Local Feature Opens St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
Oct 18, 2023 | 6:12 AM - VOCM.COM
The stars were out in the capital city as the 34th annual St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival kicked off with a red carpet event.
Filmmakers, industry giants, politicians and moviegoers alike strutted the rouge at the Majestic Theatre, packing the house for the festival opening.
The night saw the world premiere of “Party Pirate”, directed by Ruth Lawrence and written by and starring her son Luke.
Party Pirate Team
Lawrence, who has been involved with the festival for decades, says it’s special to share this experience with her son.
She calls it the culmination of her relationship with her son and says as an actor and director, it doesn’t get any better.
Luke says it’s incredible to have his film premiere at the festival.
“It’s amazing. My mom has brought me to this festival for years, and it’s my hometown.”
The festival will see films from around the world grace the silver screen in St. John’s, including Ham, one of two short films from the United Kingdom this years.
Director Fiona Hampton and Producer Charlotte Beaumont say the festival stuck out to them.
They say being able to travel to Canada to see the film with a group of people is a very special, tangible achievement.