Dec. 21 is the shortest day of the year. In Jasper that means only seven and a half hours of sunlight.
To mark the winter solstice in a fun and artistic way, the National Film Board is hosting The Shortest Day, a free film celebration with screenings of Canada鈥檚 best short films, and this year, as well as screening in major city centres across the country, it鈥檚 coming to Jasper.
The Shortest Day will take place at the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives, beginning at 2 p.m.
The festival has three segments, one for children, families and adults. In Jasper, only the family films will be shown.
Among them is Godhead, a family program created by Victoria filmmaker Conner Gaston. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) earlier this year, follows Gary, a boy rendered mute by his autism.
Another film is Josef and Aim茅e, directed by Montreal鈥檚 Ben Shirinian. The film tells the story of Josef, a young boy sent into hiding during the Second World War. Josef, scared and alone, escapes his new home in the South of France and embarks on a quest to find his best friend Aim茅e.
Other films include Vancouver director, Alison Parker鈥檚 award-winning flick, The Magic Ferret, about a six-year-old orphan and his pet ferret. To date, the film has been selected by 21 film festivals, including TIFF鈥檚 Kids International Film Festival in Toronto.
The National Film Board is presenting The Shortest Day in collaboration with the Jasper Habitat for the Arts and the Jasper Short Film Festival.
The screenings are free and will last for two hours.
To learn more about the celebration and the films, check out www.theshortestday.ca.
Nicole Veerman
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