Growth and Establishing our Presence: Forest City Film Festival
Growing Local Talent on a Global Scale
Forest City Film Festival
The Forest City Film Festival (FCFF) began three years ago, and with an extremely tight budget, has managed to nearly double its audience since. With every film screened having a connection to Southwestern Ontario (SWO), the FCFF showcases the immense talent in the region and solidifies London’s identity as the cultural hub of SWO.
FCFF projects to bring in an audience of over 5,000 people by 2021, at which point ticket sales will completely cover staffing costs. Until then, a Community Vitality Grant will allow the FCFF to hire specialized, part-time staff over the next three years. Because of this grant, the FCFF will be able to focus on the growth and expansion of their programming, which includes a Youth Film Festival and 48-hour Film Challenge, both of which made their debut at this year’s festival.
Reflected in the additions to this year’s programming, a priority for the FCFF going forward is bringing emerging filmmakers into the picture. With the Festival already featuring a host of educational, networking, and mentorship opportunities, making space for new filmmakers ensures the long-term vibrancy of the SWO film industry.
“One of the core elements of this festival is to build pride and regional audiences for the talent that we have in this area,” says Dorothy Downs, Executive Director of the Forest City Film Festival. ”And in doing so, allowing people to shine a light on the film industry and helping emerging filmmakers find their wings.”
The Forest City Film Festival has fast become a staple in our community’s arts and culture scene and continues to grow at an unbelievable rate, ensuring it will continue to inspire current and future Southwestern Ontario filmmakers for years to come.
