The NVIFF (Non Violence International Film Festival) is a celebration of artistic expression where the subject matter and or themes are encouraged to celebrate and explore the human spirit as well as ideas and concepts of Non Violence in all forms.
The first annual NVIFF was started through inspiration received from the KW Humanist Movement’s Non Violence Festival in the Park. The Humanist Movement is a grass roots organization who’s goals include "Building the world in which you want to live." It was at the heart of that mandate that Steve Cross, NVIFF Director decided to start something special.
The Festivals mandate is to screen films that educate, challenge, inspire and entertain us through documentaries, animated and live action films without promoting Violence or Discrimination of any kind.
This years panel of judges consists of Waterloo Region and New York State residents with over 50 combined years of experience in film and in the arts.
The inaugural NVIFF received films from all over the world, including countries like Ireland, Israel, Spain, Mexico, Paris, South Korea, Japan, USA, UK, Germany, Finland, Denmark, Ukraine and many others with a total number of submissions exceeding 80 films including one 2007 Oscar® nominated film.
The 2008 season welcomes the new Student level of film submission and exhibition. In conjunction with local secondary and post secondary facilities, students, teachers and the NVIFF will select and screen films submitted by students from all over the world.
"It has been a real pleasure and an incredible honor to have been able to screen so many great films from around the world. The honor and privilege reached new heights when the NVIFF presented its inaugural line up of films to the residents of the greater Waterloo Region on June 8th 2007. By expanding our exhibitions to students and schools, we hope to engage youth about Non Violence and help grow this community event." Steve Cross - Festival Director and Judge.
In addition to celebrating the medium of film and motion pictures the NVIFF is planning and organizing special events, workshops and guest speakers to appear through out the Waterloo Region. There will be nightly discussions on the films at the Princess Café hosted by festival director, event coordinator and judges, Steve Cross and Roger Albrecht. You can also expect to see workshops on Non Violence, including specific sessions on various forms of Violence and their Non Violent resolutions as well as workshops on film making and different aspects of the film industry.
