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For a Reel Good Time and Real Good Cause êif Andrea Winterêotlûm the summer submitting a rough budget and cast and crew list. Although teams are allowed corporate sponsors, the emphasis is on using creativity rather than money. By mid-September the 10 minute films must be completed and a nominal entry fee paid. These fees are donated to a charitable cause, this year the Harvest Project. As Porter prepares for this second festival, he reflects on its importance to the community. "I am excited about the prospect of uniting artistic and corporate interests to bring greater awareness to important human and environmental causes. Seeing amateur film makers utilize their passion, vision and love for this powerful and influential medium to help others in need is a dream come true." The North Shore Film Festival of Life is for people of all ages who have a desire to tell a story and make a difference. We can make a difference too by going to the screenings. orth Shore native Russell Porter worked for 17 years as an actor before he started up the First Step Actors' Workshop and the Actors' Centre in 1 9 9 9 . Although hundreds have benefited from these programs, many have also experienced frustration thinking nothing would happen for them outside of a mainstream movie or TV show. Porter has never been one to place his dreams in someone else's hands. Aware of the growing s u c c e s s of s m a l l independently-produced films, he initiated, through the First Step Actors' Workshop, the North Shore Film Festival of Life and a dynamic opportunity for others to live up to their aspirations. The festival features short films that have been developed and produced by people who want to make a positive impact. Its mandate is to promote participation in film arts and encourage the communication of thoughts and ideas, our community and the environment. Only in its second year, the festival is gaining much deserved attention. Last year the theme was North Shore Stories. This year the festival focuses on Environment and Sustainability. With 19 entries, the number of films has almost doubled. North Shore Film Festival "Too many people think they don't have the courage or the right opportunities to act in or work behind the scenes in a film," Porter observes. "This festival allows them to sit in a real theatre, watch their own films and soak up the applause." Participating teams register at a launch meeting early in WHAT: North Shore Film Festival of Life WHEN: October 19, 20 WHERE: Kay Meek Centre and Esplanade Theatres INFO: www.filmfestoflife.org \ct, sing and dance at your local StageCoach lit StageCoach and teaches the skills children need to act, sing and dance. Soon they will begin to move freely well, express themselves clearly and more easily, to grow i n confidence and self esteem. Schools are open for 3 hours a week alongside the school term. There's no audition, all they need is enthusiasm - and to be age 4-16. For more information about your local StageCoach school call Principal Hilary Smith at: 1-877-78-STAGE JÏÏAGECOACH .THEATRE ARTS S C H O O L S V w w w . a r t s - a l i v e . c a S e p t e m b e r | O c t o b e r