As one of the organizers of Toronto International Film Festival's
Symposium on electronic technology, and its affects on the art of
filmmaking, I invite you to send us email at <[log in to unmask]>.
Please send us your views on computers and film education, or any other
related topic that deals with the newly emerging information systems and
their influence on cinema.
 
A more detailed explaination of the symposium and its companion internet
project is explained below.
 
I look forward from hearing you.
 
Joey Schwartz,
Digitalia II, Toronto International Film Festival
 
 
DIGITALIA:
Using Technology Before It Uses You
The Fourth Annual Perspective Canada Symposium
 
        Each year, Perspective Canada provides a forum for debate within
the context of the Toronto International Film Festival.  In response to
the overwhelming rate of technological change in consumer electronics and
information distribution systems, this year's symposium is designed to go
beyond the hype of gizmos and gadgets to examine how independent Canadian
producers are responding to digitalization in creative ways. It has
always been the role of artists to bend and twist technology to their
needs and to point out inventive new applications. Many producers are
integrating digital formats and processes into more traditional film
forms, while others take the very issue of technological change and its
impact on society as crucial themes for exploration. For independent
filmmakers, the challenges and promises of new digital technologies
revolve largely around issues of funding, access, equity and appropriate
technologies. Panel participants will examine these and other issues from
the perspective of their own practice.
        This year's panel will be moderated by David McIntosh, cultural
critic, film producer and Perspective Canada programmer. Panelists
include: Judith Doyle, director of Wasaga; Loretta Todd, director of
Hands Of History and contributor to NativeNet; Ron Mann, filmmaker and
CD-ROM producer; Peter Broderick, independent American Producer and
consultant exploring intersections between media and computer
technologies; and Geeta Sondhi, Coordinator, Non-Theatrical and
Multimedia Programs of the Ontario Film Development Corporation.
        The panel will take place on Thursday, September 15, 1994 at 2pm
in the Royal Sutton B, Sutton Place Grande Hotel Le Meridien. Admission
is FREE.
 
        In keeping with the emphasis on access, Digitalia II: Interactive
Access is a hands-on component of the Symposium.  An on-site installation
of a computer system equipped with CD-ROM hardware and a slip connection
to the Internet will be available to introduce filmmakers and industry
professionals to the widespread applications of new technologies.
Introductory workshops, demonstrations of a variety CD-ROMs, and an
opportunity to interact with new media will allow users to determine for
themselves how appropriate these applications are for their work.
Hardware for the Internet server was provided by RISE, connection to the
Internet has been donated by UUNorth International Inc, and Mac CD-ROM
hardware has been generously supplied by Network Connection.  The
symposium is coordinated by Gisele Gordon.
        The installation will be located in the Hospitality Suite, Sutton
Place Grande Hotel Le Meridien.  Access is FREE to all Festival pass
holders from September 9-17.