Inuvik (May 29/06) - A new film festival is set to make its mark in the North. All it needs is a few good films.

Inuvik's Jennifer Bowen and partner Dennis Allen have been planning the festival since April. The pair had seen a film festival in Norway, which displayed the region and traditions.

Dennis Allen, right, and Jennifer Bowen, with their baby Hayden John Bowen, at a film festival in Norway earlier this year. The two are co-ordinating the first Top of the World Film Festival in Inuvik this summer and are looking for submissions. - photo courtesy of Jennifer Bowen

"Once we returned from Norway, we were inspired to host a festival of our own," said Bowen.

The festival has been dubbed the "Top of the World film festival."

"We have been getting responses from outside the community - from people who want to showcase their productions," said Allen.

A call for submissions has been made and Bowen said there is no deadline for applications.

"Since it is the first year of the festival, we want as much local participation as possible," said Bowen.

The plan is to keep the production as simple as possible, while giving local producers a stage to shine on.

The only request is for the type of format submitted. "We are only accepting DVD copies of the films," said Allen.

The Inuvialuit Communications Society (ICS) is the sponsor of the festival and will be hosting a workshop for the public.

Allen said the workshop will focus on script writing, camera techniques and editing.

"ICS will provide the equipment and their editing studios," said Allen, who is also teaching the workshop.

More details about the workshop will be released as the summer months get closer, he said.

Capturing traditional values are important to Bowen, and she wants the festival to reflect that as well.

"In Norway, we saw the festival in an ice theatre, which was impressive," she said.

The first plan for the festival is to find an outdoor location, where a tent can be used as a screen.

"We want to promote our lifestyle by decorating the theatre with spruce bows, and possibly a military tent," said Bowen.

The film festival will run around the same time as the Great Northern Arts Festival.

Allen said the target dates are from July 17-22.