With the aim of presenting films that have the power to raise awareness about the vital role destinations play in the success of cinema and television – and to bring the film and travel industries closer together – the inaugural edition of Global Tourism Film Festival (GTFF) raises the curtain, both in person and virtually – starting tomorrow (Oct. 21) in the Netherlands.
The Dutch nation is the first of the “nomadic destinations” to host the event, which continues until Oct. 4. While the festival presents festival packages that encourage travel to the Netherlands, home-bound viewers can buy tickets and watch the films online.
Managed by a team from Canada and the US, this year’s event is taking place in association with Netherlands Tourism. The festival is also supported by Toronto-based tour operator NARAT.
NARAT director Renata Snidr says the festival is “a very unique event produced to support destination marketing. The event has engaging film content from international filmmakers, which it has acquired rights to screen during the event to promote destination and cultural awareness.”
The theme of the festival is women and minorities.
Beyond the films there will also be various interactive film forums including seminars with keynote speakers, workshops, talk panels, and destination-focussed sessions from the likes of the Netherlands and Uganda.
The mission of the Global Tourism Film Festival is:
• To acknowledge and reward talented tourism filmmakers
• To present to the public films and productions about tourist destinations and products
• To promote the latest trends in tourism film making
• To incline the interest of the tourist business and production companies towards tourism film products
• To inspire film industry professionals to turn their efforts and specialize in tourism film making
• To draw the attention of film production companies, media, tourism, and the public to one platform
• To create conditions for highly effective promotional content
A portion of the GTFF revenues will be shared with active foundations ready to advocate for sustainable tourism principles.
GTFF is produced by Canadian and US tourism and film industry leaders that have a demonstrated prominent background in Film and Tourism including appointment to regulatory commissions of film and tourism. In partnership with the Radisson Hotels brand, GTFF aims to invite patrons to experience first-hand “some of the most enigmatic tourism destinations” at upcoming editions of the festival, which will feature world premieres, awards ceremonies and events, and, of course, a host of film screenings.
This year, films come from the Netherlands, Turkey, Japan, Zambia, Nepal, France, and Russia with such titles as “Paris,” “Dubrovnik Riviera,” “Mystic Shrine Maiden” and “Love, Spells, and All That.”
For more information, virtual film schedule, or to buy tickets, visit HERE. Individual event, day- and all-access are available, ranging from about $10 to $75.