The VIFF’s 22nd Annual Film and Television Forum delivered boffo box office as this year’s showcase of award-winning speakers propelled figures to an incredible 30% increase over last year.

Sold-out sessions included The Art of Creative Producing with  PGA Producer of the Year   Ron Yerxa (Little Miss Sunshine ) and Mary Jane Skalski ( Station Agent ); Co-Venturing with the US featuring   top execs from   Regent Studios, Fox21tv, Lifetime TV, The N. and Insight Film Releasing; Robert Thirkell's (Britain's No. 1 Producer in 2006) C.O.N.F.L.I.C.T .; and TV Comedy Writing with Emmy Award -winning writer Paul Lieberstein (The Office).  

The impressive four-day industry event culminated on a truly inspiring note with standing-room only crowds at the ever-popular New Filmmakers' Day . Alex McDowell ( Minority Report ) and Philippe Rousellot ( A River Runs Through It ) shared their   insights into  the Director/Production Designer Relationship while  Arin Crumley (Four Eyed Monsters) and Lance Weiller ( Head Trauma ) in  Fast Forward: Filmmakers' Seize Control   inspired  the next generation of filmmakers to  take their films directly to market  through  innovative viral marketing  and social networking  strategies.

According to  Forum Creative Director Helen du Toit , “ The buzz was fantastic this year!  The delegates were overwhelmingly enthusiastic in their response to this year's speakers. ”   Structural changes at the Forum helped build on last year's successes,  “Without question, the new  daily  streamlined programming was an enormous hit with the delegates, with the focused program days providing for more opportunities than ever to network. "  

Alan Franey, VIFF's Director was equally enthusiastic about The Forum. “ There's no better way to launch our Film Festival than to have so much activity and excitement focused on the strengths and opportunities of our own film and television industry. We're particularly grateful to the industry leaders who by lending their expertise and goodwill, make a significant contribution to the future competitiveness of this important sector of our economy.”

Michael Francis, Chairman, Vancouver International Film Festival echoed duToit's enthusiasm, “The Forum secured the highest quality of guest speakers we have ever seen, the organisation was superb and the event ran like clockwork.”

The buzz of the Forum carried over into an array of glamorous industry soirees, ending on a star-studded red carpet at this year's Wrap Party at the Italian Kitchen sponsored by industry powerhouse Insight Film Studios www. insightfilm .com .