Amateur filmmakers in Jasper will have the chance to learn the finer points of film production and project funding from a cutting edge professional.

Sandi Somers, a Calgary-based artist, will be in Jasper on April 22 and 23 to lead a film workshop at the Old Fire Hall. Somers is coming to Jasper on the invitation of local artist Michael Flisak. The two met while participating in a thematic residency at the Banff Centre last fall.

Recognizing that Jasper has many aspiring filmmakers and visual artists, Flisak has coordinated two workshop weekends in conjuction with the Jasper Artists Guild. Somers’ session will focus on the art and techniques of making short films. As an interdisciplinary artist with experience as a production designer, performance artist and filmmaker, Somers will be bringing her wide-ranging background to Jasper. She will also be bringing some of her work. The Downstream Bar will host a mini-film festival on the night of April 22 featuring some of Somers’ films, many of which have been screened in prominent galleries across Canada.

Flisak’s second special guest is Ryan Sluggett. The acclaimed visual artist will be leading a workshop on May 6 and 7, working with a small group of participants to create a mixed-media piece. Sluggett will be filming the entire process and may use the footage to create one of the animated films that he has become noted for. With a limited number of places available for both workshops, interested participants are encouraged to contact the Jasper Artists Guild or Flisak for more information or to register.