CANTON -- The St. Lawrence International Film Festival plans a premiere weekend in the fall of 2015.

At a recent launch event at the TAUNY, 53 Main St., hosted by The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Festival Executive Director Adam Paul presented an audience of community and business leaders with a detailed proposal for a truly international film festival, based in the picturesque St. Lawrence River Valley, just minutes from the Canadian border.

“Our hope is to host events on both sides of the border, encouraging cross-border tourism, trade and cultural exchange,” said Paul, a veteran television and film actor, writer and producer.

Additionally, Paul added, the region’s four colleges – St. Lawrence University, SUNY Canton, SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University are expected to play a significant role in the festival’s events.

“We feel strongly that the 10,000-strong student population and esteemed faculty at the four colleges should be engaged at every level with this inclusive event,” said Paul.

The launch event was sponsored by local businesses Glow Skincare and Spa, TAUNY and the St. Lawrence Brewing Co.

Proposed highlights of the festival include tribute film screenings, an independent competitive program in major categories, an opening gala, awards ceremony and extensive panel discussions, symposia, filmmaker Q & A’s, and workshops with visiting filmmakers, industry leaders and collegiate faculty.

The festival is expected to be funded by a combination of corporate and individual sponsorships and ticket sales.

More info about the film festival can be found at www.stlawrencefilm.com.