Todd Smee Film Festival: Selkirk College alumnus returns home
By Contributor
Todd Smee, who grew up in Castlegar, has been making films since he was a young kid, and has always had a passion for filmmaking. Former Selkirk College English student, Todd transferred his Selkirk College course credits from the School of University Arts and Sciences (UAS) towards an Associate Degree in Film from the Northwest Film Centre in Portland, Oregon. He also has an Industry Certificate from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California.
After high school graduation Todd received a full scholarship to the Gulf Islands Film and Video School on Galiano Island where he wrote and directed his own segment for a short film entitled Outline. The film went on to be nominated for numerous awards at the Eye Lens Film Festival in Vancouver and Todd won the award for Best Editing. That same year it competed at the DOXA Documentary Film Fest.
Following a short stint at the Montana State University in the film program, Todd moved to Portland, Oregon, to complete his film studies. His very first short film ended up playing in Los Angeles, Toronto, New York City, Minneapolis, Portland, Philadelphia, and London.
In 2001, Mean Anything was selected for the NYC Mix Experimental Film Festival, and that same year saw two screenings at the NYU Theater, and a thesis about his film by NYU Film Graduate and filmmaker, Matt Wolf (“Wild Combination”). Todd’s film was selected for Outfest Festival – the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival – and multiple screenings were added. Two screenings were played at Outfest Festival in the prestigious Director’s Guild of America building, and a third screening at Laemmle’s Sunset Theater.
In 2010, Todd moved to Los Angeles, California to complete his studies. He made several films including two commercials. His final project in school was showcased upon graduation at the Wiltern Theater, LA. While still in school Todd won an internship with DNA films, specializing in video and commercials. For more information on Todd’s films visit http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1596581/
One of his short films, Voltage, has recently been short-listed by the Misty Moon International Film Festival in London, UK. Selkirk College’s School of University Arts and Sciences is proud to host the first Todd Smee Film Festival to be held on Wednesday, November 21, from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm in the Sentinel 113 lecture theatre, 301 Frank Beinder Way, Castlegar campus. Admission is $2.00 by donation at the door. For more information, call 250.365.4826.
