Students and alumni get a chance to have their films featured
Chase Mair, Contributor // Illustration by Andrea Alcaraz
As part of Capilano University’s 50th anniversary festivities, the brand new Capilano University Film Festival (CAPUFF) is an opportunity for filmmakers and enthusiasts to screen, discuss and celebrate a variety of locally and independently produced documentaries.
“I think the reason why we chose documentary films is that it’s a great way to learn,” said tourism instructor Chris Carnovale, who is spearheading the endeavour. “They create conversations and you can find themes within documentaries that relate well with the CapU brand.”
Held on March 31, 2019, the festival will feature four film categories. “Travel, Adventure and Exploration” encourages filmmakers to share their personal journeys with the world. “Indigenous Film and Filmmaking” hopes to highlight the experiences and skill of indigenous filmmakers from across Canada. “Inspiring Change” gives activists an opportunity to spread their message. Finally, “Mockumentary” embodies the lighthearted and humorous aspects of film.
Carnovale’s involvement with the University’s film community isn’t limited to his organization of CAPUFF. He has worked as a producer for several projects led by alumni from the Motion Picture Arts and Documentary programs. “I pass the Bosa Centre every day walking from the parking lot to where I work so I’m always thinking about film,” said Carnovale, “I think we have a great community of filmmakers here in Vancouver and at Cap.”
CAPUFF will have two main screens: one in Bosa and the other in the BlueShore theatre. Carnovale also hopes to have several smaller screenings in the Maple, Cedar and Library buildings. The goal for the festival is to screen about 20 hours of film between these different centres. Food will also be available, with plans for a beer and wine garden.
Student involvement is a major focus at CAPUFF. Students enrolled in the University’s film-related programs will have the opportunity to submit their works to be screened as part of a student showcase. Carnovale hopes to collaborate with many of these students in preparation for the event.
Carnovale also envisions a “Day of Film”. Instead of having several individual screenings like other film festivals, Carnovale plans to showcase dozens of films in one day. Carnovale stated that instead of paying for individual tickets, there will be one flat fee for access to all of the festival. These tickets are also intended to be inexpensive for all attendees, although a price has not yet been finalized.
If the festival is well received, Carnovale hopes to make CAPUFF annual as he believes there is a growing niche in North Vancouver for this type of event. “I think arts and film are big parts of not only North Vancouver culture but the culture of the Greater Vancouver Area,” Carnovale said. “There have been some great films made by the CapU community, and the North Vancouver community, yet we never get to see them so let’s bring them here and celebrate!”
CAPUFF is currently accepting submissions with no established deadline. The festival will prioritize pieces from Vancouver filmmakers, especially CapU students and alumni. Preference will also be given to filmmakers from the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Sechelt, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Ticket information will be available in the near future.