Vancouver, BC – The Motion Picture Industry Association of British Columbia (MPPIA) is once again rallying the industry and its partners in government, business and BC communities to celebrate Motion Picture Industry Week in BC (MPIW 2008). With the Industry Week launch set for Oct. 23, the week’s events will take place between Oct. 26 and November 2.

This year, MPIW takes off where last year’s campaign left off under the Moving Forward, Giving Back banner, with events that will offer industry partners information, access and an opportunity to give (see attached calendar). Primary themes include the industry’s environmental movement, opportunities associated with the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Games, and career development in the motion picture industry.

With the British Columbia Film Commission's 30th Anniversary as a special highlight in 2008, MPIW is also a celebration of BC’s motion picture industry and its achievements. As British Columbia celebrates its 150th Birthday this year, the motion picture production community proudly showcases its contribution to the economic and artistic diversity of the province, and the talent and infrastructure that has been developed in BC over the past three decades.

Says MPPIA Chair Peter Leitch, “Motion Picture Industry Week in BC pays tribute to the enormous collaboration between industry, government and community partners that has been vital to our success.”

Charitable giving is an important part of Industry Week to show appreciation for the cooperative role that BC communities play in the province’s motion picture industry. With the Greater Vancouver Food Bank as MPPIA’s charitable partner in 2008, fundraising and ‘food raising’ will take place across industry locations throughout the month of October to ensure an ample contribution from the industry that will reach as many people possible. Supporters are encouraged to go to www.vancouverfoodbank.ca to make their own contributions.

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