THE NAKOA FILM FESTIVAL HAS BEEN POSTPONED INDEFINITELY DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.
WFI WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL FILMMAKERS WHO SUBMITTED THEIR FILMS. A NEW FESTIVAL DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON. WFI APOLOGIZES FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.
The Nakoa Film Festival is being launched this year by the Weengushk Film Institute (WFI). WFI is a non-profit, artist-focused training centre located on Manitoulin Island. WFI is dedicated to unlocking the creative potential of Aboriginal youth and persons of diversity.
WFI envisions the collection, preservation and representation of new creative voices in the film and television industry, encouraging the development and recognition of Indigenous people to enhance the artistic vitality of Canadian life.
As part of its commitment to promote independent Aboriginal films, WFI in partnership with Brock University is now accepting submissions for the Inaugural 2016 Nakoa Film Festival, to be held in St. Catharines, Ontario from November 25 to 27, 2016.
SUBMISSION GOALS
The mandate of the 2016 Nakoa Film Festival is to hold an annual Aboriginal and Indigenous film festival that allows independent filmmakers (National, International, Indigenous, and Non-Indigenous) to promote their films, and to heighten awareness of Aboriginal issues in Canada and around the world.
2016 Nakoa Film Festival Goals:
- To break down stereotypes and racial barriers
- To heighten awareness of Aboriginal content in the film and television industry
- To feature films that examine Indigenous topics
- To provide a space where Indigenous people can share their own stories
- To educate audiences about First Nations, Metis and Inuit issues in Canada and around
the world
SUBMISSION ACCEPTANCE
All films will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Any film that highlights Indigenous stories or issues (Canadian or International)
- Any film that was created by or focuses on Aboriginal or Indigenous people
- Films must be either a Short Film, Documentary or Feature Film
- All films must have been completed within the last 3 years
- Films must all be finished works
- Canadian and International films are accepted
- Filmmakers may submit more than one film
- Preference will be given to films created by WFI and Brock University students
- Non-WFI and Brock University filmmakers are encouraged to submit their films
* Please note that a selection of films shown at the 2016 Nakoa Film Festival will showcase non-Aboriginal or Indigenous content and are not required to be created by Aboriginal or Indigenous filmmakers.
SHORT FILM ELIGIBILITY
- Films must be completed within the last 3 years
- Runtime less than 30 minutes
- Films in a language other than English must contain English subtitles
DOCUMENTARY ELIGIBILITY
- Films must be completed within the last 3 years
- Documentary Shorts: Runtime 30 minutes or less
- Documentary Features: Runtime 45 minutes or longer
- Films in a language other than English must contain English subtitles
FEATURE FILM ELIGIBILITY
- Films must be completed within the last 3 years
- Runtime of 60 minutes or longer
- Films in a language other than English must contain English subtitles
SCREENING REQUIREMENTS
If your film is selected for exhibition, please be advised that the Festival will require:
- All films to be submitted on DVD or Blu-Ray disc
- A short biography and image of the director and/or producer
- A short synopsis of the film
- Two (2) still images from the film, to be used for promotional purposes
- Any additional information about the film (i.e. Has the film premiered in Canada or
Internationally etc.)
If selected, all submissions will be notified by October 21, 2016.
Prizes for selected films to be determined.