Gordon Whittaker is director, Atlantic Canada at Telefilm Canada and former executive director of the Atlantic Film Festival.

I actually had three ‘official’ initiations to my tenure as executive director of the Atlantic Film Festival. The first one occurred the morning of Dec. 25, 1996 (that’s right, Christmas morning) when Colin Thornton, co-chair of the board of directors called and shouted into the phone, ‘You’re the man!’ A bit unconventional, but I assumed he was offering me the job and our negotiations (which had yet to start) were over. I accepted his pronouncement and officially joined the community.

The next official ‘beginning’ happened after three weeks on the job at my first annual general meeting. I learned firsthand two important aspects of the festival: how deep-rooted the festival was with the community of Atlantic-Canadian filmmakers, and how the AFF served as an important celebration and showcase for the region’s stories and talent. These pillars of the festival were made clear to me after a few doubters in attendance questioned the festival’s commitment to Atlantic Canada and expressed concern over its future direction. Tough questions after only three weeks!

Nine months later, the third strange incident occurred to mark the start of my term. The 17th AFF Opening Night was upon us, featuring local talent Thom Fitzgerald’s The Hanging Garden. It was scheduled to roll after the world premiere of Kevin Cottam’s short film, From the Ashes. Kevin had flown in from Vancouver for this special evening. The house was full and the lights went down. The film started, and as black-and-white images played out amid complete silence, Kevin bolted out of his seat and ran towards the projectionist. His eyes were as big as saucers, and rightly so, as it wasn’t a silent film.

Although my first year was a transition year, it also marked a few milestones that would position us for growth. In 1997, the business plan for Strategic Partners was prepared and the initial financing was secured (it launched in 1998). A huge increase in sponsorship and other revenue was recorded, which allowed the festival to retire its debt and consider inward investments.

The 18th AFF marked the big shift in the festival and served as the springboard for much of its future direction. The festival embarked on a significant relaunch that included a bold new design, a reorganization, expanded and rebranded programs, and investment in marketing, design and publicity. For the first time since 1993, ScreenScene (English Canada’s first competitive children’s film festival) would not be featured on the program cover. (This type of programming would make a bold, triumphant return in 2002 under the direction of Gregor Ash, with the introduction of ViewFinders.)

The year laid the foundation for the current organization by providing greater clarity in roles and opportunities for core staff to develop and mature. Current executive director Ash and program director Lia Rinaldo assumed more responsibility, while Andrea Gosine, now director of operations, also took on an expanded role. We also welcomed industry professional Jan Miller to the festival to launch and head up Strategic Partners.

The 19th and 20th festivals continued the trend of growth, increased profile and expanded programming. The parties were larger, attendance increased, new sponsorships were secured and, operationally, the festival was firing on all six cylinders. Strategic Partners continued to make great leaps forward and was positioning itself as the coproduction conference in Canada and abroad. Atom Egoyan’s Felicia’s Journey closed the 19th AFF and I remember him turning to me, as the credits rolled in front of a strangely silent capacity crowd and saying, ‘Now that is the kind of response I love.’ The 20th year was a special occasion, highlighted by an anniversary gala screening of the hilarious and mysterious Newfoundland film by brothers Andy and Michael Jones, The Adventure of Faustus Bidgood, followed by a party on board the HMCS Ville de Québec.

My memories are as diverse and entertaining as the films, and include technical mishaps, missing prints (sorry Clement), mispronounced names (sorry Mr. Kwietniowski) and all-nighters to meet program deadlines. I enjoyed hearing from the delegates, who were usually complimentary and impressed by the festival’s warmth, positive energy and casual feel. For most, it was a productive, intimate and fun event.

I also had the opportunity to spend time with some of our country’s most respected filmmakers, whether it was driving Norman Jewison from the airport and learning of his navy days in Halifax, drinks with Denys Arcand at the Shoe Shop bar, or dinner with Bruce McDonald and Atom Egoyan where they lobbed memories back and forth like two gifted tennis players.

Since my departure, the AFF has exploded onto another level and is now firing on 12 cylinders. Despite more staff, larger budgets and year-round activities, it has stayed true to its roots and kept its unique spirit and intimate nature – a welcome oasis amidst the busy Canadian film festival schedule. Whether industry- or audience-driven, its growing stable of quality programs has relevance, value and is eagerly anticipated each year.

It was an honor to serve as executive director for four festivals (17th to 20th), and a treat to have a front-row seat to the passionate and entrepreneurial Atlantic-Canadian film and television industry. It is especially gratifying to see the core team still together and still offering one of Canada’s most enjoyable and respected film festivals.

As Telefilm Canada’s director for the Atlantic region, I now have the opportunity to work with this group of professionals and continue our organizations’ long-standing partnership that began during the festival’s second year. Since opening in 1987, Telefilm’s Atlantic office has worked closely with the festival, and we look forward to opportunities where we may partner and support initiatives aimed at building Canadian audiences and our industry.

The festival is in good hands, and I heartily congratulate the organization on its 25th anniversary and its ongoing contribution to Atlantic Canada and to the country.

www.atlanticfilm.com