Blue Mountain Village recently announced the launch of Blue Mountain Film Festival (BMFF) led by veteran film executive, Helen du Toit in the role of Executive & Artistic Director. BMFF invites film-lovers and filmmakers to connect, be inspired and escape into the mountains to enjoy the very best in international and Canadian cinema. The festival will take place June 1-5, 2022 at the Blue Mountain Village Conference Centre with programming details to come in the new year. Details, and the portal for film submissions, can be found at www.bluemtnfilmfest.ca.
Inspired and curated by du Toit, BMFF plans to programme up to 25 feature films from across the globe -- with a spotlight on Ontario productions -- and welcoming international and Canadian filmmakers to showcase their latest projects to film savvy audiences. The Festival also offers international and domestic film industry professionals the opportunity to come together and share ideas in an idyllic setting during its Creative Forum taking place from June 1 to 3.
“When I first stepped foot in Blue Mountain my immediate thought was what an incredible location it would be to host an intimate film festival. Such a unique place calls for a unique experience,” said Helen du Toit. “I am honoured to be part of the team launching BMFF and to curate a diverse program with the best films from around the world and Canada for audiences hungry for inspired storytelling. I am equally as excited to bring together international and Canadian film creators to share ideas, inspiration and future trends for our industry. Most of all, I can’t wait to be part of a new community of film lovers, and to share the experience of discovery and excitement that only films can provide.”
Over the past three decades Helen du Toit has worked in the film industry in a variety of roles giving her a unique perspective. From curating international film festivals to developing and producing film & television to directing related media industry events, forums, and think tanks, du Toit has developed and perfected a broad range of skills.
As Artistic Director of the Palm Springs International Film Festival for over a decade, du Toit’s leadership was instrumental in building a committed and loyal audience, with Palm Springs ranking as the 3rd best attended Festival in the U.S. Equally passionate about story and talent development, du Toit produced multiple editions of the Toronto International Film Festival’s Talent Lab and served as Creative Director of Vancouver IFF’s Film & TV Forum.
Producer on various award-winning projects, du Toit was the U.S. co-producer on Mark Cousins’ critically acclaimed 15-hour documentary The Story of Film: An Odyssey. She also developed an Italian-Canadian co-production based on John Berger’s novel To the Wedding to be directed by award-winning director Andrea Pallaoro.
Helen du Toit is a Member of both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.
Photo Credit: Karen Lee Hall
source: media release, Blue Mountain Village
