Put simply, we are looking for good films, or, to invoke the snob… good CINEMA.

We live in the hope of revelation and discovery. Discovering a new directorial talent, a new stream of sound heretofore un- or under-represented on screen. We’re looking to ride on the coattails of legends, and showcase works by those luminaries (such as NXNE alumni Don Letts, Guy Maddin, Julien Temple, Ann Marie Fleming, Ivan Kral, and hell, the legendary Michael Powell – and we’ve just couped Irvine Welsh for 2012) to bring the past and present into closer harmony. We are looking for films wherein, if the sound fails during a screening, the visuals will keep the people riveted to their seats… and if the projection bulb pops (due to sheer visual overload?) the sound will keep all enthralled and no one will think to stalk out to the lobby to complain.

NXNE is a MUSIC and FILM festival and recognizes, but won’t define, true “independent” cinema as part of the legit Rock n Roll ethos. For example, we have screened dramatic works by the great Andrew Bujalski (Mutual Appreciation) and the film noir riff Gun To The Head directed by The New Pornographers’ keyboard player Blaine Thurier. Both are excellent templates for how narrative drama might fit our bill.

We have no real preference over short- vs long-form films. Truth be told,  there’s more filmaking in in last year’s music video Bitter Grasses, Karyn Ellis artist, than in most commercial features (proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpnlCjp1_GU ). And don’t get me started on the grace, beauty and disturbing sucker punch of last year’s 40-minute offering Sand Mountain! We love those awkward-length 20-65 minute films that allow us to jam-pack a programme slate. These are as vital and inspirational as our feature length galas, and are very much the heart of the fest.

If there’s some artistic (or monetary) tie-in to other aspects of the festival (live music and interactive conference programming) we, and our crackerjack PR team, LOVE IT.

I have an admitted soft spot for anything French (anything? – Ed.) – but I’m not alone in the process and there are checks, balances and debates that corral any self indulgence. BUT, if Tom Waits has a walk-on, the film IS IN!!!

The film team is blissfully blessed to be left to do its thing and we work WITH (and are not imposed on by) the executive and creative team of the NXNE fest. So, Like Charles Foster Kane, I hold myself personally responsible for content and this is my “declaration of principles.”

SUBMIT. YOUR. FILM.

ambrose jan. 23 2012…

ECSTASY is a twisted romantic comedy: the story follows a dark relationship between Heather (Canada’s Kristin Kreuk of Smallville) and drug-smuggling Lloyd (Scotsman Adam Sinclair) as they explore a chemical romance and discover whether their love for one another is real. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Rob Heydon, the film also stars Billy Boyd of The Lord of the Rings and features music by Coldplay, Orbital, Primal Scream, Bonjay, The Mahones, Hawksley Workman, and Tiesto. ECSTASY was shot in Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto as well as Scotland and Amsterdam. View the trailer at http://youtu.be/Z5ls2TegJ60.

IRVINE WELSH is an acclaimed and often controversial author of novels, stories, scripts and screenplays. Ecstasy became the first paperback original to go straight in at Number 1 on the Sunday Times best-sellers list. Welsh is also known for his best-selling novel Trainspotting.

Fans can ensure priority access to this event – as well as to all other NXNE Film screenings and NXNE Music club shows – by purchasing an NXNE Priority Pass. Priority Passes go on sale today, January 16, along with NXNE Interactive Passes and Combo Passes (carrying access to NXNE Interactive Conference sessions). All passes can be purchased online only at http://www.nxne.com/tickets. NXNE Wristbands will go on sale in April 2012.

Artist submissions for NXNE 2012 are currently open until January 31, 2012. Musicians and filmmakers can submit applications – exclusively online – at www.nxne.com.

NXNE FILM presents ECSTASY – Irvine Welsh in Attendance

NXNE is proud to announce a Gala Presentation of ECSTASY, based on the IRVINE WELSH novel Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance, as part of the NXNE Film Festival on Thursday, June 14 at 7pm, venue to be announced shortly. Irvine Welsh (in Toronto to launch his newest book Skagboys, a prequel to Trainspotting) will be in attendance and participate in an audience Q&A following the NXNE screening of Ecstasy.

Ecstasy is a twisted romantic comedy: the story follows a dark relationship between Heather (Canada’s Kristin Kreuk of Smallville) and drug-smuggling Lloyd (Scotsman Adam Sinclair) as they explore a chemical romance and discover whether their love for one another is real. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Rob Heydon, the film also stars Billy Boyd of The Lord of the Rings and features music by Coldplay, Orbital, Primal Scream, Bonjay, The Mahones, Hawksley Workman, and Tiesto. ECSTASY was shot in Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto as well as Scotland and Amsterdam.

Irvine Welsh is an acclaimed and often controversial author of novels, stories, scripts and screenplays. Ecstasy became the first paperback original to go straight in at Number 1 on the Sunday Times best-sellers list. Welsh is also known for his best-selling novel Trainspotting.

Fans can ensure priority access to this event – as well as to all other NXNE Film screenings and NXNE Music club shows – by purchasing an NXNE Priority Pass. Priority Passes go on sale today, January 16, along with NXNE Interactive Passes and Combo Passes (carrying access to NXNE Interactive Conference sessions). All passes can be purchased online only – click here to buy now.

We have been working hard to pull together content that we think will help bridge the gap between content creators of all kinds and digital interactivity. We wanted to make sure that whether you’re a musician, film producer, marketer, public relations pro or community manager, NXNE Interactive programming has you covered.

The presentations that have been posted and the ones to come will interest musicians or filmmakers wanting to enhance their online presence, developers keen to learn about new trends, small business owners looking to use social media to help launch product – the possibilities are endless!

The super early bird deadline is February 25th, so register soon to save.

Hope to see you there!

Submissions are accepted until January 31, 2012, for $38 

NXNE 2011 was the festival’s best year ever, with over 300,000 people experiencing NXNE Music, Film and Interactive over 7 days. This year NXNE Music brought veterans of punk, new wave and hip-hop to the festival with blowout performances by Descendents, OFF!, Devo, Men Without Hats, The Pharcyde and Digable Planets. NXNE 2011 performers poised for a breakout year ahead include Braids, Grimes, Wild Nothing, Dirty Beaches and Prince Rama. And all NXNE 2011 artists enjoyed the rare opportunity to reach thousands of new fans, meet key industry people, be noticed by influential national & international media – and to take their careers to the next level.

NXNE Music programs music across a full range of genres: rock, hip-hop, punk, alt-country, DJ, folk, electronica, reggae, experimental and more. NXNE Film screens features, documentaries, shorts, animations, and experimental films – anything in which music is front and centre.

how about an upgrade for Christmas, my dear?

Ok, ok – so Santa here looks a little, er, medicated. But he can do magic. If your name is picked, he’ll take that wristband of yours and transform it into a Priority Pass, giving you priority access to all NXNE Music shows, Film screenings, and selected Interactive conference sessions. But you have to buy your wristband before December 24 – it’s a fantastic stocking stuffer for the music fan(s) in your life. Click here to buy.

Happy holidays from NXNE!

Originally created for Canadian radio programmers, and generously supported by Astral Radio, the Tip Sheet spotlights outstanding NXNE performers, some new, some familiar – almost like being at the festival itself. This year’s Tip Sheet includes Braids, Doldrums, Indian Handcrafts, and Tanika Charles & The Wonderfuls and can be viewed at http://nxne.com/tipsheet.

Doldrums

• • NXNE Music programs hundreds of bands across many genres: rock, hip-hop, punk, alt-country, DJ, folk, electronic, experimental and more.
• • NXNE Film screens features, documentaries, shorts, animation, and experimental films – anything with music front & centre.
• • NXNE Interactive is a unique conference for digital creators, artists, tech entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in maximizing productivity and enjoyment of digital technology and social media.

Stuff your favourite music fan’s stocking (or your own) with the gift of NXNE. Thanks to the magic of the interweb, you can stay out of the mall and buy locally from the comfort of your home. It’s a holiday season online-only deal… get a full festival wristband – regularly $50 – for just $40.

Remember, come June 2012, that wristband guarantees the bearer/wearer no cover at all NXNE Music club shows, and all NXNE Film screenings. We call it the 5-day wristband, but since there will be a few film screenings on the Monday and Tuesday of NXNE week, that wristband is actually good for 7 days of admission to the summer’s best music-fueled party.

So…need any more convincing? Buy yours today – heck, buy a bunch for everyone on the bowling team and hit NXNE together in June.

Happy holidays from your friends at NXNE!