Throughout the year, the Festival hosts several special events. Subscribe to our email notification service, and we’ll let you know when updates are posted to this site.
Sechelt Premiere Screening of Inkwo for When the Starving Return
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The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts is pleased to be a sponsor of the Sechelt premiere of the award-winning stop motion animated film, Inkwo for When the Starving Return, featuring appearances by local filmmakers Amanda Strong (director/co-producer/co-writer) and Bracken Hanuse Corlett (co-writer), with special guest Richard Van Camp (co-writer) also in attendance.
This special event is May 1st, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) at the Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt. Admission is by donation, and no pre-registration is needed.
Watch the trailer.
A mesmerizing tale of courage, identity and the enduring power of truth, Inkwo for When the Starving Return is an animated adaptation of an original short story by award-winning Tlicho Dene storyteller Richard Van Camp. Spotted Fawn Productions, led by Michif/Metis director Amanda Strong, carried the story into its innovative film form. This collective vision shines through in tender moments, urgent choices and epic confrontations that blur the boundaries between the physical and the supernatural.
Two lifetimes from now the world hangs in the balance. Dove, a young, enigmatic, gender-shifting warrior, discovers the gifts and burdens of their Inkwo (medicine) to defend against an army of hungry, ferocious monsters. Dove’s courage, resilience and alliance with the Earth culminates in a battle against these flesh-consuming creatures, who become stronger with each body and soul they devour. Inkwo for When the Starving Return is a call to action to fight and protect against the forces of greed around us.
The film features the extraordinary voice talent of Paulina Alexis (Critics Choice Award winner), Tantoo Cardinal (Order of Canada) and versatile television producer, actor and storyteller Art Napoleon.
Please note this film is Unrated and Intended for Mature Audiences.
This event is co-presented by the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, Raven’s Cry Theatre, The National Film Board of Canada and Spotted Fawn Productions.
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Guests in Attendance:
Amanda Strong. Amanda is a Michif/Métis artist, writer, producer, director, filmmaker and mother. As the owner and executive producer of Spotted Fawn Productions Inc., her collaborative creations serve to amplify Indigenous storytelling and ideologies. Strong’s work has received Canadian Screen Award and Emmy nominations, and her films—which include Biidaaban and Four Faces of the Moon—have been shown worldwide at venues such as TIFF, the Cannes film market, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the American Museum of Natural History.
Bracken Hanuse Corlett. Bracken is an interdisciplinary artist hailing from the Wuikinuxv and Klahoose Nations. His practice fuses painting and drawing with digital media, audiovisual performance, animation and narrative. Some of Bracken’s notable exhibitions, performances and screenings have been held at Grunt Gallery, the Vancouver International Film Festival, Urban Shaman, the Mackenzie Art Gallery and the Toronto International Film Festival. Most recently, the script he wrote for Biidaaban (the dawn comes) won the Craft Award for Best Script at the Ottawa International Animation Festival.
Richard Van Camp. A recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories, Richard Van Camp is a proud Tlicho Dene from Fort Smith, NWT, currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta. Richard is an internationally renowned storyteller and the best-selling author of 30 books and graphic novels, including The Spirit of Denendeh series and Moccasin Square Gardens. His novel The Lesser Blessed was adapted into a movie by First Generation Films. You can visit Richard on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, YouTube and at www.richardvancamp.com.
Event A: Blue Pencil Breakfast Sessions
Friday, August 16, 9:00 – 10:10 am
Saturday, August 17, 9:00 – 10:10 am
Thank you to everyone who registered for the draw to Event A. Registration is now closed and all spots have been filled.
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Meet with Anna Comfort O’Keeffe—Publisher, Douglas & McIntyre and SCFWA board member—for 20 minutes to discuss your manuscript or book idea, one-on-one. Feedback from a publishing professional, plus muffins, tea, and coffee provided!
Location: Rockwood Lodge, Rockwood Centre, Sechelt
This event is free, but space is limited. Registrants will be selected by lottery and notified on July 15. Sponsored by Douglas & McIntyre
Festival and day passes do not include admission to Event A.
Event B: Writing Memoir and Family History, with Howard White
Friday, August 16, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm
This event is SOLD OUT. Please call 604-885-9631 or 1-800-565-9631 (toll-free) or email su**********@*************al.ca to be added to a waitlist.
As the publisher of Harbour Publishing, Howard White has had a hand in publishing more memoirs and family histories than probably anyone else in BC. He has also dedicated many hours to helping first-time authors craft their stories into unique books that successfully evoke a sense of time, place and character. This workshop will offer tips for writing memoirs, as well as inspiration for those just getting started.
Location: Rockwood Lodge Artspace, Sechelt
This event is by donation to the Festival of the Written Arts. Space is limited. Sponsored by Harbour Publishing
Festival and day passes do not include admission to Event B. To reserve tickets for this special event, order here or call 604-885-9631.
Event C: Tribute to Bev Shaw (1959-2023)
Saturday, August 17, 12:00 – 12:45 pm
Authors and book lovers across Canada lost a friend and literary ally when Bev Shaw, owner of Talewind Books, unexpectedly passed away in 2023. Bev was an integral part of the SCFWA, our treasured friend and festival bookseller for 35 years, and her presence will be forever missed. Please join Bev’s family, friends, and fellow festival attendees for a special event to remember and celebrate Bev—her dedication to books and authors, her intelligence, and her wry sense of humour.
Location: Festival Pavilion, Rockwood Centre, Sechelt
This event is free, but a ticket is required.
Festival and day passes do not include admission to Event C. To reserve tickets for this special event, order here or call 604-885-9631.
Event D: Harbour Publishing’s Birthday Party
PostedSunday, August 18, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Harbour Publishing is turning 50, and what better way to celebrate than with birthday cake! Tea, coffee, and cake will be served by the book tent directly after Event #17. You’ll also have the opportunity to chat with the event participants and get your books signed.
Location: Festival book tent, Rockwood Centre, Sechelt
This event is free, but a ticket is required. Sponsored by Harbour Publishing
Festival and day passes do not include admission to Event D. To reserve tickets for this special event, order here or call 604-885-9631.