MONTREAL/February 19, 2010—
The International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA) and Concordia University are pleased to announce their partnership for the 28th edition of the Festival, which will take place from March 18 to 28.
The J.A. De Sève Cinema at Concordia University thus becomes the Festival’s ninth venue, joining such prestigious institutions as the Grande Bibliothèque, Place des Arts, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, the Canadian Centre for Architecture, the Cinémathèque québécoise, the NFB Cinema, and the Goethe-Institut.
This new partnership is based on a common desire to increase public awareness of the importance of culture and the arts, to promote films on art within the student community, and to increase the visibility of art and culture in Canada and the rest of the world.
Involved in post-secondary education for several years now, FIFA allows Quebec’s educational institutions, teachers and student associations to reserve private screenings and organize roundtables. This academic involvement, very much in keeping with the mission of Concordia University, helps to train and promote artists who will mark the cultural landscape.
“We are very proud to join forces with this highly respected institution,” says René Rozon, the founding director of the International Festival of Films on Art. “Over the years, Concordia University has fostered the work of artists and professionals in the fine arts by training more than 13,000 students. It is therefore not surprising that several films presented at the 28th FIFA were produced or directed by Concordia graduates.”
“I have very fond memories of the years I spent at Concordia University”, says FIFA spokesperson Nancy Wood, an alumna of Concordia. “I am confident that the new affiliation between Concordia and the FIFA will be a strong one, as they are both great promoters of the arts.”
“It is an honour for us to be associated with one of the world’s most prestigious artistic events,” says Judith Woodsworth, President and Vice-Chancellor of Concordia University. “This alliance is testimony to our institution’s commitment to the artistic community. This comes through our support of artistic creation and our engagement in activities that heighten public awareness and appreciation of arts and culture.”
This collaboration represents a shared desire on the part of the two institutions to open their doors to the world. Concordia University welcomes students from more than a hundred different countries, while FIFA annually presents films from around the globe as well as a world tour of its prize-winners. By presenting 230 films from 23 countries, 42 of which will be screened at the J.A. De Sève Cinema, FIFA and Concordia are aiming to bring together Montreal’s cultural communities, and develop the interest and appreciation of university students for films about art and artists from here and abroad.
The complete program will be unveiled at a press conference on February 25 at 10 a.m. at the Centre d’Archives de Montréal.
FIFA
The International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA) is a non-profit organization devoted to the promotion and presentation of the finest film and media arts productions about art. A ten day competitive festival, it is the most important annual event of its kind in the world. FIFA has become a focal point for artists and artisans from the art and film communities, as well as for art and cinema enthusiasts.
Concordia University
Concordia University is the preferred choice for students who are facing the challenges of globalization and wish to obtain a first-rate education. This dynamic institution, with a rich past and ever-growing size and reputation, attracts outward-looking students and professors who wish to work in a stimulating environment. The university organizes an impressive variety of cultural, sports and community events. Its art galleries, concert halls, films and conferences are an integral part of Montreal’s cultural life.
Information:
Alain Labonté
Communications
514 523-9922
alain@alainlabonte.ca
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Source:
Fiona Downey
Media Relations Advisor
Concordia University
Phone: 514-848-2424, ext. 2518
Cell: 514-518-3336
Fax: 514-848-3383
Email: fdowney@alcor.concordia.ca
