Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The 4th Annual YK Film Festival kicked off last week and runs until this coming Friday. I encourage everyone to get out and watch some of these films. A complete list of events can be found at Western Arctic Moving Pictures’ website.
This event is hosted by the Western Arctic Moving Pictures, which is often referred to as WAMP, whose mandate it is to promote, encourage, support, showcase and produce independent film, video, audio and digital media with the social, cultural and artistic community of the Northwest Territories. In addition to acting as an advocate to the film industry and supporting events throughout the NWT such as the YK Film Festival, the 48-hour music video competition and film screenings, WAMP supports northern filmmakers by offering advice, equipment and community.
Early last calendar year my colleague Bob Bromley and I facilitated a meeting with representatives of WAMP as well as other filmmakers from throughout the NWT and the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment to discuss the value of a sustainable film industry within the Northwest Territories
The artists present explained in detail the concerns they have with respect to support currently provided by the Government of the Northwest Territories to this industry and how this industry could be a real contributor to our Territory’s economy. Personally, I believe the industry could be a real sustainable portion of our economy. It brings many advantages, including promoting the Northwest Territories as a place to visit, tourism. It will result in employment and training opportunities across the Northwest Territories and it will help circulate money throughout the NWT as filmmakers travel to different locations throughout the Northwest Territories and engage other small local business for assistance in their productions. It is a win-win industry, Mr. Speaker.
I was very pleased when the Minister indicated that he would have his department conduct some research and develop a report outlining the pros and cons of supporting the film industry and expanding the role of the film commission in the Northwest Territories. I believe the findings will be positive and I look forward to the final report.
Later today I will be asking the Minister of ITI some questions concerning the status of this report. Mr. Speaker, it is time that this government support this industry in a more meaningful way. There are significant opportunities for northern stories, and for films and other media; stories such as the "Lesser Blessed" by Richard Van Camp. It tells a story of growing up in small northern towns like Fort Smith and Behchoko. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
