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.