Testimonials

2012 Feedback

At our 2012 fest, 93% of the 287 questionnaires received from members of the public at screenings rated their film package as good (37%) or great (56%). The following is a very small sample of the positive comments we received.

General screenings

“I totally enjoy the experience and look forward to it each year!” (Debbie Mathias, Changing Times)

“This festival is fantastic. I can’t wait for next year’s.” (Jordan Davis, Pizza Party & Psycho Shorts)

“Great selection of movies in this package that provided me with a very unique experience.” (Michael Serediak, Love Notes)

“It was so cute to see all the different styles of shorts. What a variety.” (Marcy McKay, Fairview, Star Light Star Bright)

“It was fabulous!!!” (Crystal Oliver, Best of the Fest)

“Excellent, very impressed. Will definitely attend again!” (Nadine LaCroix, Best of the Fest)

“This festival is awesome!” (Linda Duby, Best of the Fest)

School screenings

“Great day for the kids!” (Leslie Beairsto, Grade 2 teacher, Swanavon School, Star Light Star Bright)

“My students were engaged and fascinated by these films. We had a fantastic discussion when we returned to school! Thanks!” (Teri Todd, English 10-1 teacher, Grande Prairie Composite High School, Light the Way)

Class visits

“Awesome film The Interview. My class learned about black comedies and about the film industry. They really enjoyed their Q&A time with Michelle and even asked for her autograph and a copy of her short film. Fantastic job.” (Jennifer Wathen, Grade 8 Language Arts teacher, Mother Teresa School)

Screenwriting workshops

“I think the screenwriting workshops were invaluable to my growth as a filmmaker.” (Rory Mells, Clubbing Inspiration)

“She’s great, really inspiring and I learned a ton from her [Michelle Steffes]. It was fun, informative and interactive. A great time!” (Jasmyn Duby, Writing Your Short Film)

Youth Filmmaking Challenge workshops

“Students become enthused about filmmaking and wanting to make better films.” (Mike Bass, teacher, Hythe Regional Junior High School, Alpha)

“Fantastic – keep it going and even expand it.” (Terry Forbes, teacher, Beaverlodge Regional High School, Bravo)

“They [Scott Belyea, Scooter Corkle, and Michael Bourree] are wonderful with students. It’s a great experience and they love them!” (Amy Woodward, Grade 9-12 drama teacher, St. Joseph Catholic High School, Charlie)

Filmmakers

“I thought the programming was fantastic. I’ve never been to a festival with such consistently great programming. You, Greg, and everyone I dealt with were so pleasant and fun. I liked the venue and liked the bar upstairs. The parties were fun and low-key and I had a great time meeting the other filmmakers and teaching the workshops. Reel Shorts is a fantastic short film festival and a great way to see films that can’t be easily found elsewhere. Grande Prairie should be proud to host such a fun and well-curated event.” (Michelle Steffes)

“The festival is doing everything right and it is playing an increasingly more important role for filmmakers locally and around the world.” (Rio Fitch)

2011 Feedback

At our 2011 film festival, 89% of 601 questionnaire respondents rated their film package, workshop, or class visit as good (32%) or great (57%).

General screenings

“This film festival has been an outstanding contribution to the arts/cultural scene in GP.  It gets better every year.  The international scope of the films provides an insightful peek into many cultural/political world views.  Thanks for all your hard work.” (Melissa Shalagan, Reality Zone)

“Fantastic to have such a great event in our city!” (Tatianna Ducklow, Love Notes)

“Excellent.  I loved all the films individually and together in a theme.” (Kristjanna Grimmelt, Love Notes)

“Fantastic!  Thoroughly enjoyed; 2 hours went by so fast!!” (Tenille Millsap, Love Notes)

“I love the Reel Shorts – looking forward to seeing them all!!” (Frank Daskewech, Amen To That)

“Amazing.” (Kristen Hewlett, Borders)

“Always learn something new and interesting!” (Jenny Oatway, Borders)

“Very good, a lot of different pieces to enjoy.” (Kyle Pura, Born & Razed)

“I loved the language diversity.” (Tanisha Anderson, Born & Razed)

“It was excellent.” (Zachery Dickson, Psycho Shorts)

“Great films – all of them.” (Trevor Hansen, Docs in a Row)

“Great outstanding job this year.” (Calvenn Lanktree, Docs in a Row)

“Awesome.” (Rob Wiebe, Oscar Live Action)

“Great job!  The selections were wonderful.  Next year, I will go to more showings.” (Susan Beaumont, Best of the Fest)

“Very impressed.  Loved the local filmmakers.” (Thomas Bolinger, Best of the Fest)

“Really fantastic – what an amazing experience.  Thank you so much!!” (Ainsley Lamontagne, Best of the Fest)

“Fantastic show – great variety, lots of humour, excellent youth filmmaking!” (Susan Picard, Best of the Fest)

School screenings

“I thought the films were very age appropriate and provided a lot of variety and interest for the children.” (Leslie Beairsto, Grade 2 teacher, Swanavon School, Gruff & Stuff)

“Loved it!” (Marion Nyland, Grade 9 Drama and Video Tech teacher, Hythe Regional Junior High School, Cross the Line)

Youth Filmmaking Challenge workshops

“This was my first time bringing students.  It was an excellent experience for all of us.  I learned a lot!  Thank-you so much for this opportunity.” (Amy Woodward, Drama teacher, St. Joseph Catholic High School, Alpha)

Filmmakers

“It was great.  The film programs were excellently curated and everyone who assisted or attended was wonderfully welcoming and hospitable.” (Napoleon Ryan, Los Angeles)

“Always amazing!” (Scooter Corkle), Vancouver)

“Everything was perfect.” (Rio Fitch, Rolla, BC)

“Great success.  Good and diverse selection of shorts.  I really enjoy the Best of the Fest.  Adds a great climax to the fest.” (Michael Bourree, Grande Prairie)

2010 Feedback

At our 2010 film festival, 89% of 644 questionnaire respondents received rated their film package, workshop, or class visit as good (35%) or great (54%).

General screenings

“The entire festival was wonderful this year! I am so glad I bought the pass. … What a great value for the $!” (Brenda Parker, “Heart & Home”)

“I’d love to see more! A wonderful, thoughtful collection of surprises, delights and good laughs.” (Barbara Swail, “Doubly Grand”)

“Awesome – loved the animated story of Sleeping Beauty!!” (Frank Daskewech, “All in the Family”)

“Loved it.” (Mandy Byrtus, “All in the Family”)

“I thought it was great and will keep on coming back!” (Olivia Kennedy, “Daydreams”)

“Fantastic work! Original ideas! A great opportunity.” (Susan Picard, “Daydreams”)

“I thought they were all great films. Good choice!” (Trevor Hansen, “Heart & Home”)

“These animated shorts were great!” (John Gallagher, “Oscar Animated”)

“Fantastic! First of many festivals!” (Mike Lauzon, “Best of the Fest”)

“Amazing. Wish it happened more often.” (Iain Housego, “Best of the Fest”)

“Very interesting selections; students’ films were very well done.” (Judith Cook, “Best of the Fest”)

“Great to see this type of festival that allows all aspects of films, film workshops and education.” (Jeff McKay, “Best of the Fest”)

“Enjoyed the local youth productions!” (Sharon Stanich, “Best of the Fest”)

“It was excellent.” (Garry Linklater, “Best of the Fest”)

“It was great. Loved it.” (Davis Isherwood, “Best of the Fest”)

“Great films. Thoroughly enjoyed myself.” (Amanda Tinwath, “Best of the Fest”)

“I enjoyed the whole festival. Looking forward to next year!” (Melody Bondok, “Best of the Fest”)

School screenings

“Great curriculum for Social Studies.” (Sherri MacDowall, Hines Creek Composite School teacher, “Sons & Wars”)

“Fantastic as always.” (Dan Mills, Humanities 30 teacher, “Sons & Wars”)

“Awesome films!” (Leila Moulder, Derek Taylor, Grade 7-9 Film Studies, “Sons & Wars”)

“They were great films! The selections appealed to all types of students!” (Robyn Lieverse, Hythe teacher, “Go Fish”)

“Excellent variety – wouldn’t change a thing! My students had a fantastic time and got a great look at a whole new format.” (Mrs. Miller, IV Macklin Film 8 teacher, “Go Fish”)

“Well presented and it was nice for the children to talk to the filmmaker!!” (Shauna Paquette, Harry Balfour Grade 3 teacher, “Daydreams”)

“What a unique way to spend the afternoon! We had hours of conversation following the films. The students are still talking about it.” (Jeanie Ross, Hythe Regional School Grade 6 LA teacher, “Curious Tales”)

Youth Filmmaking Challenge workshops

“A really great experience. They were great teachers – very patient. The students felt a connection and had a lot of fun.” (Sherri MacDowall, Hines Creek Composite School teacher, Bravo)

“Fantastic. Great that the students could receive instruction from working professionals.” (Terry Forbes, Beaverlodge Regional High Schools, Charlie)

“Very interesting. Great subjects to pass on to the students. Great that it covers all aspects of creating a film – pre and post production, filming, etc.” (Dan Gunther, St. Joseph Catholic High School teacher, Alpha)

Filmmakers

“Reel Shorts has such an intimate feel, which I adore, and hopefully, when the festival explodes and every hotel is booked with filmmakers, buyers, and programmers, it will still feel like the darling it is.” (Scooter Corkle, Vancouver, BC)

“So organized and I felt SO taken care of! Great packages and great people at the sessions. Great people involved – Scott and Scooter rock!” (Alyssa McClelland, Australia)

“Enjoyed meeting so many other filmmakers and people.” (Stuart Barr, Peace River, Alberta)

“I had a great time. This was a very enjoyable introduction to the film festival world. I think this festival is well on its way to becoming a very important vehicle for the promotion of films and filmmakers in the Peace Region as well as from around the world.” (Rio Fitch, Rolla, BC)