DocFest report received at city council

Docfest organizing committee chairperson Holly Dewar is addressing Belleville city council. Photo by Jaykob Storey, QNet News

By Jaykob Storey

BELLEVILLE – The head of the city’s upcoming documentary festival expressed her appreciation to Belleville city council, as well as promote the growing event, Monday night.

Holly Dewar, chair of the DocFest organizing committee, said The Downtown Belleville DocFest is one of city’s biggest arts events of the year. Council contributed $2,500 in its 2016 budget. The 6th annual DocFest will be held March 3, 4 and 5. Dewar volunteered with DocFest for five years and then became the chair of the organizing committee in 2016.

“As a local arts community, we pride ourselves on inspiring creativity in Belleville,” Dewar said during her presentation. “The community has embraced us, and we are very grateful for this.”

There are over 400 tickets already sold, she said. Last year, 2,46 people attended.

According to Dewar, last year’s festival was their most successful ever, and she believes that in 2017, DocFest will surpass its previous efforts. Why?

Dewar further stressed that DocFest acts as a showcase for local talent. The 2017 DocFest will host 17 local films.

“I want to express how helpful the support of the city has been in promoting a successful film festival.”

Mayor Christopher announced the deputation received before expressing gratitude to Dewar for her work with the festival. “Thank,” said Mayor Christopher. “We are very blessed to have Docfest.”