Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Vancouver International Film Festival

VANCOUVER, Sept. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Moviegoers have an opportunity to see some of the very best in cinema as this year's Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) begins today.

Over the last 30 years, VIFF has grown to the point where it is now one of the largest film festivals in North America and one of the biggest annual showcases of Canadian film in the world. This year, the festival will feature over 380 films from more than 75 different countries. I am proud that many of these films are from Canada, including several audio-visual treaty co-productions. VIFF plays an important role in stimulating the motion picture industry in British Columbia and Canada, with approximately 150,000 people having attended last year.

Our Government knows that film and television production is essential to the strength of our cultural life and our economic future. In 2010-11, this industry represented $5.5 billion in economic activity and employed 128,000 Canadians.

On behalf of all Canadians and the Government of Canada, I want to commend the work of the Vancouver International Film Festival.

SOURCE Canadian Heritage