3 SAISONS Captures Genie Nomination for Best Picture
WARNING: Clip contains mature content
Directed by DGC Ontario Member Jim Donovan, 3 Saisons encompasses three intertwined stories that unfold over the course of nine months. Two couples - Carmine and Sasha, and Justine and Seb - live in diametrically opposed worlds yet are linked by the consequences of an unexpected pregnancy. Woven into their stories is that of Stephen, a 50-something father from Calgary who has traveled to Montreal on a quest to avenge his daughter's murder. As the tales unfold, five destinies converge in this testament to suffering, hope and rebirth.
Genie Awards Nomination for PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI: Best Feature Length Documentary
In 1997, Academy Award winning actor, Morgan Freeman, who lives in the Charleston, Mississippi community offered to fund the first-ever integrated Senior Prom in the history of Charleston's one high school. His offer was ignored. In 2008, Morgan offered again...the East Tallahatchie County School Board accepted. In this town of 2,300 people, its high school of 415 black and white students has, to this day, always had separate proms: one black, one white prom. Director Paul Saltzman's film follows the Charleston high's senior class of 2008 preparing for and attending their historic, first integrated prom, in the context of strong emotions, traditions and conflict inherent in race relations in the community, and in the deep south. Some of the white parents maintained their whites-only prom.
FIFTY DEAD MEN WALKING Earns Genie Nomination for Best Picture
Nominated by the Genie Awards for Best Picture, Kari Skogland's Fifty Dead Men Walking is based on the real life story of Martin McGartland. Set in west Belfast in the late 1980s, Martin's life is changed forever by the unfolding of the Irish Troubles. Recruited by the British police to spy on the IRA, Martin works his way through the IRA ranks as a volunteer, all the while feeding the British information and saving lives in the process.
THE BRIDGE Debuts March 5th on CTV
Cops take an oath to be honest and faithful in their police duties and private life. They're trusted protectors of the public and the law. But what happens when the olds boys' establishment behind the badge reveals a different, often conflicting, message?
Written by five-time Gemini Award-winner Alan DiFiore (Da Vinci's Inquest) and inspired by the insights of former Toronto police union head Craig Bromell, the new CTV original seris The Bridge debuts Friday, March 5th at 9 p.m. on CTV with a special two-hour premiere before moving to its regular Friday nighyt at 10 p.m. time slot on March 12th.
Starring Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica) as police union head Frank Leo, The Bridge is an authentic and compelling twist on the police procedural told through the lens of a charasmatic and dynamic union leader, working to protect his fellow officers.
DAN FOR MAYOR Debuts March 1st on CTV
Dan's (CORNER GAS star Fred Ewanuick) life has been fairly uneventful until he is faced with running for mayor of his hometown. He lives and works in the fictional city of Wessex, Ontario, has the same friends since grade school, his most prized possession is a vintage Ms. Pac-Man game, and his last serious relationship was with a girl who is now engaged to someone else. DAN FOR MAYOR follows Dan's journey of self-discovery as he, his ex-girlfriend, Claire, and best friend, Jeff, figure out Dan's new-found political career, deal with the unexpected and prove that experience isn't everything.
DGC Ontario Member Screens Film This Weekend
A free private screening of Chris Comrie's The Devil's Tail is scheduled for 7 p.m. this Saturday June 13th at Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave
Chris, a DGC Ontario Production Accountant, photographed, edited and directed The Devil's Tail, a 112-minute dramatic thriller shot in Yucatan, Mexico in February 2008. So far, the movie is an Official Selection of The Orlando Hispanic Film Festival and a Bronze Palm Winner of the Mexico International Film Festival
If you would like to attend the screening of The Devil's Tail, please email info@ardentpics.com or call Chris Comrie 416-937-1379. A cash bar will be open post screening.
DGC Ontario Member Film Opening/ Party Next Weekend
The Baby Formula, a movie directed by DGC Ontario Member Alison Reid, starts its exclusive Toronto release starting June 19th at the AMC, Yonge and Dundas, after emerging from a huge critical and audience success on the world film festival circuit
There will be a "Meet The Cast" party on June 20th at Slacks beginning at 9:30pm. Ticket stubs from Friday or Saturday screenings will ensure entry.
The Baby Formula is about two adventurous women who take a chance on an experimental scientific process and make sperm from their own stem cells. Pregnant with humour and unexpected twists, their journey tailspins out of control when their families discover there is no father.
One Week Now Playing Across Canada
Just a friendly reminder to go check out One Week in theatres across Canada as soon as possible!
One Week , produced by DGC Ontario Member and Executive Board Member Avi Federgreen, is a lovely piece of filmmaking, a heartfelt love letter to Canada. It has a great performance from Josh Jackson and features a truly amazing soundtrack!
Canadian films have a habit of disappearing from the cinemas just before you’ve heard of them - weekend numbers really do determine how long a film will stay on screens and where it will play.
The distributor, Mongrel Media, has been doing a fantastic job of promoting this movie and is really doing everything imaginable to get the word out about the film; so much so that they are releasing the film in all major cities across Canada (on over 60 screens!).
As with all Canadian movies, word of mouth is truly essential to get people in the seats. I hope you do check it out , and then tell all of your friends to go and see it! YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED!
Byron McKim's Dancing With Spirit Garners Three Gemini Nominations
DGC Ontario Member Byron McKim's Dancing With Spirit, the six-part aboriginal series he produced and directed for Bravo!, APTN & SCN, has received three Gemini award nominations.
Dancing with Spirit is a rare glimpse into native spiritualism told through traditional dance and music that is combined with modern interpretive dance to create a visually emotional series. This dance series is a collection of six, 30-minute dance pieces filmed on the location of their origin within Canada.
Byron received two (2) nominations for Best Direction in a Performing Arts Program for "Here on Earth" and "Triptych". Plus "Here on Earth" received a nomination for Best Performance in a Performing Arts Program.
Congratulations Byron. We wish you the best of luck.
Visit SoaringHeartPictures.com or KingOfSiam.ca for more information on Dancing With Spirit.
World television premiere of Air India 182 to air on June 22nd at 9pm on CBC
On June 22, 1985, Air India 182 left Montreal bound for Delhi via London Heathrow. Four hours after takeoff, a bomb ripped through the baggage compartment and the plane disintegrated at 30,000 feet off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 people on board. It was, until 9/11, was the most lethal act of air terrorism in history and the majority of the victims were Canadians.
Air India 182 is a first-person account of the Air India conspiracy and its tragic aftermath, as told by those people who were directly involved. They include family members, CSIS and RCMP investigators, airport personal, air traffic controllers and rescue/recovery workers. Together, they reconstruct the final weeks, days and hours before Air India 182 disappeared from Irish radar screens and Canada sleepwalked into the age of international terrorism. Air India 182 will air commercial-free on CBC Television at 9:00 PM on Sunday June 22 - the 23d anniversary of the planes' departure. Click the link above to go to the film's website.
Congratulations to the crew of Flashpoint!
Flashpoint premiered at 10:00pm on Friday, June 11th on CTV and CBS and proved to be a massive success! This intense drama drew in 1.3 million Canadian viewers and an American crowd of 8.3 million on its first night and was rated #1 in its time slot on both sides of the border! Great job DGC crew - this is the product of your hard work!
Click this link to read more about Flashpoint on CTV.ca.
John Bradshaw highly praised for Every Second Counts, the Hallmark Channel's MOW for June 12th
Director member John Bradshaw receives an exceptional review for his work on the Hallmark Channel's Every Second Counts! Click this link to read the article in Variety magazine.
Mark Sanders' short film Boyfriend Latte to screen at the CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival - June 14th
Featuring Shannon Beckner, this film is about a sassy young female executive who has a deep desire for a boyfriend who will be honest and true and faithful and passionate and new and exciting and deep and affectionate and funny and smart and caring and sensitive and ambitious and loyal and very hot.
Boyfriend Latte was awarded the Platinum Remi Award at the 41st Worldfest, and has received an Honourable Mention at the Fairhope Film Festival. The Toronto screening will take place on Saturday, June 14th at 6:30 at the Cumberland Cinemas as part of the CFC's Worlwide Short Film Festival - Canadian Comedy Shorts Program.
Kari Skogland's The Stone Angel to open in theatres across Canada May 9th
Feisty firecracker Hagar Shipley has lived an unconventional life. Her passionate heart has always ruled her head and her choices have put her at odds with family and friends. With her life nearly behind her, she sets out in search of a way to reconcile herself to her turbulent past. Through her reflections we come to know a passionate and rebellious young bride, her love for her two sons, the freedoms she claimed, and the joys she denied herself. Based on the best selling novel by Margaret Laurence.
The Stone Angel was featured as the opening gala presentation at the 2008 Female Eye Film Festival. Kari Skogland was this year’s recipient of the 2008 FeFF Honourary Director Award, and was nomminated for a WGC Award for her work on The Stone Angel. Click the link above for further information and to view the trailer for the movie.
Jeremy Podeswa's Fugitive Pieces NOW PLAYING in theatres
Director Jeremy Podeswa's Fugitive Pieces tells the story of Jakob Beer (Stephen Dillane), a man whose life is haunted by his childhood experiences during the Second World War.
As a child in Poland, he is orphaned during wartime, witnessing his family's slaughter at the hands of the Nazis. He is saved by a compassionate Greek archeologist, Athos Roussos (Rade Sherbedgia), who risks his own life and smuggles him to Greece. Although Jakob is well cared for and protected by his loving adoptive parent, as a child he is tortured by his memories, which haunt him into his adulthood as he spends the rest of his life trying to come to terms with the losses he has endured.
Bill Marks' 14 Days in Paradise NOW PLAYING in theatres
Ten years ago, Alex Johnson was on top of the world as the most popular member of a famous boy band. These days however, Alex's star doesn't shine so high or so bright and while his career is over, the only thing holding him together is his up and coming marriage to Veronica, a Uruguayan beauty queen. But when Alex and his parents, Al and Barbara, travel to his winter home in beautiful Punta del Este, things fall apart in a very bad way when Al winds up in bed with Veronica. A charming, madcap comedy about cold hearts in the heat of the Uruguayan sun, 14 Days in Paradise is two weeks you'll never forget.
Astra Burka's Skate to Survive to Premiere at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival - May 6th
Directed and Co-Produced by Astra Burka, Skate to Survive is a documentary that focuses on the artistry and struggle of Canadian choreographer and figure skating coach, Ellen Burka. Tickets go on sale April 14th for the premiere screening at the Jewish Film Festival on Tuesday, May 6th at 5pm. Click the link above for further details.
Emotional Arithmetic to open in theatres across Canada April 18th
Triptych Media Inc. is proud to announce the upcoming theatrical release of the feature film Emotional Arithmetic, opening in theatres across Canada April 18, 2008.
Emotional Arithmetic tells the story of three people who formed a bond in a concentration camp during World War II. The three are Jakob (Max von Sydow), Melanie (Susan Sarandon) and Christopher (Gabriel Byrne). When the three are separated during their housed days in the camp, emotional wounds conflict their lives in different ways.
The Trojan Horse to air on CBC Sunday, March 30th AND Sunday, April 6th
Tom McLaughlin (Paul Gross), former Canadian prime minister, watches from the sidelines as a majority of Canadians vote for union with the United States of America. The Canadian flag comes down and the country is redrawn into six states.
In revenge, McLaughlin -- secretly backed by three key European nations -- runs as an independent for President with his ex-wife, Texas Governor Mary Miller (Martha Burns) as his running mate. An assassination attempt boosts his credibility with voters. Veteran British journalist Helen Madigan (Greta Scacchi) is probing the London shooting of her adopted son –- she too gets targeted for assassination after she uncovers a computer program designed to fix the votes in the next U.S. election. She believes McLaughlin is an honest broker and she looks to him to expose the corruption in President Stanfield's (Tom Skerritt) current U.S. administration, an administration hell-bent on invading Saudi Arabia to cut off China's oil supply.
Season 2 of Peter Rowe's Angry Planet to air on OLN Wednesday, March 26th, at 8:30pm
Mother Nature is getting angry. Heatwaves are coming, forest fires are burning, the icecaps are melting and storms are brewing. Angry Planet chronicles the most dramatic natural phenomena of our wild world, through the eyes of adventurer George Kourounis. Whether it's hunting down huge twisters in Oklahoma, climbing an erupting volcano in darkest Africa or facing the strongest hurricanes of the Caribbean, their cameras are there capturing the heart-pounding action as George gets close...sometimes too close...to the most powerful natural forces on our Angry Planet. Click this link to read OLN's Media Release about Angry Planet.
Ken Girotti's "Mayerthorpe" to air on CTV
Mayerthorpe is a dramatic title from CTV's "Signature Series," which produces original movies dealing with social issues of national importance. Directed by Ken Girotti, this CTV original movie takes a look at the criminal at the centre of the tragic murders of four Alberta RCMP officers. The two hour special will air on CTV Sunday, February 10th at 9 p.m. ET. Click this link to read the Globe & Mail article for further details about the Mayerthorpe movie
How She Move - In Theatres Friday, January 25th
Sienna Film’s latest feature film production, How She Move, is a story about loyalty, determination, ambition, and the complications of love. Feeling trapped and looking for a way out of her drug and crime-infested neighborhood, Raya learns about a step competition with a $50,000 cash prize that could change her fate. Most of the crews that win the big money are all male. Raya is forced to fight her way in as the sole female member of the Jane Street Junta, led by the reining champ of the local steppin' scene. As the big contest approaches, she realizes it is no longer just about the money or the opportunity, but also the one thing that she's been missing in her life: a sense of self.
All Hat Opening at the Carlton Theatre - January 25
Screened at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival, All Hat is part elegy for the family farm and part comic fable about growing up and confronting corruption. This adaptation of Brad Smith's novel is set in the world of horseracing and is a refreshing glimpse at the world outside urban centers. See this link for further details.
Annie Bradley's Tongue Bully to air on Bravo!Fact Presents
"Tongue Bully" is about a man alone - with something to say. A still life of process and opinion - exploding into movement and energy via the spoken word. It was screened in competition at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.
"Tongue Bully" will be airing on the upcoming episode of Bravo!FACT Presents: "A Tribute to the Sundance Festival".
Tongue Bully will air on Bravo! on January 25 at 7:30 pm ET. You can also watch the short on A-Channel Barrie, London and Ottawa, January 29 at 8:30 pm local time, and on A-Channel Victoria February 2 at 6:00 pm local time.
Directed by Annie Bradley, Produced by Annie Bradley and Jordana Aarons. See this link for the complete listing on Bravofact.com.
Annie Bradley's The End of Nevermind to Premiere at Bravo!FACT Presents at the Spoke Club
"The End of Nevermind" is based on the short play by Jonathan Rannels. It is a story about the power of friendship during the aftermath of loss. The Spoke Club (600 King Street West, 4th floor) will be hosting a
'live' broadcast of the half-hour show Friday, February 22 in their lower level screening room.
The event is free and open to the public.
You can also watch the short on Tuesday, February 26 (8:30 pm local time) on A-Channels Barrie, London, Ottawa,
and Tuesday, February 26 (8:30 pm local time) and Saturday, March 1 (6:00 pm local time) on A-Channel Victoria.
Directed by Annie Bradley, Produced by Joel Kondrat and Rob McCallum. See this link for the complete listing on Bravofact.com.
VICTOR - The Victor Davis Story premieres Sunday, January 13th at 8 pm on CBC
He had all the makings of an Olympic champion: talent, determination and an unwavering will to win. A fierce opponent - one of his pre-race rituals was to spew a mouthful of water into his competitor's lane - he became one of Canada's most prominent international swimming stars by the age of eighteen. He was also proudly patriotic, sporting a tattoo of the Canadian maple leaf on his chest. Dubbed the "enfant terrible" of the Canadian team, the driven and dynamic swimmer was as well known for his out-of-pool explosiveness as for his three world records and four Olympic medals. Yet it was this fascinating combination that made the mercurial Victor Davis one of the most compelling and complex Canadian athletes of his era.
VICTOR is the compelling story of a great Canadian hero—a working class kid who through sheer determination overcame both physical and psychological challenges to reach the ultimate pinnacle of his sport, becoming a World Record holder and an Olympic gold medal champion at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. In November 1989, just a few months after retiring, Davis was struck by a hit-and-run driver outside a suburban Montreal nightclub. He died two days later but his spirit lived on in the six people who received his heart, both cornea, liver and kidneys. Davis was named to the Order of Canada and voted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. In his memory, The Victor Davis Memorial Award was established to provide bursaries to needy Canadian swimmers, and more than 60 athletes have benefited since its creation.
See the CBC website for more information.
Astra Burka's Succo Pomodori to Premiere on Bravo!FACT Presents
"Succo Pomodori" is an operatic homage to the Italian women who came to Canada and still perform the tradition of making tomato sauce in the laneways of Toronto’s Little Italy.
Succo Pomodori will air on Bravo! on November 16 at 7.30pm ET.
You can also watch the short on Citytv Toronto on November 17th at 7.30pm and November 22nd at 4.30pm local time; and on A-Channel Barrie, London and Ottawa, November 20th at 8.30pm local time, and on A-Channel Victoria November 24th at 6.00pm local time.
Directed by Astra Burka, Produced by Astra Burka and Michael Kainer.
"Succo Pomodori" was produced in Association with Bravo!FACT and with the assistance of the National Film Board of Canada - FAP
See this link for the complete listing on Bravofact.com.
Byron McKim's "Dancing With Spirit" (Aboriginal Dance Series) has its world television premiere on Bravo! October 22 at 7:30 pm ET & 4:30 pm PT
“Dancing With Spirit” is a rare glimpse into native spiritualism told through traditional dance, music that is combined with modern interpretive dance to create a visually emotional series. This dance series is a collection of six – 30 minute compelling dance pieces filmed on the location of their origin within Canada. Produced by Soaring Heart Pictures Inc. in association with Bravo!, the series chronicles the multi-layers of spiritual worlds and the rite of passage of a soul revealed through dance and expression. Directed by Byron McKim (Quest), Dancing with Spirit premieres October 22 at 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT on Bravo! and will be shown once a week for six weeks.
This series covers six different First Nations cultures performed within the territories of the stories origin. Shot on location in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Montreal, Saskatoon, Lake Temagami in northern Ontario, Halton Region and in the City of Toronto. Byron McKim is an accomplished and award winning director who was previously nominated for a Gemini award in 2005 for the aboriginal performing arts dance program, produced in association with Bravo! titled ‘QUEST’ with Byron Chief-Moon.
Visit SoaringHeartPictures.com or KingOfSiam.ca for more information.
Mark Sanders' short "Split City" Wins Best Action Short Film of the Year at the Action On Film International Film Festival
"Split City" takes the very prestigious award for Best Action Short Film of the Year at the Action On Film International Film Festival in Long Beach. The short was also nominated for Best Comedy Scene. The theatre was at 90% capacity with very positive audience response. The Q&A was so enthusiastic that they convinced the filmmakers to play the film again.
Congratulations to everyone who worked on the film!
Little Mosque on the Prairie Picks up Two Awards at the Roma Film Fest
In a gala presentation on the weekend, the Roma Fiction Fest, a major new international television festival, awarded prizes for Best Writing and for Best Series to CBCs new hit sitcom, Little Mosque On the Prairie.
Michael Kennedy, Director of the entire first season of Little Mosque, had been invited to the Festival and was on hand to accept the two awards on behalf of the producers, writers, and the rest of the talented team who find it a joy every day to help create the little show with the big heart. Upon accepting the Best Series award, Kennedy said "...this is really a tribute to people everywhere who believe that humour can heal the world."
Read the press release
Michael Kennedy accepting the award from Terry O'Quinn of "Lost"
Michael Kennedy with the Best Writing and Best Series Awards
Damian Lee's "The Poet" picks up Best Feature Film, Best International Feature Film and Best Director awards at the Staten Island Film Festival
Congratulations to the cast and crew on this fantastic showing!
At the dawn of World War 2, a Rabbi's daughter and a disenchanted German soldier fall in love and are separated by the war. They struggle on a perilous journey to find one another.
The IMDB listing
Articles from the Statin Island Advance
'The Poet' offers timeless message
"We are really here tonight to celebrate the filmmakers..."
Dale Sheldrake's "Helldrivers" on OLN Sunday, June 24 at 8:00 pm.
Travelling daredevils have thrilled audiences in fairgrounds and stadiums across North America for decades with spectacular live collisions and high speed auto stunts. Together with his family, legendary stunt driver Paul Riddell has made stunt driving his lifestyle and livelihood for over 55 years. Find out why they pursue this dangerous passion and what the future holds for this dying breed, in the new one-hour special.
Comment from Dale Sheldrake (Producer/Director of "Helldrivers") - Many of you know the lifetime I have spent uncovering and documenting the story of traveling car crash/stunt performers called "Helldrivers". I'm thrilled to announce that the journey is complete and the show is done, and I hope you will be able to tune in and watch. It has surpassed my greatest expectations, and succeeds in revealing the secrets, history, and courage of these unique performers as they struggle to carry on a way of life that has outlived its time.
Read the press release.
"Away from Her" a film by Sarah Polley
"Away From Her" is a beautifully moving love story that deals with memory and the circuitous, unnameable paths of a long marriage. Married for 50 years, Grant (Gordon Pinsent) and Fiona’s (Julie Christie) commitment to each other appears unwavering, and their everyday life is full of tenderness and humour. This serenity is broken only by the occasional, carefully restrained reference to the past, giving a sense that this marriage may not always have been such a fairy tale.
See the trailer
Check showtimes
Chris Binney's Production "Love Is Work" Opens Across Canada
Opens in Toronto June 8th - Canada Square
Raw. Funny. Dramatic. Human. "Love Is Work" weaves the intense moments in the lives of five couples into an innovative and disorienting, surreal meditation on the theme of love and... money, sex, death, birth and fame.
"Love is Work" is the unique and funny and wildly entertaining. It has sharp teeth and a stylish bite. The cast is great all round... Shauna MacDonald creates a character that is a swift smack in the face - she's terrific. - Paul Haggis (Oscar winning Writer/ Director of Crash and Million Dollar Baby)
A kaleidoscope of amour both good and bad distinguishes Johnny Kalangis' fascinating "Love Is Work" - Robert Koehler (Variety)
Visit the official "Love is Work" website to see a movie clip and find out more.
Celebrating Alan McKenna's Broadcast Directing Debut
Tune into CBC for Alan's directing debut - "72 Hours: True Crime" Episode 13 : "Lust" airing on Monday, February
19, 2007 @ 2130 on CBC.
Visit CBC's 72 HOURS official websitefor more details.
"Duality of Self" to have World Premiere at SXSW
DGC Ontario Member Colin Brunton's concert film DUALITY OF SELF, featuring mysterious and reclusive musician Jandek, has been invited to have it's World Premiere at the South by South West Film and Music Festival in March in Austin, Texas. Produced by Brunton, Jim Mauro, Gary Topp and The Representative from Corwood, DUALITY OF SELF is a two-hour concert filmed at the Centre of Gravity in Toronto in September 2006.
More than anything, it is an editing tour de force; the five-camera shoot was edited by DGC member Ryan Noth. One unusual aspect of the film is that apart from the opening title credit, and a copyright notice at the end, no one involved in the film -- performers,crew, or suppliers -- are credited on the print. The DVD, to be released in 2008, also features the five raw feeds from the cameras, as well as the completed film.
"Broken Trail" receives 3 Golden Globe Nominations
Sound Post for "Broken Trail" was done by DGC Ontario members - Kevin Howard, Robert Hegedus, Richard Calistan and Jason MacNeill
Congratulations on the noms for -
Best mini-series or motion picture made for television
Best performance by an actor in a mini-series or motion picture made for television - Robert Duvall
Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in a series, mini-series or motion picture made for television - Thomas Haden Church
See the official website for "Broken Trail".
"By Charlie Walker" an Official Selection for Whistler Film Festival
Congratulations to Benno Tutter, Production Designer and Manny Danelon, Executive Producer on "By Charlie Walker".
When 16-year-old Charlie wakes up, his biggest problem is getting lunch money from his mom and handing an essay in on time. By mid-morning, he witnesses something so traumatic it could tear his family apart. Before day's end, he is forced to cross the threshold from boy to man, by having to face the conflicting powers of love and lust in others…and himself.
"By Charlie Walker" adeptly captures a teenaged boy’s angst when he stumbles upon his mother in the act of infidelity. He must decide whether or not to tell the only man he believes truly cares about him — his stepfather.
Screening at the Whistler Film Festival:
“Shortfest 3- Love and Death Program”
Saturday, December 2, 2006 @ 1:00PM
Location: Village 8 Cinemas
"By Charlie Walker" is produced by Priya Rao, written and directed by Rebecca Sernasie.
"What It's Like Being Alone"
"What It's Like Being Alone" is a fiendishly funny and frightful
stop-motion animation series about freak orphans who are desperately
trying to get adopted. Sprung from the whacky wit of Brad Peyton
(creator of the multi-award-winning Evelyn: The Cutest Evil Dead
Girl).
The 13-part series debuts on CBC Television, Wednesday, June 21
at 9:30 p.m. It features the work of three DGC Members: Production
Designed by Tucker Doherty, Art Directed by Matt Middleton and Props
design by Matt Taylor.
See the official "What It's Like Being Alone" website
Also see the CBC promotional site.
"Looking For Angelina"
It was the story of a century. It caused uproar around the world evocative and riveting, "Looking For Angelina" is the true story of Angelina Napolitano, an Italian woman sentenced to death in 1911 for murdering her husband with an axe as he lay asleep on Easter Sunday in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
Now after it has been buried for nearly a century, Platinum Image Film brings the story of this enigmatic woman to the screen for the first time. "Looking For Angelina" explores the fascinating truth behind this heartbreaking story of loss and redemption.
See the official "Looking For Angelina" website for more information.
Bryan Reid's "No Past to Speak Of" Official HotDocs Selection
Updated August 11, 2006 -
No Past to Speak Of airing Wednesday August 16 at 10pm ET/PT on CBC Newsworld
For more information see the CBC release
Updated May 9, 2006 -
Congratulations! - "No Past to Speak Of" won the Canadian International Development Agency award at HotDocs for Best Canadian Documentary on International Development.
Updated May 2, 2006 -
"No Past to Speak Of": A Story of Infant Rape in South Africa has sold out it's premiere screening at the HOT DOC's Film Festival in Toronto.
Editor Bryan Reid's reaction was one of shock. "I hoped it would do well, but we didn't expect such a huge reaction. Now I can't even get tickets for my family!" The final screening is on Friday May 5th at 3:30pm at the ROM theatre. There are a few tickets left so if you want to catch this film at the festival go to the Hot Docs box online box office and order your tickets today. Tickets are also available inside Sonic Boom Records at 512 Bloor St. West.
Also see the News & Newsletters section of this website for the Globe and Mail (April 28th) review of the film. And the Films Transit Listing.
*****
"No Past to Speak Of" explores the horrific reality of infant rape in South Africa and investigates the story of a five-month-old baby girl who was brutally raped in a Johannesburg slum.
Ten days after the incident little Vyanna was brought into the home of Claudia Ford, an African-American academic who immigrated to South Africa in 1994. Claudia, who eventually adopted Vyanna, is faced with the immense task of undoing her daughter's past and introducing love and stability to a life that has had neither.
Read more.
As it was being edited, pieces of the project were featured on the Oprah Winfrey show last year. This year the film was picked up by the distribution company Films Transit International who were responsible for distributing "The Corporation and "Shake Hands With the Devil".
Read the Director Statement for more information on the genesis of this project.
For more information on the film visit the studio m website.
Visit the HotDocs Website.
Gordon Pinsent's "Heyday!" Premieres on CBC Monday, March 27th at 8:00pm (8:30pm NT)
In the words of Gordon Pinsent, "I hope that HEYDAY! can perhaps be a poignant reminder of the effect of violence, loss, and the power of the imagination and that precious, fleeting, troubled, and magnificent time in our lives called adolescence."
See this link for a note from Gordon Pinsent.
Visit the official "Heyday!" website.
Sturla Gunnarsson's "Beowulf & Grendel" Opens Across Canada on March 10th
Set against the dramatic background of a wind-whipped, ocean-battered Icelandic landscape, the film tells the bloody tale of the warrior Beowulf's battle with Grendel, a great and murderous troll.
Icelandic born, Canadian raised director Sturla Gunnarsson's films have received international acclaim and won Genie, Gemini and Emmy Awards, and an Oscar nomination. Feature films include the comedy, "Rare Birds", starring William Hurt and Molly Parker, and the adaptation of Rohinton Mistry's "Such A Long Journey", starring Roshan Seth and Om Puri. His documentaries include the cinema verite classic, "Final Offer" and the post-apartheid love story, "Gerrie & Louise".
For more information please see the official Beowulf & Grendel website
Frances-Anne Solomon's "A Winter Tale" Goes to Camera
Art Imitates Life in this Timely and Gripping Toronto story.
Shots ring out one winter night, and a bullet meant for a local street dealer finds and kills a nine year-old boy. So begins "A Winter Tale", written and directed by Frances-Anne Solomon, and produced by her company Leda Serene Films.
In this shockingly timely Toronto story an unlikely group of men come together at Miss G's Caribbean Takeaway, to participate in a Support Group for Black Men. Shock, sorrow, and suspicion ripple through the neighbourhood, and begins to tear the community apart.
A Winter Tale stars Peter Williams, Leonie Forbes, Michael Miller, Peter Bailey, Dennis “Sprangalang” Hall, R.O. Glasgow, P. Barrington, Ryan Ishmael, Lucky Ejim, Mike G. Yohannes, Shakura S'aida and Valerie
Buhagiar. The Director of Photography is Kim Derko, the Editor is
Michelle Francis.
Please see the press kit for more information and photos.
Visit the official website.
Gemini Nominated Filmmaker Byron McKim to Produce and Direct a New Series for Bravo!
Byron McKim is pleased to announce that Bravo! Television has offered to pre-buy exclusive English language broadcast rights to his new six episode half-hour aboriginal dance series program titled "Dancing with Spirit".
Byron McKim has already been successful in revealing the importance of these age-old traditions and rituals through dance with the production of "Quest", a 48 minute film that received two Gemini Nominations in 2005. McKim was nominated for Best Direction in a Performing Arts Program or Series while Byron Chief-Moon was nominated for Best Performance in a Performing Arts Program or Series.
Visit the Soaring Heart Pictures Website.
"Milo 55160" nominated for a Genie award.
"Milo 55160", starring Patrick McKenna, has been nominated for a Genie in the category of Best Live Action Short.
"Milo 55160" was produced at the Canadian Film Centre. David is currently preparing to shoot a feature for Triggerstreet Independent in New York.
"Milo 55160" is a stylized, dark comedy about Heaven's loneliest and busiest bureaucrat who spends his days processing disoriented and angry 'newly-deads'. One fateful day Milo meets Will, a curious, yo-yo toting boy who is a 'near-dead', someone struggling to stay alive on earth. Before Milo can finish processing him, the boy mysteriously disappears, forcing Milo to embark on a purgatorial journey through the afterlife. What he discovers changes him … forever.
Chris Binney's Production "Love Is Work" Wins the American Express Peoples Choice Award at the Whistler Film Festival
"Love Is Work"
Raw. Funny. Dramatic. Human. "Love Is Work" weaves the intense moments in the lives of five couples into an innovative and disorienting, surreal meditation on the theme of love and... money, sex, death, birth and fame.
See complete movie information on "Love Is Work" on the official "Love Is Work" website.
"Dark Oracle" and "The Newsroom" Win International Emmys
Congratulations to all DGC Ontario members for their "Dark Oracle" and "The Newsroom" International Emmy wins.
View the press release.
Cory Kinney's "The Sparkle Light Motel" selected for KickStart
DGC Member, and Location Manager cum Director and Writer, Cory Kinney was selected as one of this year's KickStart recipients. His short film, "The Sparkle Light Motel" is slated to go to camera in late February in Vancouver, BC.
"The Sparkle Light Motel" follows a newlywed couple as they check into a cheap motel on their wedding night only to discover that their honeymoon suite has other plans for them. Cory, whose past short films include the award winning, "The Chair", and "Scout", said he was looking forward to exploring the darker side of marriage in his new film and the expectations that families place on new couples when they wed.
Gerald L’Ecuyer's "It’s Me…Gerald" on Showcase
In "It’s Me … Gerald", a documentary crew follows the exploits of a down-on-his luck, but ever-determined Canadian director, Gerald. Gerald is willing to do anything to achieve his vision of a perfect stage production of Hedda Gabler, stopping short, of course, of actually reading Ibsen’s play. He is always quick to exploit, borrow, and stretch the boundaries of reason in his quest to create art, stay ahead of creditors, and find love and meaning in his life.
With his mute and inscrutable assistant Mary at his side, Gerald scratches, claws, lies and cajoles for the one thing he truly believes in: himself. His resilient charm, mad brilliance, and child-like optimism see him through one fiasco after another. Hedda Gabler will never be the same.
"It’s Me…Gerald" is directed by Gerald L’Ecuyer and produced by Daniel Iron (Northern Town, Childstar, The Saddest Music in the World, Last Night) of Foundry Films, co-produced by Avi Federgreen (Northern Town, Hollywood Flies), executive produced by John McLaughlin, co-written by John McLaughlin (Carnivàle, Touching Evil, Pen & Teller: Bullshit, The Great Gatsby) and Gail Cook (Gerald L'Ecuyer: A Filmmaker's Journey), cinematography by Gail Cook and production design by Taavo Soodor (Trump Unauthorized, Aurora Borealis).
Billie Mintz announces his film "The Fool"
The Fool follows the journey of an imaginary friend who questions his existence after a young boy stops believing in him. (See the link for more information and the trailer.)
“The Fool” (35mm, 28minutes), narrated and executive produced by screen legend Danny Aiello and starring Cliff Saunders (Open Range) is ready to be screened. So far it has been present at Danville International Film Festival, Yorkton Film Festival, and made its way to the Cannes Short Film Corner. It is also opening up the Kazakhstan International Film festival at the end of this month.
"The Fool" is screening at the LA International Short Film Festival and here in Toronto at the Rebelfest International Film Festival (during TIFF).
See this link for the full screening announcement.
David Devine's film "Bailey's Billions" in theatres August 5th.
A great film for the whole family
It's a doggone lucky pooch, a sweet and savvy talking golden retriever, Bailey, who inherits a billion dollar fortune from his devoted owner, Constance Pennington. His shy guardian, Ted, a renowned animal behaviourist and the one who can speak "Doggish", becomes attracted to Marge, an environmentalist and animal activist. Marge works at Animal Rights and Research Foundation (ARRF) and is a single mother of a 12-year-old girl named Sam.
At the time, Bailey leaps head-over-tail in puppy love with Sam's dog, Tessa, a super-smart boarder collie. The titular heads of ARRF, Dolores and Casper Pennington, incensed that their Aunt's fortune has gone to her beloved dog, plot to recover the millions in order to fuel the outrageously profligate lifestyle they have supported by embezzling money from ARRF. It's one hilarious "faux paw" after another until Bailey suddenly disappears. Then only Sam, her friend, Max, and the dogs themselves can solve the mystery in this delightful family comedy.
See this link for more information.
David Ostry's film "Milo 55160" takes Golden Sheaf Award for Best Short Drama at Yorkton Film Festival.
David Ostry's film "Milo 55160", starring Patrick McKenna, recently won the Golden Sheaf Award for Best Short Drama at the prestigious Yorkton Film Festival. The film also won Best Short at the Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival, the LEO awards in British Columbia, the Canadian Filmmakers Film Festival and at The Moving Pictures: Canadian Films on Tour. DGC members Jayne Couch, Production Designer, and Anne Paynter, Production Manager, worked on the project.
"Milo 55160" was produced at the Canadian Film Centre. David is currently preparing to shoot a feature for Triggerstreet Independent in New York.
"Milo 55160" is a stylized, dark comedy about Heaven's loneliest and busiest bureaucrat who spends his days processing disoriented and angry 'newly-deads'. One fateful day Milo meets Will, a curious, yo-yo toting boy who is a 'near-dead', someone struggling to stay alive on earth. Before Milo can finish processing him, the boy mysteriously disappears, forcing Milo to embark on a purgatorial journey through the afterlife. What he discovers changes him … forever.
Gail Harvey's "Some Things That Stay" wins Best Feature at the Female Eye Film Fest
In 1954, 15-year-old Tamara Anderson (Katie Boland) is tired of moving from place to place with her parents and siblings. They rent a rural farmhouse, and find out that the owners moved out after their 17-year-old son died in the home. Tamara is shocked at first when she finds out the boy died in her bedroom, but the family begins to settle in, making friends with the neighbours and learning how to milk the cow that comes with the place. But when their mother is diagnosed with tuberculosis and sent to a sanatorium to recuperate, the family begins to unravel.
Congratulations to all the DGC members who worked on this production!
More information on "Some Things That Stay".
More information on the Female Eye Film Festival.
Mishann Lau screens "Shaolin Sisters" in the Inside/Out Festival
"Shaolin Sisters" is screening May 26, 9:45pm at the Cumberland 2 Theatre.
More information on Inside/Out
Open this link for the screening announcement
Brian Rice's "Glamour Dream" showing in the Canadian Independent Short Film Showcase
Brian Rice wrote and directed the short film "Glamour Dream". The film will be featured as part of the Canadian Independent Short Film Showcase and will be screening at the Varsity Theatre May 11, 2005.
Open this link for more information on - and to order tickets to - the Canadian Independent short Film Showcase.
Peter Rowe's and Richard Leiterman's "Popcorn with Maple Syrup" wins gold at Houston
"Popcorn With Maple Syrup might be the most exhaustive and entertaining overview of this country's film biz ever undertaken” (Bill Brownstein, Montreal Gazette).
"A jaunty, packed chronicle of the history of film in Canada. Brimming with curious bits of information and biting sarcasm, it's an eye-opener” (John Doyle, Globe & Mail).
See this news release for more information on Popcorn and Maple Syrup.
John L'Ecuyer announces "Le Goût des Jeunes Filles"
Based on renowned author Dany Laferrière's semi-autobiographical novel, "Le Goût des Jeunes Filles" is the colourful story of a teenage boy's struggle through adolescence on the beautiful but impoverished island of Haiti during the brutal dictatorship of Francois Duvalier. When a mischievous night out lands fifteen year-old Fanfan in trouble with the government's special police, he is forced to hide out in the most unexpected of places. Isolated from his family and friends, Fanfan begins a journey of self-realization, coming to terms with the violent, corrupt political system and his emerging interest in the opposite sex.
"Le Gout Des Jeunes Filles" is John's first French Feature and is being released in Toronto on two screens. The first week of public screenings begins on April 29th at Atom Egoyan's new Theatre Camera. The Carlton will show at a later date.
See this link for more information on Le Gout Des Jeunes Filles.
Congratulations to David Cronenberg & Atom Egoyan for their Cannes Film Festival Selections
"A History of Violence" by David Cronenberg
"A History of Violence", directed by David Cronenberg, produced by Chris Bender and JC Spink, Benderspink Management & Production, distributed in Canada by Alliance Atlantis and international distribution by New Line Cinema.
A thriller from director David Cronenberg, A History of Violence stars Viggo Mortensen as a pillar of a small town community who runs a diner and lives a happy and quiet life with his wife (Maria Bello) and two children. But their lives are forever changed when Mortensen thwarts an attempted robbery and is lauded as a hero by the media, attracting the attention of some mobsters (William Hurt and Ed Harris) who believe he is someone else. In 1996, Cronenberg’s Crash was awarded a Special Jury Prize at Cannes for its “audacity and innovation.”
See this link for more information on "A History of Violence". Please note that at the time of this post the official movie site was listed as "coming soon".
"Where the Truth Lies" by Atom Egoyan
"Where the Truth Lies", written and directed by Atom Egoyan, produced by Robert Lantos, Serendipity Point Films and First Choice Films, distributed in Canada by THINKFilm and international distribution by Summit Entertainment.
"Where the Truth Lies" centres on legendary showbiz duo Lanny (Kevin Bacon) and Vince (Colin Firth). When a dead beauty turns up in their hotel suite, their reputations are sullied. Two decades later, writer Karen O'Connor (Alison Lohman) decides to turn this cold case into a hot story. Her investigation leads to involvement, with both Lanny and Vince, and what she finds is a serpentine tale of buried truths and betrayed trust. Egoyan has taken home several prizes from Cannes, including the Grand Prix, International Critics Award and Ecumenical Prize for The Sweet Hereafter in 1997. Telefilm Canada is a proud financial partner of Where the Truth Lies.
Congratulations to Tashi Bieler & Marcia Douglas for Producing "Siblings"
STARRING Alex Campbell, Sarah Gadon, Samantha Weinstein, Andrew
Chalmbers, Martha Burns, Nicholas Campbell, Tom McCamus, Sonja Smits, Paul Soles,
and Sarah Polley
Joe and his siblings have a couple of problems. First off, their stepparents are despicably evil. Secondly, they seemed to have killed them. Now this mixed up mess of half-sisters and step-brothers have to figure out how to dispose of the bodies, cover up the murders, collect their grandfather’s inheritance and somehow stick together as a family - all without getting caught. Not to mention the eldest Joe's incessant need to keep tabs on his promiscuous sister, an eye on the precocious little ones and a lustful watch on the girl next-door. Growing up has its complications. Murder's just one of them.
See this link for more information on "Siblings".
Congratulations to Gaurav Seth for "Pink Ludoos"
A delightful comedy-drama starring Shaheen Khan (Bend It Like Beckham) and debutant Jay Kazim
In the Indian community the birth of a son is considered very auspicious and is celebrated lavishly by handing out sweets knows as Ludoos. But if a girl is born the only thing handed out may be a box of Kleenex.
"Pink Ludos" is a funny, charming and moving story of Gugan, a young fiesty Indo-Canadian girl who sets on collision course with her traditionally-minded mother when she gets pregnant out of wedlock...with triplet girls!
See this link for more information
Congratulations to Hubert Davis for his Oscar nomination
Hubert Davis received a Best Documentary (Short Subject) nomination for directing "Hardwood". Producer Erin Faith and co producer Peter Starr also received a nomination.
In "Hardwood", Hubert Davis, son of former Harlem Globetrotter Mel Davis, poignantly explores the relationships between father and son, husband and wife, race and politics and peace and forgiveness.
For more information on this film see www.nfb.ca/hardwood/
"Cube Zero" Delivered to Lions Gate for Worldwide Distribution
Producers - Suzanne Colvin-Goulding and Jon Goulding of Mad Circus Films
Production Designer - Jon Golding
Editors - Mark Sanders and Mitch Lackie
"Cube Zero" has also been doing well at film festivals -
- Best SFX and FX make up at Screamfest in LA. Also received the honour of an opening gala night film screening
- Best SFX at New York City Horror Film Festival
- Appeared at the Rhode Island Horror Film Festival
- Coming up, a screening at the Sci-Fi London Film Festival in the UK and an invitation to SXF Film Festival in Italy
"Cube Zero" is slated for foreign theatrical distribution and domestic DVD release in the New Year.
If you have any film or television accomplishments that you would like to share, visit our Promotion Guidelines page to make the most of your promotion and to see what the DGC Ontario can do for you.
Click on this link to see how DGC Ontario can help you to promote your project.
DGC Members Craig Cameron and Gilles Belanger's film The Corridor screens as part of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival, in Toronto. The film follows a group of friends on a weekend excursion. A path through the forest creates strange sensations and even stranger behaviours. To view the trailer, click here.
DGC Ontario Member Penelope Buitenhuis's critically acclaimed film A Wake will open in AMC theatres in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal on February 18. The film follows a troupe of actors who reunite for the wake of their eccentric theatre director (Nicholas Campbell) and all hell breaks loose over the weekend when secrets and lies are exposed. A Wake won Best Feature at the 2010 Carmel Arts and Film Festival and Best Film at the 2010 Female Eye Festival. It was also nominated for a DGC Award for directing and editing. Penelope will be in Toronto on the opening weekend at the AMC Yonge and Dundas Theatre, 10 Dundas Street East. To view the trailer, click here.
Ecstasy in Sault Ste. Marie
The DGC Ontario crew on the set of Ecstasy in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. From the left, Production Manager Allan Levine; Second AD Emily Kalusa; Third AD Lee Kestenberg; Art Director Eric Deros; First AD Brandon Tataryn; Production Accountant Louise Trudeau; Assistant Accountant Francoise Gravelle; Director Rob Heydon; Location Manager David Korchok; and Production Designer Dean O'Dell.
Katherine Fitzgerald's Bread & Kisses to screen at Hamptons International Film Festival - U.S. Premiere
Written and directed by Katherine Fitzgerald, Bread & Kisses will screen as part of the NYWIFT Program at the 18th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival, taking place October 7-11, 2010. Bread & Kisses will receive its world premiere at the Young Cinema Art Film Festival in Poland - October 7-9, 2010, and also screen at the 49th Annual Golden Knight Malta International Short Film Festival in November 2010. The film chronicles a lonely mathematician's struggle to solve an equation. He finds a solution in an unexpected way - by taking baking classes. Katherine Fitzgerald is an award-winning sound editor and director of five short films. Bread & Kisses marks her debut as a writer/director. For more information, visit www.hamptonsfilmfest.org.
Katherine Fitzgerald's Outward Gate to screen at ALTER-NATIVE 18 International Short Film Festival, Târgu Mure?, Romania - European Premiere
Directed by Katherine Fitzgerald and written and produced by Stephen Kunc in association with Bravo!FACT, Outward Gate (2008) will screen as part of the Shorts Competition Program at the ALTER-NATIVE 18 International Short Film Festival, Târgu Mure?, Romania taking place November 3-7, 2010. The story centres on two lonely men, a sky-watcher and a microscope enthusiast who develop a bond through their mutual interest in investigating the universe. For more information, visit www.madisz.ro.
Warehouse 13 premieres on Citytv Friday, April 23rd, 2010
Described as "part The X-Files, part Raiders of the Lost Ark", the Syfy channel's Warehouse 13 premieres this Friday night at 10 p.m. on Citytv.
The series follows two U.S. Secret Service agents who are suddenly reassigned to Warehouse 13 after saving the life of the President. A massive and secret strorage facility, Warehouse 13 houses every supernatural object ever collected by the U.S. government. Agents Myka Bering and Peter Lattimer find themselves retrieving missing artifacts and relics while investigating new reports of the supernatural.
Click here to see the Citytv 30-second promotional video, and then tune in Friday night!
Chloe - film by Atom Egoyan