October 31, 2011 update

A new and innovative film festival showcasing local wildlife-inspired short films and documentaries, The Paws and Claws Film Festival, presented by the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC), debuts today. Films can be viewed online and viewers can vote for their favourite film now through November 4. Virtual tickets are by donation (suggested donation is $5 for 10 films). Additionally, the public is invited to a live screening November 2 to view and vote for their favourites. The screening will be held at Camosun College, Gibson Auditorium, Young Building Room 216 starting at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation.

“We have received a wide variety of fresh, interesting Western Canadian films that we are proud to show in this groundbreaking film festival,” says Gina Bugslag, BC SPCA events coordinator for Vancouver Island. “In an effort to share these unique films with the public we are pleased to be showcasing films online and at live screening events. We will also be acknowledging the top two films at a special evening event November 5 to which the public is warmly invited.” Some of the intriguing films being showcased include The Last Grizzly of Paradise Valley, What Do You Mean My House Comes with a Bear, and Great Blue Herons of Stanley Park.
 
The Paws and Claws Soiree Soiree will wrap up the festival November 5 and will feature a film and awards presentation, as well as a gourmet short-plate dinner and silent auction. The event will be held at the CFB Esquimalt Wardroom from 6:30-10 p.m. Tickets are available online or reservations can be made by calling Wild ARC at 250-478-9453.

The purpose of the Paws and Claws film festival is to promote awareness about, and knowledge and understanding of, local wildlife and nature. Paws and Claws is the first annual film festival of its kind in Western Canada.

The Monty Fund for Education and Outreach supports efforts to research, develop and administer meaningful programs that enhance the welfare of local wildlife. Your gift can help raise awareness for wild animals, rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife as well as advocate for their protection. Please donate today.

August 19, 2011

A new film festival showcasing local wildlife-inspired short films and documentaries, the Paws and Claws Film Festival, presented by the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC), will make its debut October 31 and run until November 5 in Victoria.

“We are really excited about the launch of this first ever annual film festival,” says Gina Bugslag, BC SPCA events coordinator for Vancouver Island. “The purpose of the festival is to promote awareness, knowledge and understanding of wildlife, habitat, people and nature, through excellence in film, television, and other media. We are inviting all Western Canadian filmmakers, first time, amateur or pros of any age to submit their take on the diversity of wildlife in this part of the world and the challenges they face. We’re eagerly looking forward to reviewing the submissions and showcasing them at a special soiree when the festival wraps up November 5.”

Films can be submitted on one of three themes: Youth Wildlife Education; Urban Wildlife; Wild Settings. Entry fee is $10; films made in any style or genre from 2009 and on are eligible. Deadline is October 15.

Nominated films will be screened during the festival, with a screening November 3 in Victoria at which the general public will be able to vote for their favourites. Online viewing and voting will run from October 31 to November 5. Viewing and voting is by donation (suggested donation $10). Prizes will be awarded for the top three films and winning films will be featured in BC SPCA promotional materials.

Films can portray Western Canadian wildlife at play, engaging in interesting behaviour, at home in their natural habitat or adapting to life in an urban environment. “Wildlife” encompasses free-living birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish and insects.

For detailed information on how to submit material as well as other pertinent details please visit spca.bc.ca/filmfestival, or email Gina for more information.

The Paws and Claws Film Festival Soiree will be held at CFB Esquimalt (Naden Wardroom), November 5 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and includes gourmet short-plate dinner, film presentation and silent auction. Purchase your tickets today to reserve your spot.

The Monty Fund for Education and Outreach supports efforts to research, develop and administer meaningful programs that enhance the welfare of local wildlife. Your gift can help raise awareness for wild animals, rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife as well as advocate for their protection. Please donate today.

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.