The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, it takes courage and confidence to put your work on display for others to see, and especially to compete against your peers.

I rise today to congratulate the incredible young filmmakers who recently competed in the Newfoundland and Labrador High School Short Film Festival.

I was honoured to attend this year, and I am thrilled that the festival’s top award winner is from my district of Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde.

Thirteen-year-old Tristan Jenkins’ documentary, “Dance Chose Me,” is a thoughtful and insightful look at how his younger brother Cameron challenges stereotypes by pursuing his passion for dance.

The caliber of entries at this year’s festival are a testament to the amazing talent that is being developed in our province.

Speaker, we have taken significant steps to foster an environment where aspiring filmmakers can succeed.

Incentives like the All-Spend Tax Credit and infrastructure like the $10 Million Centre for Television and Film at the College of the North Atlantic are positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a sought-after destination for productions from around the world.

Today, there are about 1,400 jobs in the local film and television industry, and with films like Disney’s Peter Pan and Wendy showing the world what we have to offer, further adventures await.

Please join me in congratulating the participants of this year’s High School Short Film Festival.