Category: Arts

As I sat in the auditorium at the National Library and Archives watching the flickering figures glow dramatically on the screen while a live pianist played along to the action,I began to realize what a distinct experience silent film is . . .

Crowding around the campfire listening to wild tales of adventure, romance and life is a ritual that seems to have been lost. However, the Ottawa Storytellers are keeping this tradition alive in Centretown.

Normally I’m not the kind of person who heads out to writing festivals – I’m usually either working or attending a concert. But this year, things were different. The Ottawa International Writers Festival kicked off with tons of publicity in the newspapers and TV stations.

Well over a decade ago, the staff at the World Inter-Action Mondiale (WIAM) in Ottawa was struggling to get the public involved in global issues outside of the mainstream media. While the country was becoming more and more dependant on television to keep them informed, it seemed appropriate to try and reach the masses with something similar: Film.