Guest Author - Lorna London Sloukji

Passion. Check.
Talent. Check.
Innovation. Check.

Film screenings that inspire audiences? Double check. This year's Mississauga Independent Film Festival (MIFF) boasted emerging and established filmmakers' creative work, ranging from comedy, horror, drama, shorts, animation, and even music videos.

Founded by Matthew and Jeff Campagna, the MIFF celebrates a true indie spirit by showcasing home-grown films, produced, directed, and written by those with sheer passion for the art of filmmaking.

"It's important to support the independent filmmaking spirit because it's important for the future of media, the future of storytelling," says Tim Troke, CEO, Frogwater Media and MIFF Judge.

After five days of screenings, workshops, and after-parties, the MIFF wrapped up the festival last night with a closing night feature (Left Side of Night, directed by Duo Ma) and the Award Ceremony, where winners for Best Short, Best Music Video, Best Feature, and Best Animation were announced.

Best Feature went to director Dean Bajramovic for his film, Gangster Exchange, a story about a Japanese thug who smuggles a million-dollar toilet made of heroin to the New York City Bosnian mafia, and Best Short went to Jay Molloy's Deadspiel, a movie about zombies and curling.

Jeff Campagna, co-founder of the MIFF claims he was pleased with the announcement of Best Feature winner, Gangster Exchange. "It was cool to see a Canadian filmmaker make something they thought Canadians wouldn't respond well to."

Taking risks when creating film and other forms of art most often generates intense speculation and interest from audiences, critics, and reporters. Every time a filmmaker does something innovative and adventurous, it encourages other artists in the filmmaking community to do something more wild and crazy.

This cycle perpetuates, ensuring audiences get to view more incredible films year after year.

The Campagna brothers agree. "The films we had this year were amazing. It's just a testament of this festival's growth," says Jeff.

What's in the works for next year's MIFF? "MIFF 2010 will be even bigger," says Matthew. "Sponsors are seeing that indie films in Canada matter. So MIFF 2010 will be more 'Canada'".

For more information on the MIFF, Matthew and Jeff Campagna, workshops, films, trailers, and more, visit www.miff.ca.