A wide variety of films have been shot in Edmonton, ranging from American westerns to Bollywood rom-coms. Additionally, the city hosts an International Film Festival, a key event that shines the spotlight on new talents in directing and acting. It’s fair to say that Edmonton is on its way to becoming a central hub for the film industry in Canada. In this article, we explore the growth of cinema in the city. More on edmonton-trend.
How Cinema Has Evolved in the City
Filmmaking in Edmonton dates back to the early 20th century. Initially, these were short documentaries capturing the everyday lives of locals. In 1918, Canada formed the Canadian Government Motion Picture Bureau, aimed at producing films about the country to be screened abroad as a way to promote Canada. Edmonton became one of the cities where propaganda films showcasing life in Alberta were shot.
In the second half of the 20th century, cinema flourished. Major film companies and film enthusiast communities emerged in Edmonton. This period also saw the launch of prominent film festivals in the city. Edmonton soon became a frequent choice for shooting major films and TV series.
Why Edmonton is Chosen for Film Shoots
Over the past few decades, many movies and TV series have been filmed in Edmonton. Documentaries are the most popular genre here, while in Vancouver and Calgary, Hollywood productions are more common. Documentary filmmakers often highlight Edmonton-based stories that deal with universal themes.
What makes Edmonton so appealing for filming? Beyond the city’s distinctive architecture and ambience, permits are free. Edmonton also offers a competitive Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit, allowing production companies to apply for a 22% tax rate.
Additionally, Edmonton can offer up to 17 hours of daylight in the summer and showcases four distinct seasons. The city provides film studios as large as 15,000 square feet, as well as a diverse range of crews, architecture, and landscapes. “SpiderMable” director Wulfert describes Edmonton as a “big little city.” He notes that the city’s old and new bridges, alongside its river, set it apart. He even compares Edmonton’s beauty to that of some of the world’s largest cities, and he’s been to places like Santiago, Shanghai, Tokyo, and New York.
Edmonton filmmaker Frederick Krotsch credits the city’s cinematic success to a blend of architectural styles, infrastructure, and geography. He calls it a “mishmash.” Popular filming locations, according to Krotsch, include Fort Edmonton Park, malls, museums, and the river valley.
Filmmakers are especially fond of West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping mall in North America.
Film Festivals in the City
Edmonton hosts several notable film festivals. One major event is Northwestfest, held annually at Metro Cinema. It is the country’s longest-running documentary film festival.
Northwestfest was founded in 1983 by Edmonton’s Learning Center and was originally called the Third World Film Festival. Its early focus was largely on documentaries about international development. In 1998, the festival was renamed Global Visions Film Festival and began featuring a wider selection of documentaries. The festival adopted the name Northwestfest in 2015.
Another important event is the Edmonton International Film Festival, which brings directors, actors, and movie fans from around the world to the city. The festival actively supports up-and-coming local filmmakers while fostering cinema as an art form. You can read more about its history via the link provided.
All in all, Edmonton is a significant hub for film production on the global stage. Thanks to the growth of independent cinema, film festivals, and ongoing cultural investments, the city continues to attract filmmakers from around the globe.
