BAHMAN FARMANARA

FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

On behalf of the organizers of the First Vancouver International Film Festival for Children and Young People, I would Like to welcome you to a very special event. Special, because out of over three hundred film festivals all over the world each year, ours is only the sixth internationally accredited event totally devoted to films for children and young people. As well, we have the distinction of being the first such festival in an English speaking country.
The fact that our first year is taking place in the midst of poor economic times more than anything else proves the Iegitimacy of our aims and aspirations. Without fanfare or massive advertising in trade papers, with a single Letter to filmmakers specializing in films for young people, 220 films from 28 countries were submitted to our Selection Committee. This response proves that we have answered a very deeply felt need.
Since one of our main aims for setting up this Festival has been to develop and promote marketing of such specialized filmmaking, next year we will initiate the First Film and Video Market for Children and Young People. It will run simultaneously with the Festival as a permanent addition.
This year the Selection Committee has chosen 96 of the films submitted to be shown in two official sections of the Festival, Competition and Information. We are also presenting 21 more films in the three Retrospectives, bringing the total to 117 feature, medium Iength and short films to be shown during the ten days. The ''Animation Workshop'' for young people, and seminars on ''Classical Animation'' and ''Making Films for Young People'', are special events adding to the attractiveness of the Festival for professionals in the film business.
We, the organizers, are grateful for the help and support of the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments, but more than that we are indebted to the very many volunteers and good-will of the professional people of this province who shared our dream. The full support of the local media gave us the credibility we needed to survive As viewers, you can make this festival a reality by your support, and we look forward to your encouragements and suggestions to better the Festival each year. Enjoy the films! We will return next year with more, you can be sure of that.