The 12th annual Spark Animation Film Festival has moved online in 2020 with an expanded program running over 11 days from October 29th to November 8th. The virtual festival ― produced by Vancouver-based Spark Computer Graphics (Spark CG) Society ― is powered by Eventive, a technology platform designed by independent film lovers specifically to enhance virtual cinema screenings.
Spark Animation Film Festival
Where: Online (available worldwide, some programs geo-blocked) When: Thursday, October 29 to Sunday, November 8, 2020 Tickets: The 2020 Festival Pass provides full access to films, programming, and speakers for the single festival pass price of $25 (plus taxes and fees). Some programs may be available to limited markets and territories, which will be noted on the festival website.
The programming team, led by Festival Director Marina Antunes, is pleased to present a wide-ranging, diverse line-up of films and filmmakers available to screen and meet online in 2020. She adds, “Along with a program of edgy and award-winning short and feature films, we will have director Q&A sessions, live presentations, and opportunities for festival pass-holders to network with filmmakers virtually.”
Festival Highlights
This year’s showcase of the world’s leading animators includes anniversary-themed celebrations of film.
“The Women of Toy Story“ honours the 25th-anniversary of this beloved film from the perspectives of the women who helped in its creation. Hollywood Producer Bonnie Arnold, who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Spark CG Society in 2019, will be joined by other women from the production. The session will be moderated by author, film historian, and filmmaker Mindy Johnson.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning short film Father and Daughter, an “In Conversation” session with London-based Dutch Director Michaël Dudok de Wit will be moderated by educator and film historian Keith Blackmore and will include a screening of this masterful short film.
Popular Films and Programs Returning in 2020
Female filmmakers’ talents are on display during the “Mothers of a Medium” program. Films by Canadian filmmakers are celebrated with a “Made in Canada” showcase. The “Spotlight on France” includes award-winning French shorts and features. Experimental films provide fuel for “Late Night Snacks” screenings.
The Spark Animation 2020 Celebration features award-winning film selections by this year’s prestigious jury of producers, directors, educators, and independent studio founders.
Enter to Win
I have three tickets to give away to the Made in Canada program, sponsored by Miss604. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to the Made in Canada program at the Spark Animation Film Festival #SparkAnimation2020 @SparkCGS #Spark2020 #IloveAnimation http://ow.ly/yxNZ50BTw6s” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Follow Spark on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more info.
Join Aunt Leah’s Virtual Birthday Party Gala to come together during such an isolated time and support foster youth, moms, and babies who have been especially affected by the pandemic.
Aunt Leah’s Virtual Birthday Party Gala
Where: Online When: Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 7:00pm to 7:45pm Register:Reserve your spot for free
Spend an evening with host and Executive Director, Sarah Stewart to learn more about how Aunt Leah’s is rising to meet the needs of their young people during this challenging time. Hear their voices and stories and learn how you can help. Gifts raised at this event will provide housing, support, and personal kindness for the 350+ youth, children, and mothers who come to the society’s doors each year.
All guests will receive a discount code for BeerVan delivery, a collective of small family owned Vancouver craft breweries and beverage producers when they register. Guests will also be automatically entered to win a variety of prizes.
Every year in British Columbia, approximately 1,000 foster children will reach their 19th Birthday and will age out of Government care. For most of these young people there will be no celebration, no gifts, and no on-going support. The journey ahead will be challenging and lonely. Last year 266 of these young people came through the doors of Aunt Leah’s Place.
Why a Birthday Party?
The “Birthday Party Gala” — while not Aunt Leah’s birthday — is Aunt Leah’s way of recognizing and celebrating foster youth who age out of care at their 19th birthday. It is a symbolic event that points to social justice. A gathering that reminds us of what parents do for their children on their birthdays and when they approach adulthood.
As with many fundraising galas and events this year, Variety BC’s One Night in the Valley (originally scheduled for April 4 at Glass House) was cancelled. However, they still have a trove of amazing auction prizes so they’re putting them up for bids this month.
One Night in the Valley Online Auction
The One Night in the Valley Online Auction will run October 15 to 22, 2020. You can get a sneak peek at the items here. You could go for an adventure with SKY Helicopters and Glass House Estates Winery, embark on a getaway to Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, enjoy a West Coast experience in Tofino or scoop up an exclusive private backyard concert with Canadian country music talent Dave Hartney — and much more.
In September, the annual Variety Week fundraiser on Global BC helped raise some much needed funds. “With the generous support of British Columbians along with the incredible support of Strand Development and Townline Homes, we are now able to help 1,050 kids with special needs,” said Cally Wesson, Variety BC CEO. “Not only does this mean that we’ll able to help the kids on our waiting list but we’ll be able to help even more kids as we continue to receive requests for help. From the bottom of my heart, thank you British Columbia.”
You can continue to support their efforts by participating in the auction. If you prefer to donate directly to Variety, you can of course do so here to help BC kids with special needs.
Follow Variety BC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more info and follow the tag #VarietyInTheValley for updates throughout the event.
Miss604 is the proud Social Media Sponsor of Variety BC’s One Night in the Valley
Every weekend in October MUJI‘s Robson location (1125 Robson St, Vancouver) is hosting MUJI Community Market, offering up space for local Vancouver artists and artisans to showcase and sell their wares.
MUJI Community Market
October 17 – 18, 2020 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm Moving Coffee Roastery, Provence en Couleur, Urban Farm Girl
This weekend of October 17 and 18, Edmond and Shirley of @MovingCoffee will host a pop-up coffee counter to serve their famous pour-over coffee and provide freshly roasted signature coffee beans to MUJI customers.
Vancouver-based French home decor @ProvenceEnCouleur will be there on Saturday, October 17 to introduce body care items made with pure lavender oil from Southern France, and you can shop Vancouver-based flower farmer @UrbanFarmGirl on Sunday, October 18 who will have local-grown flowers, succulents and festive decor pumpkins.
October 24 – 25, 2020 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm Chop Value & Mind the Minimal
Vancouver-based sustainable brand @ChopValue and minimalist home style designer @MindTheMinimal will host a pop-up market featuring their local-made, home decoration products.
October 31 – November 1, 2020 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm Oyster & King, Isobel’s Card Co., O5 Tea
Specialty organic mushroom farmer @Oyster&King and Vancouver-based tea hunter @O5Tea will host a pop-up market featuring local-grown, fresh produce, and ethical-sourced tea products.
Exclusively on October 31, Vancouver-based watercolour artist @IsobelsCardCo will exhibit her sustainable, recycled, watercolour greeting cards, hand-painted bookmarks, and watercolour artworks that are locally made, inspired by nature, and eco-friendly.
MUJI, originally founded in Japan in 1980, offers a wide variety of good quality products including household goods, apparel and food. Mujirushi Ryohin, MUJI in Japanese, translates as “no-brand quality goods.” MUJI Robson opened in 2017.
Inspired by light, art, and creative expression, Lumière Vancouver in the West End returns for 2020 to illuminate dark winter nights by the sea.
Now in its 7th year, Lumière Vancouver will showcase seven amazing interactive art installations adding sparkle and excitement to two iconic sites: English Bay and Jim Deva Plaza.
“Davie” designed by the MK Illumination Canada team
Lumière Vancouver in the West End
When: November 5 – 30, 2020 Where: Jim Deva Plaza, English Bay Admission: None/free
Returning to the foot of Denman Street is local favourite, “Davie”, a stunning, illuminated 24-foot-tall grizzly bear. Davie joins Luna, Stanley and Eugenia, a collection of nature-inspired light sculptures at English Bay that pay homage to British Columbia’s wildlife community.
