sunday, November 5 at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre at 12pm and 4pm.

A documentary showcase spotlighting the beauty of the Maritimes in films by Ryan Groom of Hanwell and Moncton-based Craig Norris is sure to be a treat for filmgoers. Both films are lively, full of humour and present incredible vistas. They will play on Sunday, November 5, at 2pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus.

Individual tickets are only available before each screening at each venue for all screenings between Friday-Sunday. Festival passes are on sale now at the Film Co-op office (cash or cheque). Passes can also be purchased online on the festival website: www.swfilmfest.com via the box office link, and are limited in supply. Tickets for the Opening Night Gala Event at the Boyce Market are currently available. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, and can be purchased online at: www.thecapitalcomplex.com, or at the etixnow kiosks at Gray Stone and Grimross Breweries. (Restricted, 19 years old and up)

Receive the most up-to-date information, including sneak peeks and Festival highlights at our website: www.swfilmfest.com, our Facebook page: /silverwavefilmfestival, and Twitter account: /silverwavefilm. Silver Wave thanks all its dedicated sponsors, supporters and volunteers.

SILVER WAVE FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS


By Jim Lavoie

When a festival wants to have a festive and celebratory atmosphere for an awards show, Its goal is to ensure that the tempo and mood are engaging for that one hour. Great hosts anticipate the crowd’s mood as they banter back and forth while handling challenging situations that may happen (hello, technical issues anyone).

Silver Wave is very fortunate to have in our annual award hosts, a winning combination. Before we unveil the background on our hosts for the annual Silver Wave awards, NB Film Co-op president Britany Sparrow, herself a one-time SWFF award co-host, speaks about her year co-hosting the awards.

“I believe that it’s important to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our filmmakers, and the hosts of the Silver Wave awards do a wonderful job in ensuring that the event is exciting and entertaining. Our annual hosts are charismatic and funny, and the chemistry between them is always energetic. One host has AD training which helps to keep the night moving along smoothly so that everybody can get to the Crowne Plaza to continue celebrating before it gets too late. 

The year I was a co-host, the workload was relatively minimal. I showed up in a fancy dress, and everything else was ready! It was really fun getting to wear the beautiful dress Silver Wave sponsor Robert Simmonds loaned me for the occasion, and I had a great time giving out awards to my friends and peers to celebrate their projects and their achievements.” Britany Sparrow, NB Film Co-op President

Let’s meet this year’s hosts for the 2017 Silver Wave awards up close and personal. The combined energy, humour, wit and timing of this dynamic duo is a show in itself.

Silver Wave awards host: Corena Walby

Many call Corena ‘Wonder Woman’ because they wonder where the heck all her energy comes from. If her energy, drive and will was able to be bottled and sold she would be one wealthy person.

Corena and her husband Mark and their two sons have their hands full with their fur babies (2 cats and one dog). Their names are Baby Kitty, Roadside Baby and a Black Labrador named MJ. MJ is very active on facebook posting photos of her athletic exploits.

Corena is employed as the Service Delivery Manager at Skillsoft. Regarding hobbies and interests, there is a definite trend as Corena lists running, cycling, hiking and rock climbing as primary fun pursuits. Corena can be found front and center at many local races in support of various causes. She loves to compete, but she also loves to be around people and help them.

Corena has been involved with the Film Co-op for over 10 years; working as crew and cast on dozens of films (IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3231129/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1)

Jim: How many years have you hosted the Silver Wave awards?

Corena: I have hosted for eight years. I missed a year due to jaw surgery.

Jim: Do you get nervous when hosting?

Corena: I don’t get nervous, I get excited. Of course, I worry that something may go wrong (technology), but I can go with the flow, whatever happens, happens. Everyone seems quite pleased with the evening, so that’s all that matters.

Jim: Before award showtime, what is going on behind the curtains?

Corena: In the days leading up to the awards, the following things are in play (creation of awards show once results are back from the jury, statues ordered and picked up, award certificates printed, host script draft completed, and more thanks to Cat LeBlanc). On the day of the awards, we have a rehearsal with the sound and lighting crew and test out the microphones, lighting, awards show. We have picked up our fancy outfits from Silver Wave sponsor Robert Simmonds. If I can swing it, I treat myself to a hair and makeup appointment. Before the last screening event leading up to the awards show, we move the outfits, statues, certificates, scripts, and laptop to the backstage area. After the last screening ends, we go to the green room to put on our outfits from Robert Simmonds, move the items we need to the side of the stage, and get ready to roll!

Jim: How many help out with the prep?

Corena: For help during the event, we’ve had many awesome helpers (my husband Mark, my mother Starr), and now we have one superb backstage person who’s been with us for many, many years – NB Film Co-op Vice-President Donovan Richard. He runs the PowerPoint show, and helps us with anything backstage we need to move around. He is so awesome to work with!

Jim: Tell me more about your outfit for the evening and who provides it.

Corena: The process is this – I reach out a few weeks before the event to Silver Wave sponsor Robert Simmonds. The staff that works there pick out 5-6 outfits for me to try on. Once I’m there, we have a little fashion show with anyone working, and we decide on my ‘top picks, ’ and they put them aside for me. The day before or the day of the show, I go and pick up my outfit. If my top pick has been sold, then I get my 2nd choice, etc. I have had some of the most amazing outfits over the years (sparkly, bold, beautiful!). I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year!

Jim: Given the number of awards presented, filmmakers introduced, winners, speeches etc...how do you keep the evening flowing while praying for zero technical issues? I guess one great thing is if nerves or illness overcome you on stage we have a doctor in the house, and he’s right beside you co-hosting!

Corena: Ha! Well, we know that we have a limited attention span with the crowd. They are anxious to find out who the big winners are, and also impatient to get down to the Crowne Plaza afterward for the big after party. We set a goal to be done within a specific amount of time, so we just keep things going (as soon as someone is doing their acceptance speech, we are ready backstage with the next award, and our script is in hand). We try to make jokes along the way to keep the crowd happy, but we are very conscious of the timing. If something goes wrong, we just roll with it. We have to!

Jim: What is your favourite moment from all of the awards shows you have hosted? 

Corena: I was thrilled when Hollywood actor Billy Campbell came to visit Fredericton a few years back, and I was able to chat and co-present an award with him. The funniest moment was when I introduced my husband Mark as the backstage helper and forced him to come out and wave to the crowd. I told them it was proof that yes, I was married and that he did exist! The crowd laughed, we laughed, we even got an excellent picture of it (which I have used as my Facebook profile picture a few times). Good times for sure

Jim: What do the Silver Wave awards mean to you?

Corena: I refer to this award show as the ‘Academy Awards of NB’ a lot. I am so proud to be associated with the NB Film Co-op, and with the Silver Wave Film Festival. Christmas comes early every year for me when the festival takes place. I think it is a wonderful representation of the talent we have in this province, and an amazing way to showcase it to the world. It may be a tiny festival in comparison to others, but it’s one that I won’t miss every year. It means the world to me.

Jim: Have you observed a growth and heightened excellence in the New Brunswick stories told annually over the years? 

Corena: Yes. We are now seeing filmmakers who started out years back now producing high-quality creative work. They have honed their craft over time, and we have the opportunity to showcase it annually. I’ve also been witness to young kids from the Fredericton 48 Hour Film Competition graduating from making films for fun to making more professional films for Silver Wave and festivals around the world. I enjoy seeing the success stories.

Jim: Finally, how would you describe your co-host and what strengths does he bring to the job of hosting with you annually.

Corena: my co-host Sohrab is charming, funny, smart, quick-witted, and a genuine pleasure to be around. I am very excited that he is back on board to co-host with me again this year. We are going to rock that stage once again, and the crowd is gonna love us. 

Silver Wave awards host: Sohrab Lutchmedial

Sohrab lives in New Brunswick with his better half Deanna. They have three children. Sohrab is involved with coaching youth soccer and hockey. He is in a garage band called "Sacks of Wet Cement.” They have no concrete plans to tour.=

Jim: You are an interventional cardiologist Sohrab, tell me how you ended up working in film too?

Sohrab: I partnered with Film Co-op members Rob Parsons and Elaine Shannon on several projects and was the producer on a film about Dylan Thomas that has not been released yet.

Jim: How many years have you hosted the Silver Wave awards? 

Sohrab: I’ve hosted for three years. I typically get butterflies one hour before the show when I realize I'm not all that prepared!

Jim: I already asked Corena this question, your turn. What is going on behind the curtain while the awards are on?

Sohrab: Corena and I have conflicting schedules, so our rehearsals mostly come down to her saying, “don't mess this up” and “don't say anything here” or “this is my part, you stay quiet.”

Jim: On show night, you walk on the award stage all shined and buffed, straight out of the car wash. Who supplies your outfit?

Sohrab: Robert Simmonds has taken care of Corena's outfit for several years, but I've never been in good enough shape to fit into any of their evening gowns

Jim: What is your personal favourite moment from all of the award shows you have hosted and, the funniest moment? 

Sohrab: Taking glamour shots with Corena before the show was a pile of fun. 

Jim: What is your personal view on what the Silver Wave awards mean?

Sohrab: The awards are inclusive, and they are inspiring new filmmakers to put their work out there. 

Jim: What changes have you observed over the years with the films that are showcased at the festival?

Sohrab:  I'm constantly amazed at how professional and imaginative the work is. It’s not just the technology, but the writing, the acting, they are really something. The bar is constantly being set higher. 

Finally, how would you describe your co-host and what strengths does she bring to the job of hosting? 

Sohrab: Thank God for Corena and her colour coded annotated speaking notes. Otherwise, I'd be lost up there on stage.  She handles everything, and I just show up and try not to foul up the names!

BUZZ

2017 SILVER WAVE AWARDS

Saturday, Nov 4, 2017

Le Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne

Start Time - 9:00 pm

The Silver Wave Awards are sponsored by: Royal Bank of Canada, M.A.D. 5 Films, Nick Wilson Videography, East Coast Rentals, Robert Simmonds Clothing and CBC.

(Party following awards at James Joyce Pub in the Crowne Plaza Hotel downtown)

To celebrate the achievements of this year’s filmmakers, you are invited to join them and special guests and sponsors right after the NB Shorts Gala Program on a Saturday night that promises to be entertaining and full of surprises. The Annual Silver Wave Awards will recognize excellence in the cinematic arts and significant contribution to the development of the film/video/television community. To be eligible for the Silver Wave Awards, films/videos must have been accepted for screening at the 2017 Silver Wave Film Festival and be in eligible categories. It’s time again to reward New Brunswick filmmakers and filmmakers from away in the below award categories for 2017!

The Silver Wave Award Statues

are Sponsored by: Royal Bank of Canada

1) Best NB Short Drama OR Comedy

(Open to all eligible short NB dramatic/comedic films/videos)

2) Lex Gigeroff Excellence in Screenwriting in a NB Short Drama OR Comedy

(Open to all eligible short NB dramatic/comedic films/videos)

3) Best Low-Budget NB Documentary 

(Open to all NB documentary films/videos of any length)

4) Excellence in Cinematography in a NB Short Film

5) Excellence in Art Direction in a NB Short Film

6) Excellence in Sound Design in a NB Short Film

7) Excellence in Picture Editing in a NB Short Film

8) Excellence in Music Composition in a NB Short Film

9) Outstanding Performance by a NB Actor in a Short Drama OR Comedy

10) Outstanding Performance by a NB Actress in a Short Drama OR Comedy

11) Outstanding Performance by a NB Supporting Actor in a Short Drama OR Comedy

12) Outstanding Peformance by a NB Supporting Actress in a Short Drama OR Comedy

13) Best Experimental OR Animated Short Film (Open to all short films/videos)

14) Recognition Award for a person, group or organization who has contributed significantly to film and video in a professional capacity

15) Picaroons Recognition Award for a person, group, or organization who has contributed significantly to film and video in New Brunswick in a volunteer capacity. ($500.00 cash award)

16) Best Youth Short Film (Isaac ‘THE PUMA’ Miller Award)

17) Best Student Short (dependent on number of submissions)

18) Best Documentary (open to all documentaries of all lengths)

19) Best Canadian or International Short

20) Best Horror/Sci-Fi Short  (dependent on number of submissions)

21) East Coast Camera Rentals Award

1 Week feature film equipment services ($5000,00 value)

• Choice of 1 camera

• Choice of 3 lenses

• Kessler slider with head or DJI Ronin

• Kessler jib 8/13 with tripod

• 4 c-stands, 1 light kit, flags set, apples boxes sest, sandbags, shotgun mic, blimp & boom pole, field recorder (Rental Insurance Required)

22) Jane LeBlanc Filmmaker Award ($1880.00 value) (for first or secon time Filmmakers)

• $200 in workshops/training from the NBFC (2018)

• $600 cash from The LeBlanc Family and generous donations

• $1000 in equipment and post services from NBFC

• $80 (full membership for two years) from the NBFC

• Workshopping of winning screenplay

Presented by the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative, Tony Merzetti & the LeBlanc Family

23) CBC/New Brunswick Joy ($8,500)

• $2,000 in cash from CBC

• $1,000 in cash from New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative

• $5,500 in equipment or facilities from the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative

24) Viewer’s Choice Award

Chosen by the fest audience and announced after the festival.

25) Silver Wave/WIFT-AT Salute to a woman in film in New Brunswick