About Us
In 2002, the first Powell River Film Festival was held in the high school gym as the “Reel Love Film Festival.” In 2004 Friends of Film Society of Powell River was incorporated under the BC Society Act, and in 2005 the organization was registered with the Charities Directorate of Revenue Canada. In 2012, the society moved its screenings to the Patricia Theatre, where it continues its annual Film Festival.
The Friends of the Historic Patricia Theatre Society has been working to help preserve and restore the Patricia Theatre (In operation since 1913 – the longest running movie theatre in Canada) as a vital community cultural amenity since 2004. In 2012, the community supported the Society in raising $90,000 to purchase a digital projection system for the theatre (necessary for new release distribution).
The two organizations amalgamated in June 2019 as the Powell River Film Society. The mandate of the society was updated to include maintaining a facility to deliver programming. To ensure the theatre experience in the community for generations to come, the Society entered into a purchase agreement with the Patricia Entertainment Company Ltd. The agreement for sale assures tenure in the property and continuity for the community while fundraising takes place.
Affiliations
- Consumer Protection BC
- Film Circuit
- Powell River Council for Arts, Culture & Heritage
- Tourism Powell River
- The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley
Please visit our LINKS page to find out more.
Submissions accepted
Want your film considered for our next festival? Send a copy and letter of introduction to our festival office by Oct. 31. Preference is given to films or videos made within the past year, that can be presented at the festival by the filmmaker.
Become a board member!
Come out to our Annual General Meeting and try for a spot on our Board of Directors. The time commitment is generally an hourly meeting each month September – May, and volunteer hours leading up to & during the festival in mid-February.
Want to volunteer?
Our festival owes its success to its many volunteers. Drop us a line if you’d like to get involved – and see a free film for your efforts.