Stéphane Lafleur‘s masterwork Viking (a 2022 Toronto Intl. Film Festival selection) cleaned up in multiple categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Male Lead. The recently relaunched award ceremony known as Les Iris took place on Sunday. Best First Feature went to Charlotte Le Bon’s Falcon Lake, while Pascal Plante’s Les chambres rouges landed two acting prizes for its starlets. Here are all the winners (category listing in french):
Meilleur Film
Viking | micro_scope — Luc Déry, Kim McCraw Réalisation — Stéphane Lafleur
Scénario — Stéphane Lafleur, Eric K. Boulianne
Meilleur Premier Film Falcon Lake | Charlotte Le Bon
Meilleure RÉALISATION Stéphane Lafleur | Viking
Meilleur SCÉNARIO: Stéphane Lafleur, Eric K.…...
Meilleur Film
Viking | micro_scope — Luc Déry, Kim McCraw Réalisation — Stéphane Lafleur
Scénario — Stéphane Lafleur, Eric K. Boulianne
Meilleur Premier Film Falcon Lake | Charlotte Le Bon
Meilleure RÉALISATION Stéphane Lafleur | Viking
Meilleur SCÉNARIO: Stéphane Lafleur, Eric K.…...
- 12/12/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
A long-lost daughter or an impostor looking for a cash-grab?
Laure Calamy stars as an elusive family member in Sebastien Marnier’s satirical thriller “The Origin of Evil,” where she reconnects with her alleged father as he nears his deathbed. “The Origin of Evil” premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, and went on to screen at TIFF, BFI, and Frameline47, where it won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.
The official synopsis reads: When Stéphane (Calamy) gets in touch with wealthy Serge (Jacques Weber), announcing that she is his long-abandoned daughter, his immediate family are none too thrilled. As Stéphane embarks on an extended visit in hopes of getting to know Serge, she also becomes entangled with the hostile women who share a tense existence in his beautifully appointed mansion by the sea: the restaurateur’s wife (Dominique Blanc), his other daughter (Doria Tillier), a rebellious granddaughter (Céleste Brunnquell), and a strangely off-putting housemaid,...
Laure Calamy stars as an elusive family member in Sebastien Marnier’s satirical thriller “The Origin of Evil,” where she reconnects with her alleged father as he nears his deathbed. “The Origin of Evil” premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, and went on to screen at TIFF, BFI, and Frameline47, where it won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.
The official synopsis reads: When Stéphane (Calamy) gets in touch with wealthy Serge (Jacques Weber), announcing that she is his long-abandoned daughter, his immediate family are none too thrilled. As Stéphane embarks on an extended visit in hopes of getting to know Serge, she also becomes entangled with the hostile women who share a tense existence in his beautifully appointed mansion by the sea: the restaurateur’s wife (Dominique Blanc), his other daughter (Doria Tillier), a rebellious granddaughter (Céleste Brunnquell), and a strangely off-putting housemaid,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
French Canadian filmmaker Sophie Deraspe is currently taking big gulps of the French Alps for her sixth feature film currently in production. Saint-Narcisse thesp Félix-Antoine Duval toplines Berger – the book-to-film adaptation of D’où viens-tu, berger? micro_scope folks Luc Déry, Kim McCraw and Élaine Hébert are producing the project along with the Avenue B folks Caroline Bonmarchand, Xenia Sulyma and Sébastien Perret. Supporting players include Solène Rigot, Younes Boucif, Bruno Raffaelli, Véronique Ruggia, Michel Benizri, Guilaine Londez and David Ayala.
Set to conclude filming early next month, this will be ready for 2024. One noteworthy member of the tech squad is Viking filmmaker Stéphane Lafleur who also moonlights as a notable film editor.…...
Set to conclude filming early next month, this will be ready for 2024. One noteworthy member of the tech squad is Viking filmmaker Stéphane Lafleur who also moonlights as a notable film editor.…...
- 6/8/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Release set for 2023.
IFC Films has picked up North American rights from Charades to The Origin Of Evil, the Venice world premiere that went on to screen at TIFF.
Sébastien Marnier wrote and directed the story about a woman who reconnects with her estranged father, now a wealthy man, and learns he may not be the genial patriarch she believed him to be.
Laure Calamy, Jacques Weber, Doria Tillier, Dominique Blanc, Jacques Weber, Suzanne Clément, Céleste Brunnquell, and Véronique Ruggia Saura star.
Producers are Caroline Bonmarchand with Kim McCraw and Luc Déry of mirco_scope. Avenue B Productions served as executive producer.
IFC Films has picked up North American rights from Charades to The Origin Of Evil, the Venice world premiere that went on to screen at TIFF.
Sébastien Marnier wrote and directed the story about a woman who reconnects with her estranged father, now a wealthy man, and learns he may not be the genial patriarch she believed him to be.
Laure Calamy, Jacques Weber, Doria Tillier, Dominique Blanc, Jacques Weber, Suzanne Clément, Céleste Brunnquell, and Véronique Ruggia Saura star.
Producers are Caroline Bonmarchand with Kim McCraw and Luc Déry of mirco_scope. Avenue B Productions served as executive producer.
- 9/28/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
IFC Films has bought North American rights to Sebastien Marnier’s thriller “The Origin of Evil” starring “Call My Agent!” star Laure Calamy. The film world premiered at the Venice Film Festival and had its North American premiere at Toronto.
The suspense-filled ensemble film also stars Doria Tillier (“La belle époque”), Suzanne Clément (“Mommy”), Dominique Blanc (“Indochine”) and Jacques Weber (“En thérapie”).
Marnier’s follow up to “Faultless”and “School’s Out,” “The Origin of Evil” was produced by Caroline Bonmarchand with Kim McCraw and Luc Déry of mirco_scope with Avenue B Productions executive producing. IFC Films will release the film in 2023.
“The Origin of Evil” follows Stéphane (Calamy), a working class woman whose living situation takes a turn for the worse, prompting her to reconnect with her estranged father, Serge (Weber), who after abandoning her and her mother years earlier, has become incredibly wealthy with a massive estate.
The suspense-filled ensemble film also stars Doria Tillier (“La belle époque”), Suzanne Clément (“Mommy”), Dominique Blanc (“Indochine”) and Jacques Weber (“En thérapie”).
Marnier’s follow up to “Faultless”and “School’s Out,” “The Origin of Evil” was produced by Caroline Bonmarchand with Kim McCraw and Luc Déry of mirco_scope with Avenue B Productions executive producing. IFC Films will release the film in 2023.
“The Origin of Evil” follows Stéphane (Calamy), a working class woman whose living situation takes a turn for the worse, prompting her to reconnect with her estranged father, Serge (Weber), who after abandoning her and her mother years earlier, has become incredibly wealthy with a massive estate.
- 9/28/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The Toronto Film Festival has programmed one of its strongest Canadian feature slates in recent years — films with head-turning performances, eye-catching artistry, and global market and audience appeal, from filmmakers who are subverting stereotypes, challenging or bypassing power structures, or transforming the industry ecosystem from the grassroots on up.
“Right now in our industry, tons of high-paying service work lets people pay their bills, but the quality work is coming through the Canadian independents,” says Conquering Lions Pictures’ Damon D’Oliveira, who has produced the Canadian work of director Clement Virgo, from his 1995 Cannes-premiering feature “Rude” to the series “The Book of Negroes” to their latest, “Brother.”
The adaptation of David Chariandy’s novel tells the story of two Jamaican Canadian brothers in 1990s Scarborough. “We see this as a bookend to ‘Rude,’ which is set in the same period and is an adrenaline rush,” says D’Oliveira. “We’re returning...
“Right now in our industry, tons of high-paying service work lets people pay their bills, but the quality work is coming through the Canadian independents,” says Conquering Lions Pictures’ Damon D’Oliveira, who has produced the Canadian work of director Clement Virgo, from his 1995 Cannes-premiering feature “Rude” to the series “The Book of Negroes” to their latest, “Brother.”
The adaptation of David Chariandy’s novel tells the story of two Jamaican Canadian brothers in 1990s Scarborough. “We see this as a bookend to ‘Rude,’ which is set in the same period and is an adrenaline rush,” says D’Oliveira. “We’re returning...
- 9/10/2022
- by Jennie Punter
- Variety Film + TV
After moving into television with the Berlinale preemed “Le temps des framboises,” the Quebecois filmmaker who moonlights between English and French language productions will adapt something that is home-based. Philippe Falardeau returns to features with what is a Montreal-based book adaptation of a 2021 novel by Alain Farah. Falardeau is set to adapt and direct Mille secrets mille dangers for what we imagine might be a 2023 shoot.
Micro_scope’s Luc Déry and Kim McCraw will once again team with Falardeau to produce as well as Farah and Le Quartanier. This becomes Falardeau’s ninth feature film — his last feature My Salinger Year (read review) was also selected for the Berlinale – as the fest’s opener.…...
Micro_scope’s Luc Déry and Kim McCraw will once again team with Falardeau to produce as well as Farah and Le Quartanier. This becomes Falardeau’s ninth feature film — his last feature My Salinger Year (read review) was also selected for the Berlinale – as the fest’s opener.…...
- 8/11/2022
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Slate includes Nigerian comedy-drama ‘Niagara’.
Sphere Films International, formerly WaZabi Films, heads to Toronto with sales rights to TIFF Platform pair Viking and Riceboy Sleeps and Australian Discovery selection Sweet As.
Viking is a French and English-language sci-fi drama directed by Montreal’s Stéphane Lafleur about researchers who try to replicate a manned mission to Mars in the hopes of solving conflict among the real crew.
Luc Déry and Kim McCraw of micro_scope produced Viking, which Lafleur co-wrote with Eric K. Boulianne. Hamza Haq stars alongside Fabiola N. Aladin, Marie Brassard and Larissa Corriveau.
Lafleur’s first film Continental,...
Sphere Films International, formerly WaZabi Films, heads to Toronto with sales rights to TIFF Platform pair Viking and Riceboy Sleeps and Australian Discovery selection Sweet As.
Viking is a French and English-language sci-fi drama directed by Montreal’s Stéphane Lafleur about researchers who try to replicate a manned mission to Mars in the hopes of solving conflict among the real crew.
Luc Déry and Kim McCraw of micro_scope produced Viking, which Lafleur co-wrote with Eric K. Boulianne. Hamza Haq stars alongside Fabiola N. Aladin, Marie Brassard and Larissa Corriveau.
Lafleur’s first film Continental,...
- 8/9/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Slate includes Australian Discovery selection ‘Sweet As’, Nigerian comedy-drama ‘Niagara’.
Sphere Films International, formerly WaZabi Films, heads to Toronto with sales rights to TIFF Platform pair Viking and Riceboy Sleeps.
Viking is a French and English-language sci-fi drama directed by Montreal’s Stéphane Lafleur about researchers who try to replicate a manned mission to Mars in the hopes of solving conflict among the real crew.
Luc Déry and Kim McCraw of micro_scope produced Viking, which Lafleur co-wrote with Eric K. Boulianne. Hamza Haq stars alongside Fabiola N. Aladin, Marie Brassard and Larissa Corriveau.
Lafleur’s first film Continental, A...
Sphere Films International, formerly WaZabi Films, heads to Toronto with sales rights to TIFF Platform pair Viking and Riceboy Sleeps.
Viking is a French and English-language sci-fi drama directed by Montreal’s Stéphane Lafleur about researchers who try to replicate a manned mission to Mars in the hopes of solving conflict among the real crew.
Luc Déry and Kim McCraw of micro_scope produced Viking, which Lafleur co-wrote with Eric K. Boulianne. Hamza Haq stars alongside Fabiola N. Aladin, Marie Brassard and Larissa Corriveau.
Lafleur’s first film Continental, A...
- 8/9/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The inaugural season of CBC and HBO Max series “Sort Of” leads both the television and overall 2022 Canadian Screen Award nominations with 13 nods. CBC’s “Pretty Hard Cases” and CTV Sci-Fi Channel’s “Wynonna Earp” with 11 each, and CBC’s “Coroner” and “Kim’s Convenience” with 10 each are the other leading television nominees.
The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television revealed on Tuesday 145 nominations across television, film and digital media categories. In film, Shasha Nakhai and Rich Williamson’s “Scarborough” and Danis Goulet’s “Night Raiders” top the nominations with 11 each, while Michael McGowan’s “All My Puny Sorrows” has eight and Bretten Hannam’s “Wildhood” and Ivan Grbovic’s “Drunken Birds” six each.
“21 Black Futures” and “For the Record” lead the digital media nominations with eight each, followed by “The Communist’s Daughter” with six.
Beth Janson, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, said: “We are so fortunate to...
The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television revealed on Tuesday 145 nominations across television, film and digital media categories. In film, Shasha Nakhai and Rich Williamson’s “Scarborough” and Danis Goulet’s “Night Raiders” top the nominations with 11 each, while Michael McGowan’s “All My Puny Sorrows” has eight and Bretten Hannam’s “Wildhood” and Ivan Grbovic’s “Drunken Birds” six each.
“21 Black Futures” and “For the Record” lead the digital media nominations with eight each, followed by “The Communist’s Daughter” with six.
Beth Janson, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, said: “We are so fortunate to...
- 2/15/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Transactions follow virtual AFM.
WaZabi Films has closed a US deal on Canadian Oscar submission Drunken Birds and struck a North American sale on Flee The Light on the heels of the virtual AFM.
Drunken Birds (Les Oiseaux Ivres) has gone to Corinth Films for the US following its world premiere at Toronto Internatinal Film Festival in September. Ivan Grbovic’s drama follows a drug cartel worker who falls foul of his boss and migrates to Canada. Kim McCraw and Luc Déry produced for micro_scope and Nicolas Celis (Roma) served as executive producer.
WaZabi Films co-President Anick Poirier said,...
WaZabi Films has closed a US deal on Canadian Oscar submission Drunken Birds and struck a North American sale on Flee The Light on the heels of the virtual AFM.
Drunken Birds (Les Oiseaux Ivres) has gone to Corinth Films for the US following its world premiere at Toronto Internatinal Film Festival in September. Ivan Grbovic’s drama follows a drug cartel worker who falls foul of his boss and migrates to Canada. Kim McCraw and Luc Déry produced for micro_scope and Nicolas Celis (Roma) served as executive producer.
WaZabi Films co-President Anick Poirier said,...
- 11/18/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
With a full year of creative pauses and improvisational workflow behind them, Canadian producers hit the 2021 Toronto festival bullish that in-person screenings and heightened fall fest excitement will focus critics and sales buzz to connect their films with audiences beyond their home turf.
Luc Dery and Kim McCraw of Montreal’s micro_scope, who introduced Denis Villeneuve’s “Incendies” and Philippe Falardeau’s “Monsieur Lazhar” to North American audiences at TIFF, return with Ivan Grbovic’s “Drunken Birds” (pictured), one of eight titles screening in Platform, the festival’s juried competition program.
Jorge Antonio Guerrero (“Roma”) stars as a Mexican drug-cartel worker who falls in love with his boss’s wife and whose pursuit of her lands him in rural Quebec, where he gets mixed up in his host family’s troubles. The film is exec produced by Nicolas Celis (“Roma”), with Wazabi Films selling.
“The marketplace is quite brutal right now,...
Luc Dery and Kim McCraw of Montreal’s micro_scope, who introduced Denis Villeneuve’s “Incendies” and Philippe Falardeau’s “Monsieur Lazhar” to North American audiences at TIFF, return with Ivan Grbovic’s “Drunken Birds” (pictured), one of eight titles screening in Platform, the festival’s juried competition program.
Jorge Antonio Guerrero (“Roma”) stars as a Mexican drug-cartel worker who falls in love with his boss’s wife and whose pursuit of her lands him in rural Quebec, where he gets mixed up in his host family’s troubles. The film is exec produced by Nicolas Celis (“Roma”), with Wazabi Films selling.
“The marketplace is quite brutal right now,...
- 9/10/2021
- by Jennie Punter
- Variety Film + TV
Roster includes Lantern’s Lane, Flee The Light.
Montreal-based WaZabi Films will launch sales on Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) world premiere selections Maria Chapdelaine from Sébastien Pilote and Ivan Grbovic’s Drunken Birds (Les Oiseaux Ivres).
Maria Chapdelaine will screen in Contemporary World Cinema and takes place in rural Quebec in the early 20th century where a teenage girl must choose one of three suitors. Pilote adapted the screenplay from Louis Hémon’s 1913 novel. WaZabi represents worldwide rights excluding Canada, where MK2|Mile End will distribute.
Pierre Even (War Witch) of Item 7 and Sylvain Proulx produced the film, which...
Montreal-based WaZabi Films will launch sales on Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) world premiere selections Maria Chapdelaine from Sébastien Pilote and Ivan Grbovic’s Drunken Birds (Les Oiseaux Ivres).
Maria Chapdelaine will screen in Contemporary World Cinema and takes place in rural Quebec in the early 20th century where a teenage girl must choose one of three suitors. Pilote adapted the screenplay from Louis Hémon’s 1913 novel. WaZabi represents worldwide rights excluding Canada, where MK2|Mile End will distribute.
Pierre Even (War Witch) of Item 7 and Sylvain Proulx produced the film, which...
- 8/25/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Philippe Falardeau directed the drama, starring Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley.
Vertigo Releasing has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Philippe Falardeau’s My New York Year from Memento Films, and is the first title confirmed for release when indoor cinemas reopen in England post-lockdown.
The UK government announced yesterday that cinemas in England can provisionally reopen from May 17 with a capacity of up to 1,000 people or 50% of the venue, as part of a phased easing of Covid-19 lockdown measures. Drive-in cinemas may be cleared to reopen from April 12.
Vertigo is planning a saturation release for the drama, starring Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley,...
Vertigo Releasing has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Philippe Falardeau’s My New York Year from Memento Films, and is the first title confirmed for release when indoor cinemas reopen in England post-lockdown.
The UK government announced yesterday that cinemas in England can provisionally reopen from May 17 with a capacity of up to 1,000 people or 50% of the venue, as part of a phased easing of Covid-19 lockdown measures. Drive-in cinemas may be cleared to reopen from April 12.
Vertigo is planning a saturation release for the drama, starring Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley,...
- 2/23/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
IFC Films has acquired the U.S. rights to “My Salinger Year,” a drama starring Margaret Qualley and Sigourney Weaver that made its debut as the opening night film at the Berlinale 2020, the distributor announced Tuesday.
Philippe Falardeau (“Monsieur Lazhar”) directed and wrote the film that’s based on the memoir of the same name by Joanna Rakoff.
“My Salinger Year” is set in New York in the ’90s and follows a recent graduate with dreams of becoming a writer who takes a job as an assistant to the stoic and old-fashioned literary agent of J.D. Salinger. Her office still has old-fashioned dictaphones and typewriters and agents doze off after three-martini lunches, and her job is to process the large amount of fan mail sent to Salinger. But as she reads the heart-wrenching letters from around the world, she becomes reluctant to send the agency’s impersonal standard letter and...
Philippe Falardeau (“Monsieur Lazhar”) directed and wrote the film that’s based on the memoir of the same name by Joanna Rakoff.
“My Salinger Year” is set in New York in the ’90s and follows a recent graduate with dreams of becoming a writer who takes a job as an assistant to the stoic and old-fashioned literary agent of J.D. Salinger. Her office still has old-fashioned dictaphones and typewriters and agents doze off after three-martini lunches, and her job is to process the large amount of fan mail sent to Salinger. But as she reads the heart-wrenching letters from around the world, she becomes reluctant to send the agency’s impersonal standard letter and...
- 5/19/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
IFC Films has acquired U.S. rights to “My Salinger Year” a drama starring Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley.
Falardeau adapted “My Salinger Year” from Joanna Rakoff’s memoir of the same name. The film is set in New York City in the 1990s after Qualley’s character leaves graduate school to pursue her dream of becoming a writer and gets hired as an assistant to Weaver’s stoic and old-fashioned literary agent of J. D. Salinger.
The assistant spends her days in a plush office where dictaphones and typewriters still reign and her nights in a sink-less Brooklyn apartment with her socialist boyfriend. Her main task is processing Salinger’s fan mail, but as she reads the heart-wrenching letters from around the world, she becomes reluctant to send the agency’s impersonal standard letter and impulsively begins personalizing the responses.
“My Salinger Year,” directed by Philippe Falardeau, opened the...
Falardeau adapted “My Salinger Year” from Joanna Rakoff’s memoir of the same name. The film is set in New York City in the 1990s after Qualley’s character leaves graduate school to pursue her dream of becoming a writer and gets hired as an assistant to Weaver’s stoic and old-fashioned literary agent of J. D. Salinger.
The assistant spends her days in a plush office where dictaphones and typewriters still reign and her nights in a sink-less Brooklyn apartment with her socialist boyfriend. Her main task is processing Salinger’s fan mail, but as she reads the heart-wrenching letters from around the world, she becomes reluctant to send the agency’s impersonal standard letter and impulsively begins personalizing the responses.
“My Salinger Year,” directed by Philippe Falardeau, opened the...
- 5/19/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Philippe Falardeau-directed drama to world premiere in Berlin.
The 70th Berlin International Film Festival is to open with Philippe Falardeau’s My Salinger Year, starring Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley.
The Canadian-Irish co-production is based on the international bestseller of the same name by Us author Joanna Rakoff and will receive its world premiere at the Berlinale Palast on February 20.
Memento Films International is handling international sales, with UTA handling the Us.
Set in the literary world of New York in the 1990s, the story is about an aspiring poet, played by Qualley (Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood...
The 70th Berlin International Film Festival is to open with Philippe Falardeau’s My Salinger Year, starring Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley.
The Canadian-Irish co-production is based on the international bestseller of the same name by Us author Joanna Rakoff and will receive its world premiere at the Berlinale Palast on February 20.
Memento Films International is handling international sales, with UTA handling the Us.
Set in the literary world of New York in the 1990s, the story is about an aspiring poet, played by Qualley (Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood...
- 1/24/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
My Salinger Year
Quebec’s Philippe Falardeau will unleash his highest profile project to date next year with My Salinger Year, an adaptation of Joanna Rakoff’s 2014 memoir. Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley headline, while Douglas Booth, Colm Feore and Théodore Pellerin are among the supporting cast members. Lensed by Sara Mishara (of Maxime Giroux’s Felix & Meira and The Great Darkened Days), the project was produced by micro_scope’s Luc Dery and Kim McCraw with Ruth Coady and Susan Mullen. Falardeau’s breakout was 2011’s Monsieur Lazhar, which premiered in Locarno and went on to nab an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.…...
Quebec’s Philippe Falardeau will unleash his highest profile project to date next year with My Salinger Year, an adaptation of Joanna Rakoff’s 2014 memoir. Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley headline, while Douglas Booth, Colm Feore and Théodore Pellerin are among the supporting cast members. Lensed by Sara Mishara (of Maxime Giroux’s Felix & Meira and The Great Darkened Days), the project was produced by micro_scope’s Luc Dery and Kim McCraw with Ruth Coady and Susan Mullen. Falardeau’s breakout was 2011’s Monsieur Lazhar, which premiered in Locarno and went on to nab an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.…...
- 1/3/2020
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Ricardo Trogi’s 1991 was the top prize winner at 2019 Gala Quebec Cinema Awards. Winning Best Film, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress (Sandrine Bisson), the film edged out Une colonie picked up a pair of awards in Best Supporting Actor (Robin Aubert) and Best Newcomer (Émilie Bierre) and Yan Giroux who won Best First Feature, Best Actor and Best Screenplay for À tous ceux qui ne me lisent pas. Here are the noms and winners:
Best Film
1991 – Go Films – Nicole Robert – Winner
À tous ceux qui ne me lisent pas – micro_scope – Luc Déry, Élaine Hébert, Kim McCraw
La Bolduc – Caramel Films – Valérie d’Auteuil, André Rouleau
Genèse – L’Unité centrale – Galilé Marion-Gauvin
La grande noirceur – Metafilms – Sylvain Corbeil
Répertoire des villes disparues – Couzin Films – Ziad Touma
Une colonie – Colonelle films – Fanny Drew, Sarah Mannering
Best Director
Denis Côté – Répertoire des villes disparues
Geneviève Dulude-De Celles – Une colonie
Maxime Giroux...
Best Film
1991 – Go Films – Nicole Robert – Winner
À tous ceux qui ne me lisent pas – micro_scope – Luc Déry, Élaine Hébert, Kim McCraw
La Bolduc – Caramel Films – Valérie d’Auteuil, André Rouleau
Genèse – L’Unité centrale – Galilé Marion-Gauvin
La grande noirceur – Metafilms – Sylvain Corbeil
Répertoire des villes disparues – Couzin Films – Ziad Touma
Une colonie – Colonelle films – Fanny Drew, Sarah Mannering
Best Director
Denis Côté – Répertoire des villes disparues
Geneviève Dulude-De Celles – Une colonie
Maxime Giroux...
- 6/3/2019
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Memento Films Intl. has inked a raft of strong pre-sales on Philippe Falardeau’s “My Salinger Year,” the big-screen adaptation of Joanna Rakoff’s international bestseller that will star Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”).
Set to start shooting May 23, “My Salinger Year” has pre-sold to Spain (A Contracorriente), Latin America (Cinepolis), the U.K. (Thunderbird), Benelux (Paradiso Filmed Entertainment), Japan (Ccc), Portugal (Outsider), Greece and Cyprus (Spentzos), Bulgaria (Btv Media Group), the former Yugoslavia (Dexin), Hungary (Hungaricom), China (Huanxi Media), South Korea (Jin Jin Pictures), Taiwan (Catchplay), the Middle East (Falcon Film) and global airlines (Entertainment in Motion).
Falardeau, whose credits include the Oscar-nominated film “Monsieur Lazhar,” wrote the big-screen adaptation of the memoir and will direct the film. “My Salinger Year” takes place in New York in the 1990s and follows Joanna (Qualley), who leaves graduate school to pursue her dream of becoming...
Set to start shooting May 23, “My Salinger Year” has pre-sold to Spain (A Contracorriente), Latin America (Cinepolis), the U.K. (Thunderbird), Benelux (Paradiso Filmed Entertainment), Japan (Ccc), Portugal (Outsider), Greece and Cyprus (Spentzos), Bulgaria (Btv Media Group), the former Yugoslavia (Dexin), Hungary (Hungaricom), China (Huanxi Media), South Korea (Jin Jin Pictures), Taiwan (Catchplay), the Middle East (Falcon Film) and global airlines (Entertainment in Motion).
Falardeau, whose credits include the Oscar-nominated film “Monsieur Lazhar,” wrote the big-screen adaptation of the memoir and will direct the film. “My Salinger Year” takes place in New York in the 1990s and follows Joanna (Qualley), who leaves graduate school to pursue her dream of becoming...
- 5/16/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley are set to co-star in “My Salinger Year,” the big-screen adaptation of Joanna Rakoff’s international bestseller, which will be directed by Oscar-nominated Canadian director Philippe Falardeau.
Memento Films International (“Call Me by Your Name”) has come on board to handle international sales and is co-representing the U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
“This is a total crowd-pleaser that will draw a substantial audience,” said Tanja Meissner, head of international sales at Memento. “All the relevant ingredients are assembled: an irresistibly charming and tender story in which ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ meets the literary world.”
“My Salinger Year” will start shooting in Montreal and New York this Spring. Luc Déry and Kim McCraw from micro_scope are producing the film. The Canadian company’s critically acclaimed credits include Denis Villeneuve’s “Incendies” and “Enemy,” as well as Falardeau’s “Monsieur Lazhar,” which was...
Memento Films International (“Call Me by Your Name”) has come on board to handle international sales and is co-representing the U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group.
“This is a total crowd-pleaser that will draw a substantial audience,” said Tanja Meissner, head of international sales at Memento. “All the relevant ingredients are assembled: an irresistibly charming and tender story in which ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ meets the literary world.”
“My Salinger Year” will start shooting in Montreal and New York this Spring. Luc Déry and Kim McCraw from micro_scope are producing the film. The Canadian company’s critically acclaimed credits include Denis Villeneuve’s “Incendies” and “Enemy,” as well as Falardeau’s “Monsieur Lazhar,” which was...
- 2/8/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Canadian sales agent will launch sales with Evan Rachel Wood drama.
Montreal-based Seville International will kick off sales on a prestige slate that includes A Worthy Companion starring Evan Rachel Wood, riding high in her starring role in HBO’s Westworld.
Luc Déry and Kim McCraw produce and Jason and Carlos Sanchez will direct the film about a troubled woman who uses manipulative tactics to persuade a teenage runaway to live with her. Julia Sarah Stone and Denis O’Hare have joined the cast.
Senior vice-president of sales Anick Poirier and her team hold worldwide rights to A Worthy Companion as they do on The Ashram, a spiritual thriller from producer Guneet Monga of Sikhya Entertainment (Gangs Of Wasseypur) and executive producer Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Insidious, Take Shelter).
Sam Keeley, Melissa Leo And Kal Penn will star in the tale of an American who travels to the Indian Himalayas to find his missing girlfriend and encounters a community...
Montreal-based Seville International will kick off sales on a prestige slate that includes A Worthy Companion starring Evan Rachel Wood, riding high in her starring role in HBO’s Westworld.
Luc Déry and Kim McCraw produce and Jason and Carlos Sanchez will direct the film about a troubled woman who uses manipulative tactics to persuade a teenage runaway to live with her. Julia Sarah Stone and Denis O’Hare have joined the cast.
Senior vice-president of sales Anick Poirier and her team hold worldwide rights to A Worthy Companion as they do on The Ashram, a spiritual thriller from producer Guneet Monga of Sikhya Entertainment (Gangs Of Wasseypur) and executive producer Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Insidious, Take Shelter).
Sam Keeley, Melissa Leo And Kal Penn will star in the tale of an American who travels to the Indian Himalayas to find his missing girlfriend and encounters a community...
- 11/2/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The UK’s Camilla Deakin, Ireland’s Kathryn Kennedy and Germany’s Amir Hamz are among those selected.
The 24 participants of the 2016 Producers Lab Toronto have been unveiled.
The selected producers include Camilla Deakin from the UK, who is currently in post-production on the Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn-voiced animation feature Ethel And Ernest [pictured].
Kathryn Kennedy from Ireland also makes the cut, having produced 2015 drama My Name Is Emily starring Evanna Lynch and Michael Smiley.
Also participating is Germany’s Amir Hamz - who produced surreal drama Der Nachtmahr, which played at Toronto last year - and France’s Hélène Cases, who was a Producer On The Move in 2012 and has feature credits including 2014 Venice-winning The Last Hammer Blow and 2010 César-nominated Angel & Tony.
Now in its seventh year, the initiative for emerging producers is run by European Film Promotion in collaboration with Ontario Media Development Corporation and Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff).
Taking place September 6-9 at...
The 24 participants of the 2016 Producers Lab Toronto have been unveiled.
The selected producers include Camilla Deakin from the UK, who is currently in post-production on the Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn-voiced animation feature Ethel And Ernest [pictured].
Kathryn Kennedy from Ireland also makes the cut, having produced 2015 drama My Name Is Emily starring Evanna Lynch and Michael Smiley.
Also participating is Germany’s Amir Hamz - who produced surreal drama Der Nachtmahr, which played at Toronto last year - and France’s Hélène Cases, who was a Producer On The Move in 2012 and has feature credits including 2014 Venice-winning The Last Hammer Blow and 2010 César-nominated Angel & Tony.
Now in its seventh year, the initiative for emerging producers is run by European Film Promotion in collaboration with Ontario Media Development Corporation and Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff).
Taking place September 6-9 at...
- 8/23/2016
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
This weekend New Yorkers will have a change to dive into a selection of the best recent Canadian cinema thanks to a showcase created by Tiff and Telefilm Canada appropriately called "See the North." On April 1, 2 and 3 2016, audiences at the IFC Center in New York City will be treated to this curated program of Canada’s finest creative talent, with directors in attendance for intros and Q+A’s.
The series includes the most recent work my Oscar-nominated filmmaker Philippe Falardeau ("Monsieur Lazhar"), an Lgbt-themed debut, and a drama starring Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood.
Here is the full lineup:
"Closet Monster" – Ontario/Newfoundland
A film by Stephen Dunn
Starring Connor Jessup, Aaron Abrams, Joanne Kelly, Aliocha Schneider, Sofia Banzhaf, Jack Fulton, Mary Walsh, Isabella Rossellini
Rt: 90min
U.S. Distributor: Strand Releasing
Screening: 4/1 at 9:30pm with intro and Q + A from director Stephen Dunn
Canada Goose Award for Best Canadian Feature Film, 2015 Toronto International Film Festival
An East Coast teenager and aspiring special-effects makeup artist (Connor Jessup, Blackbird, 2012 Tiff Rising Star) struggles with both his sexuality and his fear of his macho father, in this imaginative twist on the coming-of-age tale from first-time feature director Stephen Dunn.
"The Demons" (Les démons) – Quebec
A film by Philippe Lesage
Starring: Edouard Tremblay-Grenier, Pier-Luc Funk, Pascale Buissière
Rt: 118min
Sales Agent: FunFilm Distribution
Screening: 4/2 at 9:30pm with intro and Q + A with director Philippe Lesage
While Montreal is in the throes of a string of kidnappings targeting young boys, 10-year-old Felix is finishing his school year in the seemingly quiet suburb where he lives. A sensitive boy with a vivid imagination, Felix is afraid of everything. Little by little, his imaginary demons begin to mirror those of the increasingly disturbing world around him.
"Into the Fores" – British Columbia/Ontario
A film by Patricia Rozema
Starring Ellen Page, Evan Rachel Wood, Max Minghella, Callum Keith Rennie, Michael Eklund, Wendy Crewson
Rt: 101min
U.S. Distributor: A24 Films
Screening: 4/1 at 7:00pm with intro and Q + A from director Patricia Rozema
Two sisters (Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood) struggle to survive in a remote country house after a continent-wide power outage, in this gripping apocalyptic drama by one of Canada’s most celebrated filmmakers.
"My Internship in Canda" (Guibord s'en va-t-en guerre) – Quebec
A film by Philippe Falardeau
Starring Patrick Huard, Irdens Exantus, Clémence Dufresne-Deslières and Suzanne Clément
Produced by Luc Déry, Kim Mccraw
Rt: 108min
Sales Agent: Film Distribution
Screening: 4/2 at 7:00pm with intro and Q+A from director Philippe Falardeau
Guibord is an independent Member of Parliament representing a vast county in Northern Quebec who unwillingly finds himself in the awkward position of determining whether Canada will go to war. Accompanied by his wife, daughter and Souverain (Sovereign) Pascal, an idealistic intern from Haiti, Guibord travels across his district in order to consult his constituents and face his own conscience. This film is a sharp political satire in which politicians, citizens and lobbyists go head-to-head while tearing democracy to shreds.
"Our Loved Ones" (Les Êtres Chers) – Quebec
A film by Anne Émond
Starring: Maxim Gaudette, Karelle Tremblay, Valérie Cadieux, Mickaël Gouin
Rt: 102min
Sales Agent: Wide Management
Screening: 4/3 at 7:00pm with intro and Q+A from director Anne Émond
The story begins in 1978 in a small town on the Lower St.-Lawrence where the Leblanc family is rocked by the tragic death of Guy, found dead in the basement of the family home. For many years, the real cause of his death is hidden from certain members of the family, his son David among them. David starts his own family with his wife Marie and lovingly raises his children, Laurence and Frédéric, but deep down he still carries with him a kind of unhappiness. Our Loved Ones is a film of filial love, family secrets, redemption and inherited fate. Featuring 2015 Tiff Rising Star Karelle Tremblay.
"Sleeping Giant" (Le géant endormi) – Ontario
A film by Andrew Cividino
Starring: Jackson Martin, Nick Serino, Reece Moffett, David Disher, Erika Brodzky, Katelyn McKerracher, Lorraine Philp
Rt: 90min
U.S. Distributor: FilmBuff
Screening: 4/3 at 9:30pm with intro and Q+A from director Andrew Cividino
City of Toronto Award for Best Canadian First Feature Film, 2015 Toronto International Film Festival
Spending his summer vacation on rugged Lake Superior, teenager Adam befriends Riley and Nate, smart-aleck cousins who pass their ample free time with pranks, vandalism and reckless cliff jumping. The revelation of a hurtful secret sets in motion a series of irreversible events that test the bonds of friendship and change the boys forever.
The series includes the most recent work my Oscar-nominated filmmaker Philippe Falardeau ("Monsieur Lazhar"), an Lgbt-themed debut, and a drama starring Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood.
Here is the full lineup:
"Closet Monster" – Ontario/Newfoundland
A film by Stephen Dunn
Starring Connor Jessup, Aaron Abrams, Joanne Kelly, Aliocha Schneider, Sofia Banzhaf, Jack Fulton, Mary Walsh, Isabella Rossellini
Rt: 90min
U.S. Distributor: Strand Releasing
Screening: 4/1 at 9:30pm with intro and Q + A from director Stephen Dunn
Canada Goose Award for Best Canadian Feature Film, 2015 Toronto International Film Festival
An East Coast teenager and aspiring special-effects makeup artist (Connor Jessup, Blackbird, 2012 Tiff Rising Star) struggles with both his sexuality and his fear of his macho father, in this imaginative twist on the coming-of-age tale from first-time feature director Stephen Dunn.
"The Demons" (Les démons) – Quebec
A film by Philippe Lesage
Starring: Edouard Tremblay-Grenier, Pier-Luc Funk, Pascale Buissière
Rt: 118min
Sales Agent: FunFilm Distribution
Screening: 4/2 at 9:30pm with intro and Q + A with director Philippe Lesage
While Montreal is in the throes of a string of kidnappings targeting young boys, 10-year-old Felix is finishing his school year in the seemingly quiet suburb where he lives. A sensitive boy with a vivid imagination, Felix is afraid of everything. Little by little, his imaginary demons begin to mirror those of the increasingly disturbing world around him.
"Into the Fores" – British Columbia/Ontario
A film by Patricia Rozema
Starring Ellen Page, Evan Rachel Wood, Max Minghella, Callum Keith Rennie, Michael Eklund, Wendy Crewson
Rt: 101min
U.S. Distributor: A24 Films
Screening: 4/1 at 7:00pm with intro and Q + A from director Patricia Rozema
Two sisters (Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood) struggle to survive in a remote country house after a continent-wide power outage, in this gripping apocalyptic drama by one of Canada’s most celebrated filmmakers.
"My Internship in Canda" (Guibord s'en va-t-en guerre) – Quebec
A film by Philippe Falardeau
Starring Patrick Huard, Irdens Exantus, Clémence Dufresne-Deslières and Suzanne Clément
Produced by Luc Déry, Kim Mccraw
Rt: 108min
Sales Agent: Film Distribution
Screening: 4/2 at 7:00pm with intro and Q+A from director Philippe Falardeau
Guibord is an independent Member of Parliament representing a vast county in Northern Quebec who unwillingly finds himself in the awkward position of determining whether Canada will go to war. Accompanied by his wife, daughter and Souverain (Sovereign) Pascal, an idealistic intern from Haiti, Guibord travels across his district in order to consult his constituents and face his own conscience. This film is a sharp political satire in which politicians, citizens and lobbyists go head-to-head while tearing democracy to shreds.
"Our Loved Ones" (Les Êtres Chers) – Quebec
A film by Anne Émond
Starring: Maxim Gaudette, Karelle Tremblay, Valérie Cadieux, Mickaël Gouin
Rt: 102min
Sales Agent: Wide Management
Screening: 4/3 at 7:00pm with intro and Q+A from director Anne Émond
The story begins in 1978 in a small town on the Lower St.-Lawrence where the Leblanc family is rocked by the tragic death of Guy, found dead in the basement of the family home. For many years, the real cause of his death is hidden from certain members of the family, his son David among them. David starts his own family with his wife Marie and lovingly raises his children, Laurence and Frédéric, but deep down he still carries with him a kind of unhappiness. Our Loved Ones is a film of filial love, family secrets, redemption and inherited fate. Featuring 2015 Tiff Rising Star Karelle Tremblay.
"Sleeping Giant" (Le géant endormi) – Ontario
A film by Andrew Cividino
Starring: Jackson Martin, Nick Serino, Reece Moffett, David Disher, Erika Brodzky, Katelyn McKerracher, Lorraine Philp
Rt: 90min
U.S. Distributor: FilmBuff
Screening: 4/3 at 9:30pm with intro and Q+A from director Andrew Cividino
City of Toronto Award for Best Canadian First Feature Film, 2015 Toronto International Film Festival
Spending his summer vacation on rugged Lake Superior, teenager Adam befriends Riley and Nate, smart-aleck cousins who pass their ample free time with pranks, vandalism and reckless cliff jumping. The revelation of a hurtful secret sets in motion a series of irreversible events that test the bonds of friendship and change the boys forever.
- 4/1/2016
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
The 15th anniversary celebration of the Whistler Film Festival wrapped Sunday night, living up to its title as ‘Canada’s coolest film fest’ by hosting more premieres, filmmakers, industry executives, and celebrities than ever before, including unique experiences from films, music and parties to high adrenaline races.
The Whistler Film Festival’s Pandora Audience Award went to British-American romantic drama "Carol," directed by Todd Haynes from the screenplay by Phyllis Nagy (Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch class of 2014) starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, which received its Canadian premiere at Whistler. The Wff Audience Award runner-ups were "The Legend of Barney Thomson," character-actor Robert Carlyle's first theatrical feature and directorial debut, which received its North American premiere at the festival, followed by Ricardo Trogi’s mid-life crisis dramedy, Quebec film "Le Mirage," the highest grossing and most popular Canadian film of the year so far. The Wff Audience Award is a non-cash prize presented to the highest-rated film as voted by the audience.
Paul Gratton, Director of Programming had this to say about this year’s event: "We were very fortunate to open this year's fest with the Canadian premiere of "Carol," a film we are convinced will be a major contender in this year's awards season race. The festival took off from there, with many sold out screenings, packed and newsworthy industry sessions, and over 450 guests who made a point of trekking out to beautiful Whistler to support their films and talk business with the high-level movers and shakers also in attendance. 2015 represented another step forward towards making Wff the coolest festival in the world. Can't wait 'til next year.”
Total attendance for this year’s fest was 13,233 attendees (a 18% increase over 11,273 in 2014) . This included 7,740 film-screening attendees and 3,533 special event attendees (Signature Series, Music Café, ShortWork Showcase, R-Rated Party, Awards Brunch, L’Oreal Men Expert Bobsleigh Race and Celebrity Challenge Ski Race), in addition to 2,530 Summit attendees. Several of the feature films were at or near capacity, including: "Born to be Blue," "Chasing Bansky," "Forsaken," "How to Plan and Orgy in a Small Town," "Legend,""Legend of Barney Thomson," "Numb," "The Lady in the Van," "the Steps," and "Trumbo."
Designed to facilitate international alliances and financial partnerships, Wff’s industry Summit program presented 30 interactive sessions that addressed a range of issues affecting the film, television, and digital media industry. Overall Summit attendance was at 86% capacity with 2,530 attendees (a 13% increase over 2,231 in 2014) including 855 delegates (on par with 2014). The Whistler Summit directly connects to Wff’s slate of project development programs designed to provide creative and business immersion experiences for 42 Canadian artists including its Feature Project Lab, Praxis Screenwriters Lab, Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship, and Music Café. Wff also collaborates with several industry organizations by hosting specific third party initiatives at the Whistler Summit including the Women in the Director’s Chair Industry Immersion, Women in Film & Television Film Market Preparation Mentorship, and the Mppia Short Film Award Pitch with the Motion Picture Production Industry Association and Creative BC. In addition to the
204 scheduled meetings (a 10% increase over 186 in 2014) that took place during the Summit, there was again a notable increase in unscheduled meetings that took place outside of scheduled blocks proving the festival remains an important place for the industry to meet and do business. Industry guests came from Canada, USA, UK, India, and China to participate, and included some of the top talent and executives in the business.
Film met music when Morning Show, one of the ten-featured BC artists from Wff’s Music Café, performed the live score for "He Hated Pigeons." Wff’s Music Café, which expanded to include two showcases over two days and featured five music supervisors, was well received with several deals in the works and over 526 guests in attendance.
Toronto’s first-time feature director Jamie M. Dagg’s "River" dominated Whistler prize-giving, winning for best Canadian feature, Best Director and Best Screenplay in the Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature presented by the Directors Guild of Canada – British Columbia. The jury also awarded French-Canadian actor Paul Savoie with Best Performance in a Borsos Film for his performance in "The Diary of an Old Man," as well as provided honorable mention for Rossif Sutherland’s work in "River" and Laura Abramsen’s roles in "Basic human Needs" and "The Sabbatical." Lastly, Best Cinematography in a Borsos Film, presented by I.A.T.S.E. Local 669, went to cinematographer Dylan Macleod for "He Hated Pigeons," directed by Ingrid Veninger. The Borsos Jury was comprised of three accomplished film industry artists that included the highly versatile director and screenwriter and WFF15 Alumni Carl Bessai ("Rehearsal), beloved actor and director Marc-André Grondin , and award-winning producer extraordinaire, Kim McCraw.
Other Whistler award winners included "Last Harvest" by first-time female director Hui (Jane) Wang that won the World Documentary Award presented by Tribute.ca with honorable mention for Brian D. Johnson’s "Al Purdy Was Here." The Best Mountain Culture Film presented by Whistler Blackcomb went to Anthony Bonello’s "Eclipse." The Canadian ShortWork Award went to "Withheld" directed by Johnathan Sousa, with an honorable mention to Amanda Strong and Bracken Hanuse Corlett’s Mia’. The International ShortWork Award was awarded to "Dissonance" by Germany filmmaker Till Nowak, with Langara College’s Canadian ShortWork Award for Best Screenplay given to Jem Garrard’s "The World Who Came to Dinner." Emily Carr University of Art and Design’s Lawrence Lam won the ShortWork Student Award presented by Capilano University Film Centre for "The Blue Jet," and Maja Aro won the Mppia Short Film Award for "Hoods" presented by Mppia and Creative BC, which consists of a $15,000 cash award plus up to $100,000 in services. The Alliance of Women Film Journalists (Awfj) Eda Awards gave Best Female-Directed Narrative Feature to Valerie Weiss’ "A Light Beneath Their Feet," Best Female-Directed Documentary to Hui (Jane) Wang’s "Last Harvest," with a special mention for Brian D. Johnson’s "Al Purdy Was Here." In addition, Céline Devaux’s "Sunday Lunch" took home the Best Female-Directed Short Award.
Receiving Wff’s Trailblazer Award and Tribute presented by Pandora, British-born Canadian actor, film producer, and film director Kiefer Sutherland discussed his extensive acting career spanning film, stage and television, with CTV Film Critic Jim Gordon , followed by the Western Canadian Premiere of his latest film, "Forsaken." Scottish-born Robert Carlyle , one of the most recognizable actors today, graced the Festival’s red carpet at this year’s Spotlight event as Wff’s Maverick Award honoree and sat down with Jim Gordon to discuss his bold choices that have led to the creation of some of the most dynamic, memorable, and beloved characters of our time before the North American Premiere of his directorial debut, "The Legend the Barny Thomson." One of Canada's hardest working and most accomplished character actors, Bruce Greenwood was the recipient of Wff’s Career Achievement Award, at the World Premiere of his latest film "Rehearsal," directed by admired Wff Alumni Carl Bessai.
The Whistler Film Festival proudly hosted the Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch for the fourth consecutive year hosted by Variety Vice President and Executive Editor, Steven Gaydos . This year’s slate of screenwriters in attendance included Bryan Sipe ("Demolition"), John Scott III ("Maggie"), Meg LeFauve ("Inside Out"), Mike Le ("Patient Zero"), and Emma Donoghue ("Room"), who also delivered a Master Class for the Wff Praxis Screenwriters Lab participants.
To top it all off, Lauren Lee Smith ("How to Plan an Orgy in a Small Town"), Jakob Davies ("The Birdwatcher"), Taylor Russell and Rustin Gresiuk ("Suspension") were recognized as Wff’s Rising Stars sponsored by Ubcp/Actra at this year’s Keynote Filmmaker Luncheon presented by Pacific Northwest Pictures, and all had films premiering at the fest.
Over 400 guests attended the fest with other notable talent in attendance with films premiering at the fest including: actor Rossif Sutherland ("River"), director Jon Cassar ("Forsaken"), actor Callum Keith Rennie ("Born to Be Blue"), director/writer Sandy Wilson ("My American Cousin), actors Aleks Paunovic, Stefanie von Pfetten, Marie Avgeropoulos and Colin Cunningham ("Numb"), actors Chelah Horsdal and Alex Zahara ("Patterson's Wager"), actor Sage Brocklebank ("Suspension"), actors Gabrielle Rose and Camille Sullivan ("The Birdwatcher"), actor Rebecca Dalton ("The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship"), actor Paul Savoie ("The Diary of an Old Man"), director and founder of the Toronto Film Critics Association Brian D. Johnson ("Al Purdy Was Here"), director and co-founder of World Elephant Day Patricia Sims and co-director Michael Clark ("When Elephants Were Young"), "The Steps" director Andrew Currie and actor Steven McCarthy , and award-winning directors Philippe Lesage ("The Demons") and Ricardo Trogi ("The Miracle"). Veteran director Bruce McDonald attended as a mentor of the Wff Praxis Screenwriters Lab, as well as Canadian actress, writer, filmmaker, comedian, and social activist Mary Walsh , who participated in the Women In The Director’s Chair program and got a standing ovation as Wff’s Keynote Speaker at the Filmmaker Luncheon.
The Whistler Film Festival’s Pandora Audience Award went to British-American romantic drama "Carol," directed by Todd Haynes from the screenplay by Phyllis Nagy (Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch class of 2014) starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, which received its Canadian premiere at Whistler. The Wff Audience Award runner-ups were "The Legend of Barney Thomson," character-actor Robert Carlyle's first theatrical feature and directorial debut, which received its North American premiere at the festival, followed by Ricardo Trogi’s mid-life crisis dramedy, Quebec film "Le Mirage," the highest grossing and most popular Canadian film of the year so far. The Wff Audience Award is a non-cash prize presented to the highest-rated film as voted by the audience.
Paul Gratton, Director of Programming had this to say about this year’s event: "We were very fortunate to open this year's fest with the Canadian premiere of "Carol," a film we are convinced will be a major contender in this year's awards season race. The festival took off from there, with many sold out screenings, packed and newsworthy industry sessions, and over 450 guests who made a point of trekking out to beautiful Whistler to support their films and talk business with the high-level movers and shakers also in attendance. 2015 represented another step forward towards making Wff the coolest festival in the world. Can't wait 'til next year.”
Total attendance for this year’s fest was 13,233 attendees (a 18% increase over 11,273 in 2014) . This included 7,740 film-screening attendees and 3,533 special event attendees (Signature Series, Music Café, ShortWork Showcase, R-Rated Party, Awards Brunch, L’Oreal Men Expert Bobsleigh Race and Celebrity Challenge Ski Race), in addition to 2,530 Summit attendees. Several of the feature films were at or near capacity, including: "Born to be Blue," "Chasing Bansky," "Forsaken," "How to Plan and Orgy in a Small Town," "Legend,""Legend of Barney Thomson," "Numb," "The Lady in the Van," "the Steps," and "Trumbo."
Designed to facilitate international alliances and financial partnerships, Wff’s industry Summit program presented 30 interactive sessions that addressed a range of issues affecting the film, television, and digital media industry. Overall Summit attendance was at 86% capacity with 2,530 attendees (a 13% increase over 2,231 in 2014) including 855 delegates (on par with 2014). The Whistler Summit directly connects to Wff’s slate of project development programs designed to provide creative and business immersion experiences for 42 Canadian artists including its Feature Project Lab, Praxis Screenwriters Lab, Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship, and Music Café. Wff also collaborates with several industry organizations by hosting specific third party initiatives at the Whistler Summit including the Women in the Director’s Chair Industry Immersion, Women in Film & Television Film Market Preparation Mentorship, and the Mppia Short Film Award Pitch with the Motion Picture Production Industry Association and Creative BC. In addition to the
204 scheduled meetings (a 10% increase over 186 in 2014) that took place during the Summit, there was again a notable increase in unscheduled meetings that took place outside of scheduled blocks proving the festival remains an important place for the industry to meet and do business. Industry guests came from Canada, USA, UK, India, and China to participate, and included some of the top talent and executives in the business.
Film met music when Morning Show, one of the ten-featured BC artists from Wff’s Music Café, performed the live score for "He Hated Pigeons." Wff’s Music Café, which expanded to include two showcases over two days and featured five music supervisors, was well received with several deals in the works and over 526 guests in attendance.
Toronto’s first-time feature director Jamie M. Dagg’s "River" dominated Whistler prize-giving, winning for best Canadian feature, Best Director and Best Screenplay in the Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature presented by the Directors Guild of Canada – British Columbia. The jury also awarded French-Canadian actor Paul Savoie with Best Performance in a Borsos Film for his performance in "The Diary of an Old Man," as well as provided honorable mention for Rossif Sutherland’s work in "River" and Laura Abramsen’s roles in "Basic human Needs" and "The Sabbatical." Lastly, Best Cinematography in a Borsos Film, presented by I.A.T.S.E. Local 669, went to cinematographer Dylan Macleod for "He Hated Pigeons," directed by Ingrid Veninger. The Borsos Jury was comprised of three accomplished film industry artists that included the highly versatile director and screenwriter and WFF15 Alumni Carl Bessai ("Rehearsal), beloved actor and director Marc-André Grondin , and award-winning producer extraordinaire, Kim McCraw.
Other Whistler award winners included "Last Harvest" by first-time female director Hui (Jane) Wang that won the World Documentary Award presented by Tribute.ca with honorable mention for Brian D. Johnson’s "Al Purdy Was Here." The Best Mountain Culture Film presented by Whistler Blackcomb went to Anthony Bonello’s "Eclipse." The Canadian ShortWork Award went to "Withheld" directed by Johnathan Sousa, with an honorable mention to Amanda Strong and Bracken Hanuse Corlett’s Mia’. The International ShortWork Award was awarded to "Dissonance" by Germany filmmaker Till Nowak, with Langara College’s Canadian ShortWork Award for Best Screenplay given to Jem Garrard’s "The World Who Came to Dinner." Emily Carr University of Art and Design’s Lawrence Lam won the ShortWork Student Award presented by Capilano University Film Centre for "The Blue Jet," and Maja Aro won the Mppia Short Film Award for "Hoods" presented by Mppia and Creative BC, which consists of a $15,000 cash award plus up to $100,000 in services. The Alliance of Women Film Journalists (Awfj) Eda Awards gave Best Female-Directed Narrative Feature to Valerie Weiss’ "A Light Beneath Their Feet," Best Female-Directed Documentary to Hui (Jane) Wang’s "Last Harvest," with a special mention for Brian D. Johnson’s "Al Purdy Was Here." In addition, Céline Devaux’s "Sunday Lunch" took home the Best Female-Directed Short Award.
Receiving Wff’s Trailblazer Award and Tribute presented by Pandora, British-born Canadian actor, film producer, and film director Kiefer Sutherland discussed his extensive acting career spanning film, stage and television, with CTV Film Critic Jim Gordon , followed by the Western Canadian Premiere of his latest film, "Forsaken." Scottish-born Robert Carlyle , one of the most recognizable actors today, graced the Festival’s red carpet at this year’s Spotlight event as Wff’s Maverick Award honoree and sat down with Jim Gordon to discuss his bold choices that have led to the creation of some of the most dynamic, memorable, and beloved characters of our time before the North American Premiere of his directorial debut, "The Legend the Barny Thomson." One of Canada's hardest working and most accomplished character actors, Bruce Greenwood was the recipient of Wff’s Career Achievement Award, at the World Premiere of his latest film "Rehearsal," directed by admired Wff Alumni Carl Bessai.
The Whistler Film Festival proudly hosted the Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch for the fourth consecutive year hosted by Variety Vice President and Executive Editor, Steven Gaydos . This year’s slate of screenwriters in attendance included Bryan Sipe ("Demolition"), John Scott III ("Maggie"), Meg LeFauve ("Inside Out"), Mike Le ("Patient Zero"), and Emma Donoghue ("Room"), who also delivered a Master Class for the Wff Praxis Screenwriters Lab participants.
To top it all off, Lauren Lee Smith ("How to Plan an Orgy in a Small Town"), Jakob Davies ("The Birdwatcher"), Taylor Russell and Rustin Gresiuk ("Suspension") were recognized as Wff’s Rising Stars sponsored by Ubcp/Actra at this year’s Keynote Filmmaker Luncheon presented by Pacific Northwest Pictures, and all had films premiering at the fest.
Over 400 guests attended the fest with other notable talent in attendance with films premiering at the fest including: actor Rossif Sutherland ("River"), director Jon Cassar ("Forsaken"), actor Callum Keith Rennie ("Born to Be Blue"), director/writer Sandy Wilson ("My American Cousin), actors Aleks Paunovic, Stefanie von Pfetten, Marie Avgeropoulos and Colin Cunningham ("Numb"), actors Chelah Horsdal and Alex Zahara ("Patterson's Wager"), actor Sage Brocklebank ("Suspension"), actors Gabrielle Rose and Camille Sullivan ("The Birdwatcher"), actor Rebecca Dalton ("The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship"), actor Paul Savoie ("The Diary of an Old Man"), director and founder of the Toronto Film Critics Association Brian D. Johnson ("Al Purdy Was Here"), director and co-founder of World Elephant Day Patricia Sims and co-director Michael Clark ("When Elephants Were Young"), "The Steps" director Andrew Currie and actor Steven McCarthy , and award-winning directors Philippe Lesage ("The Demons") and Ricardo Trogi ("The Miracle"). Veteran director Bruce McDonald attended as a mentor of the Wff Praxis Screenwriters Lab, as well as Canadian actress, writer, filmmaker, comedian, and social activist Mary Walsh , who participated in the Women In The Director’s Chair program and got a standing ovation as Wff’s Keynote Speaker at the Filmmaker Luncheon.
- 12/9/2015
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Xavier Dolan tied contemporaries Philippe Falardeau and Denis Villeneuve by winning his second Best Feature award at the 17th annual Jutra Awards. Quebec’s answer to the Oscars was a rather suspense-less affair as Mommy claimed nine (plus the top box office award honor) awards winning in all major categories with the exclusion of Best Supporting Actor category win, which would only end up going to Dolan’s other nominated film, Tom at the Farm. Pierre-Yves Cardinal was sublime in his predatory type role and as was the case for several nominees, was hard at work on another project and therefore not on hand for trophyware. Ricardo Trogi’s throwback to awkward teen years tale 1987 did win a trio of awards, but if there were any surprises in the Dolan camp it was the acceptance speeches: Dolan delivered a keynote speech type quality for the last win of the night...
- 3/16/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Despite not being nominated for Best Director, Louise Archambault’s Gabrielle managed to pull off what we thought was the impossible (our Leora Heilbronn has pegged the drama as the film that should win, but favored Denis Villeneuve’s Enemy as the best bet) winning Best Motion Picture at the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards (a.k.a Canadian Oscars). If the out of synch supposed “live” telecast wasn’t bad enough (all awards including the winning film were announced almost one hour prior to on twittersphere), the show’s producers gave Gabrielle winning producers Luc Déry and Kim McCraw the equivalent of end of toilette paper roll in terms of time.
The voters also choose Gabrielle‘s Gabrielle Marion-Rivard as Best Actress in a Leading Role, while the heavily favored Enemy grabbed five awards, Best Direction for Villeneuve, Best Original Score for the excellent Danny Bensi/Saunder Jurriaans pairing , Best Editing,...
The voters also choose Gabrielle‘s Gabrielle Marion-Rivard as Best Actress in a Leading Role, while the heavily favored Enemy grabbed five awards, Best Direction for Villeneuve, Best Original Score for the excellent Danny Bensi/Saunder Jurriaans pairing , Best Editing,...
- 3/10/2014
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Tu Dors Nicole
Director: Stéphane Lafleur
Writer: Stéphane Lafleur
Producers: micro_scope’s Luc Déry and Kim McCraw
U.S. Distributor: Rights Available
Cast: Julianne Côté, Catherine St-Laurent, Marc-André Grondin, Francis La Haye and Simon Larouche
The tendency of throwing his Coenesque character set into perilous type of predicaments should continue with his summer set, boys vs. girls titled Tu Dors Nicole. A third feature for Quebecois helmer Stéphane Lafleur, we fully expect to stick to the same black humor template found in his previous pair: the festival favorites Continental, un film and En terrain connu.
Gist: Enjoying the family home while her parents are away, Nicole (22 years old) is quietly spending the first weeks of her year off until her older brother Rémi shows up with his music group. The summer then takes an unexpected turn for Nicole and her best friend Véronique.
Release Date: Filming took place last...
Director: Stéphane Lafleur
Writer: Stéphane Lafleur
Producers: micro_scope’s Luc Déry and Kim McCraw
U.S. Distributor: Rights Available
Cast: Julianne Côté, Catherine St-Laurent, Marc-André Grondin, Francis La Haye and Simon Larouche
The tendency of throwing his Coenesque character set into perilous type of predicaments should continue with his summer set, boys vs. girls titled Tu Dors Nicole. A third feature for Quebecois helmer Stéphane Lafleur, we fully expect to stick to the same black humor template found in his previous pair: the festival favorites Continental, un film and En terrain connu.
Gist: Enjoying the family home while her parents are away, Nicole (22 years old) is quietly spending the first weeks of her year off until her older brother Rémi shows up with his music group. The summer then takes an unexpected turn for Nicole and her best friend Véronique.
Release Date: Filming took place last...
- 2/4/2014
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
The Academy Of Canadian Cinema & Television has announced the Canadian Screen Awards nominees.
“We are exceedingly proud today to reveal the nominees for the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards,” said Academy chair Martin Katz.
“This was a year marked by a record-breaking number of submissions, reflecting a robust level of activity in the screen-based industries in Canada which we will celebrate during Canadian Screen Week, March 3-9. Congratulations to all.”
David Cronenberg will receive the lifetime achievement award. For the full list of winners invcluding television, digital and special awards click here.
The feature nominees in full:
Best Motion Picture
The Dismantlement (Le Démantèlement) – Bernadette Payeur, Marc Daigle
Empire Of Dirt – Jennifer Podemski
Enemy – Kim McCraw, Luc Déry, Miguel A Faura, Niv Fichman, Sari Friedland
The F-Word – Andre Rouleau, David Gross, Macdara Kelleher
Gabrielle – Kim McCraw, Luc Déry
The Grand Seduction – Barbara Doran, Roger Frappier
Maïna – Karine Martin, Michel Poulette, Yves Fortin
Tom At The Farm (Tom À La Ferme) – [link...
“We are exceedingly proud today to reveal the nominees for the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards,” said Academy chair Martin Katz.
“This was a year marked by a record-breaking number of submissions, reflecting a robust level of activity in the screen-based industries in Canada which we will celebrate during Canadian Screen Week, March 3-9. Congratulations to all.”
David Cronenberg will receive the lifetime achievement award. For the full list of winners invcluding television, digital and special awards click here.
The feature nominees in full:
Best Motion Picture
The Dismantlement (Le Démantèlement) – Bernadette Payeur, Marc Daigle
Empire Of Dirt – Jennifer Podemski
Enemy – Kim McCraw, Luc Déry, Miguel A Faura, Niv Fichman, Sari Friedland
The F-Word – Andre Rouleau, David Gross, Macdara Kelleher
Gabrielle – Kim McCraw, Luc Déry
The Grand Seduction – Barbara Doran, Roger Frappier
Maïna – Karine Martin, Michel Poulette, Yves Fortin
Tom At The Farm (Tom À La Ferme) – [link...
- 1/13/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Academy Of Canadian Cinema & Television has announced its nominees.
“We are exceedingly proud today to reveal the nominees for the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards,” said Academy chair Martin Katz. “This was a year marked by a record-breaking number of submissions, reflecting a robust level of activity in the screen-based industries in Canada which we will celebrate during Canadian Screen Week, March 3-9. Congratulations to all.”
David Cronenberg will receive the lifetime achievement award. For the full list of winners invcluding television, digital and special awards click here.
The fearure nominees in full:
Best Motion Picture
The Dismantlement (Le Démantèlement) – Bernadette Payeur, Marc Daigle
Empire Of Dirt (pictured) – Jennifer Podemski
Enemy – Kim McCraw, Luc Déry, Miguel A Faura, Niv Fichman, Sari Friedland
The F-Word – Andre Rouleau, David Gross, Macdara Kelleher
Gabrielle – Kim McCraw, Luc Déry
The Grand Seduction – Barbara Doran, Roger Frappier
Maïna – Karine Martin, Michel Poulette, Yves Fortin
Tom At The Farm (Tom À La Ferme) – [link...
“We are exceedingly proud today to reveal the nominees for the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards,” said Academy chair Martin Katz. “This was a year marked by a record-breaking number of submissions, reflecting a robust level of activity in the screen-based industries in Canada which we will celebrate during Canadian Screen Week, March 3-9. Congratulations to all.”
David Cronenberg will receive the lifetime achievement award. For the full list of winners invcluding television, digital and special awards click here.
The fearure nominees in full:
Best Motion Picture
The Dismantlement (Le Démantèlement) – Bernadette Payeur, Marc Daigle
Empire Of Dirt (pictured) – Jennifer Podemski
Enemy – Kim McCraw, Luc Déry, Miguel A Faura, Niv Fichman, Sari Friedland
The F-Word – Andre Rouleau, David Gross, Macdara Kelleher
Gabrielle – Kim McCraw, Luc Déry
The Grand Seduction – Barbara Doran, Roger Frappier
Maïna – Karine Martin, Michel Poulette, Yves Fortin
Tom At The Farm (Tom À La Ferme) – [link...
- 1/13/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
I have been attending Whistler Film Festival in recent years and am always excited by the films and the program.
Following is a lineup of some of the industry events that will be happening there next week the 13th annual Whistler Film Festival (December 4 – 8, 2013) will host Variety’s 10 Screenwriters To Watch for the second consecutive year. This year’s honored screenwriters will share their personal stories and challenges related to succeeding in today’s film industry at an afternoon discussion on December 7th, hosted by Variety’s Vice President and Executive Editor Steven Gaydos. Variety will also present the screenwriters with an award at Wff’s Awards Brunch on December 8th.
Variety’s class of 2013 screenwriters and notable credits include American screenwriters Ned Benson (The Disappearance of Eleonora Rigby), Lucinda Coxon (Crimson Peak), Andrew Dodge (Bad Words); Kieran Fitzgerald (Bambi), Morgan David Foehl (The Asset), Jennifer Lee (Frozen), Barbara Marshall (The Exorcism Diaries) , Michael Mitnick (The Giver), Jonathan Tropper (One Last Thing Before I Go), ; and Canadian screenwriter Elan Mastai (The F Word) whose lead actor Daniel Radcliffe was one of Wff’s 2012 honorees. Eight of the ten screenwriters are attending this year’s Festival. Absent are Jennifer Lee who is on press tour for a film, and Ned Benson who is filming.
Variety’s 10 To Watch series spotlights emerging writers, actors, producers, directors, comics and cinematographers. A team of Variety editors, critics and reporters selects the honorees.
“The writer's critical role in the filmmaking process is a primary reason why Variety's 10 Screenwriters To Watch has become a sought-after event at the Whistler Film Festival,” says Whistler Film Festival’s Executive Director, Shauna Hardy Mishaw. “With Variety showcasing the brightest and most promising new writers, the chance to meet and hear their stories firsthand makes this a must-attend discussion for both casual fans and aspiring filmmakers.”
Gabrielle (see our review Here), Canada's submission for the Academy Award Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, is one of Wff’s Special Presentations. Delightfully offbeat, the truly moving love story looks at a young woman's search for love and independence in the face of a genetic condition. Director Louise Archambault (read our interview with her Here) and producers Luc Déry and Kim McCraw will join Wff Director of Programming Paul Gratton for a brief In Conversation on December 7 after the screening which begins at 4:00pm.
From December 4th to 8th, the Whistler Film Festival will celebrate its 13th edition in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, North America’s premiere mountain resort. The Festival will host filmmaking luminaries for an intimate five-day program of screenings, tributes, special events and industry initiatives. Recognized by filmmakers and film lovers alike as one of Canada’s most important showcases for film, the Whistler Film Festival is where artists are celebrated, audiences are inspired, new ideas are discussed, and business opportunities are solidified.
Wff’s film lineup and schedule, and industry Summit schedule are available at www.whistlerfilmfestival.com .
Here is some information about the Festival -
The Whistler Film Festival is supported by Telefilm Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. Bell Media (CTV, Etalk, E!) is Wff’s lead partner. Wff is sponsored by Variety, Transcontinental Media (Elle Canada), the Directors Guild of Canada - British Columbia, American Airlines, Sorel, Christie, Zoom Audio Visual Networks, Promosa Management, Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb and the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler.
The Whistler Film Festival Society (Wffs) is a cultural charitable organization dedicated to furthering the art of film by providing programs that focus on the discovery, development and promotion of new talent culminating with a must attend festival for artists, the industry and audiences in Whistler. Wffs produces one of Canada’s leading film festivals and plays a leadership role in offering professional and project development programs for filmmakers.
Following is a lineup of some of the industry events that will be happening there next week the 13th annual Whistler Film Festival (December 4 – 8, 2013) will host Variety’s 10 Screenwriters To Watch for the second consecutive year. This year’s honored screenwriters will share their personal stories and challenges related to succeeding in today’s film industry at an afternoon discussion on December 7th, hosted by Variety’s Vice President and Executive Editor Steven Gaydos. Variety will also present the screenwriters with an award at Wff’s Awards Brunch on December 8th.
Variety’s class of 2013 screenwriters and notable credits include American screenwriters Ned Benson (The Disappearance of Eleonora Rigby), Lucinda Coxon (Crimson Peak), Andrew Dodge (Bad Words); Kieran Fitzgerald (Bambi), Morgan David Foehl (The Asset), Jennifer Lee (Frozen), Barbara Marshall (The Exorcism Diaries) , Michael Mitnick (The Giver), Jonathan Tropper (One Last Thing Before I Go), ; and Canadian screenwriter Elan Mastai (The F Word) whose lead actor Daniel Radcliffe was one of Wff’s 2012 honorees. Eight of the ten screenwriters are attending this year’s Festival. Absent are Jennifer Lee who is on press tour for a film, and Ned Benson who is filming.
Variety’s 10 To Watch series spotlights emerging writers, actors, producers, directors, comics and cinematographers. A team of Variety editors, critics and reporters selects the honorees.
“The writer's critical role in the filmmaking process is a primary reason why Variety's 10 Screenwriters To Watch has become a sought-after event at the Whistler Film Festival,” says Whistler Film Festival’s Executive Director, Shauna Hardy Mishaw. “With Variety showcasing the brightest and most promising new writers, the chance to meet and hear their stories firsthand makes this a must-attend discussion for both casual fans and aspiring filmmakers.”
Gabrielle (see our review Here), Canada's submission for the Academy Award Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, is one of Wff’s Special Presentations. Delightfully offbeat, the truly moving love story looks at a young woman's search for love and independence in the face of a genetic condition. Director Louise Archambault (read our interview with her Here) and producers Luc Déry and Kim McCraw will join Wff Director of Programming Paul Gratton for a brief In Conversation on December 7 after the screening which begins at 4:00pm.
From December 4th to 8th, the Whistler Film Festival will celebrate its 13th edition in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, North America’s premiere mountain resort. The Festival will host filmmaking luminaries for an intimate five-day program of screenings, tributes, special events and industry initiatives. Recognized by filmmakers and film lovers alike as one of Canada’s most important showcases for film, the Whistler Film Festival is where artists are celebrated, audiences are inspired, new ideas are discussed, and business opportunities are solidified.
Wff’s film lineup and schedule, and industry Summit schedule are available at www.whistlerfilmfestival.com .
Here is some information about the Festival -
The Whistler Film Festival is supported by Telefilm Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. Bell Media (CTV, Etalk, E!) is Wff’s lead partner. Wff is sponsored by Variety, Transcontinental Media (Elle Canada), the Directors Guild of Canada - British Columbia, American Airlines, Sorel, Christie, Zoom Audio Visual Networks, Promosa Management, Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb and the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler.
The Whistler Film Festival Society (Wffs) is a cultural charitable organization dedicated to furthering the art of film by providing programs that focus on the discovery, development and promotion of new talent culminating with a must attend festival for artists, the industry and audiences in Whistler. Wffs produces one of Canada’s leading film festivals and plays a leadership role in offering professional and project development programs for filmmakers.
- 11/28/2013
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Telefilm Canada has elected to submit Gabrielle as its foreign language Oscar submission.
Canada has a strong recent track record in the category and has delivered a nominee in each of the last three Academy Awards in the shape of War Witch, Monsieur Lazhar and Incendies.
Quebecois Louise Archambault directed Gabrielle and the producers are Luc Déry and Kim McCraw of Montreal-based micro_scope, the company behind Incendies and Monsieur Lazhar.
Click here for Best Foreign-Language Film Academy Award submissions 2013
The film tells of a gifted young woman who falls for a fellow singer in her special needs choir.
eOne Films launched international sales at Berlin’s Efm in February.
The nominations for the 2014 Academy Awards will be announced on Jan 16, 2014. The 86th Oscar Ceremony will take place on March 2, 2014.
Canada has a strong recent track record in the category and has delivered a nominee in each of the last three Academy Awards in the shape of War Witch, Monsieur Lazhar and Incendies.
Quebecois Louise Archambault directed Gabrielle and the producers are Luc Déry and Kim McCraw of Montreal-based micro_scope, the company behind Incendies and Monsieur Lazhar.
Click here for Best Foreign-Language Film Academy Award submissions 2013
The film tells of a gifted young woman who falls for a fellow singer in her special needs choir.
eOne Films launched international sales at Berlin’s Efm in February.
The nominations for the 2014 Academy Awards will be announced on Jan 16, 2014. The 86th Oscar Ceremony will take place on March 2, 2014.
- 9/24/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Telefilm Canada has elected to submit Gabrielle as its foreign language Oscar submission.
Canada has a strong recent track record in the category and has delivered a nominee in each of the last three Academy Awards in the shape of War Witch, Monsieur Lazhar and Incendies.
Quebecois Louise Archambault directed Gabrielle and the producers are Luc Déry and Kim McCraw of Montreal-based micro_scope, the company behind Incendies and Monsieur Lazhar.
The film tells of a gifted young woman who falls for a fellow singer in her special needs choir.
eOne Films launched international sales at Berlin’s Efm in February.
Canada has a strong recent track record in the category and has delivered a nominee in each of the last three Academy Awards in the shape of War Witch, Monsieur Lazhar and Incendies.
Quebecois Louise Archambault directed Gabrielle and the producers are Luc Déry and Kim McCraw of Montreal-based micro_scope, the company behind Incendies and Monsieur Lazhar.
The film tells of a gifted young woman who falls for a fellow singer in her special needs choir.
eOne Films launched international sales at Berlin’s Efm in February.
- 9/24/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
In Inch’Allah, one of the most dire, prevailing political struggles of our time is drawn into focus through the eyes of a Canadian doctor (Evelyne Brochu) working in Palestine. Obviously the subject matter comes with baggage. Ask people what they think of Syria or Taiwan or the Dkr, and you never know what answer you’ll get, but everyone has an opinion about Israel. Written and directed by talented newcomer Anais Barbeau-Lavalette, the real pedigree of this film stems from producers Luc Dery and Kim McCraw who have taken both Incendies and Monsieur Lazhar to recent Oscar nominations. Both films, like Inch’Allah had an element of Middle Eastern culture. Check out the trailer for yourself: Inch’Allah sees an NYC release August 16th, followed by La on August 23rd.
- 7/24/2013
- by Scott Beggs
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired U.S. rights to "Whitewash," starring Thomas Haden Church. Writer-director Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais won the Best New Narrative Director prize at this year's Tribeca Film Festival for his movie about a snowplow operator in Canada who must deal with the aftermath of a terrible accident. "Now I just can't wait for Americans to discover Thomas Haden Church's performance," Hoss-Desmarais said in the announcement. This will be Church's first film since last year's "John Carter," and the first film in which you can see his face since 2011's "We Bought a Zoo" (Church provided the voice and motion capture imagery for the alien Tal Hajus in "John Carter," as I'm sure everyone remembers). "Whitewash" was produced by Luc Dery and Kim McCraw of micro_scope, a company know for well-reviewed indies like "Incendies" in 2010 and "Monsieur Lazhar" in 2011. No release date has been set, but Oscilloscope is...
- 5/15/2013
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
(thanks to alan of montreal) Best Motion Picture “L’Affaire Dumont” Nicole Robert “Inch’Allah” Luc Déry, Kim McCraw “Laurence Anyways” Lyse Lafontaine “Midnight’s Children” David Hamilton “Rebelle / War Witch” Pierre Even,...
- 1/17/2013
- by Ryan Adams
- AwardsDaily.com
One of the most touching films of the year. A brilliant tragedy that transcends boundaries of age, country, race, religion and gender. Filmmaker Philippe Falardeau scored big with his emerging works .It's Not Me, I Swear!. and .Left Hand Side of the Fridge.. Nominated for Best Foreign Language film at the 2012 Oscars, Monsieur Lazhar is an adaptation of Évelyne de la Chenelière's stage play, and is produced by Luc Déry and Kim McCraw, the team responsible for the Oscar-nominated .Incendies.. Falardeau.s current film, .Monsieur Lazhar. features Mohamed Fellag playing Bachir Lazhar, an Algerian immigrant who has falsified his credentials to get a job, any job, in Canada. Fellag was born and raised in Algeria, moving to Paris during...
- 4/23/2012
- by Ron Wilkinson
- Monsters and Critics
(via alan of montreal) Best Picture Monsieur Lazhar, Luc Déry, Kim McCraw, producers Best Director Philippe Falardeau, Monsieur Lazhar Best Actress Vanessa Paradis, Café de Flore Best Actor Fellag, Monsieur...
- 3/10/2012
- by Ryan Adams
- AwardsDaily.com
Fellag, Monsieur Lazhar Philippe Falardeau's Monsieur Lazhar, the tale of an Algerian immigrant and middle-school teacher who changes the lives of several of his students, won a total of six Genie Awards — the Canadian Oscars — including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Fellag), Best Supporting Actress (Sophie Nélisse), and Best Adapted Screenplay (also Falardeau, from Evelyne de la Chenelière's play). [Full list of Genie Award winners.] Ten days ago, Monsieur Lazhar lost the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award to Asghar Farhadi's Iranian drama A Separation. The film's producers, Luc Déry and Kim McCraw, were also behind Denis Villeneuve's Incendies, last year's Genie winner and another Best Foreign Language Film Oscar nominee. (Seven of the last ten Best Picture Genie Award winners were at least in part French-language Quebec-made productions.) After winning Best Director, Falardeau made the sort of declaration that drives libertarians and their right-wing fellow travelers up the wall. By the way,...
- 3/9/2012
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
The 32nd Annual Genie Awards -- the Canadian equivalent of the Oscars -- were announced tonight in Toronto, with Philippe Falardeau's foreign language language Oscar nominee "Monsieur Lazhar" taking six awards including best picture, best director and best actor. Other major winners included David Cronenberg's "A Dangerous Method," which won 5 awards including a best supporting actor trophy for Viggo Mortensen. Full list of winners below: Best Motion Picture Monsieur Lazhar - Luc Déry, Kim McCraw Achievement In Direction Philippe Falardeau - Monsieur Lazhar Performance By An Actor In A Leading Role Mohamed Fellag - Monsieur Lazhar Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role Viggo Mortensen - A Dangerous Method Performance By An Actress In A Leading Role Vanessa Paradis - Café de Flore Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role Sophie NÉLISSE...
- 3/9/2012
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
Viggo Mortensen (Sigmund Freud), Michael Fassbender (Carl Jung), A Dangerous Method Monsieur Lazhar Tops Genie Awards Meilleur Film / Best Motion Picture A Dangerous Method – Martin Katz, Marco Mehlitz, Jeremy Thomas CAFÉ De Flore – Pierre Even, Marie-Claude Poulin, Jean-Marc Vallée * Monsieur Lazhar – Luc Déry, Kim McCraw Starbuck – André Rouleau The Whistleblower – Christina Piovesan, Celine Rattray Meilleure RÉALISATION / Achievement In Direction David Cronenberg – A Dangerous Method Steven Silver – The Bang Bang Club Jean-marc VALLÉE – Café de Flore * Philippe Falardeau – Monsieur Lazhar Larysa Kondracki – The Whistleblower Meilleures Images / Achievement In Cinematography Miroslaw Baszak, C.S.C. – The Bang Bang Club Pierre Cottereau – Café de Flore Jon Joffin – Daydream Nation * Jean-FRANÇOIS Lord – Snow & Ashes Ronald Plante – Monsieur Lazhar Meilleur Montage / Achievement In Editing Jean-FRANÇOIS Bergeron – The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom Michael Czarnecki – In Darkness Patrick Demers – Jaloux * STÉPHANE Lafleur – Monsieur Lazhar Ronald Sanders, C.C.E. A.C.E. – A Dangerous Method...
- 3/9/2012
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
The 2012 Orange BAFTA ceremony tonight was, as expected, dominated by Michael Hazanavicius’ silent black-and-white love story The Artist.
Taking home seven awards in total, including ‘Best Film’, ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Actor for Jean Dujardin’, ‘Best Original Screenplay’, ‘Original Music’, ‘Cinematography’ and ‘Best Costume Design’, The Artist won almost every category it competed in.
Although Dujardin was a surprise over George Clooney for Best Actor, there was no shock for Best Actress with the BAFTA going to Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady, which was also honoured for the extraordinary Make-up & Hair category.
In the supporting category The Help’s Octavia Spencer won Supporting Actress and Christopher Plummer won Best Supporting Actor for Beginners, as expected.
Outstanding British Film and Adapted Screenplay went to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with Senna (Documentary, Editing) and Hugo (Production Design, Sound) also winning two Baftas.
In a huge surprise Pedro Almodovar’s The Skin I...
Taking home seven awards in total, including ‘Best Film’, ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Actor for Jean Dujardin’, ‘Best Original Screenplay’, ‘Original Music’, ‘Cinematography’ and ‘Best Costume Design’, The Artist won almost every category it competed in.
Although Dujardin was a surprise over George Clooney for Best Actor, there was no shock for Best Actress with the BAFTA going to Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady, which was also honoured for the extraordinary Make-up & Hair category.
In the supporting category The Help’s Octavia Spencer won Supporting Actress and Christopher Plummer won Best Supporting Actor for Beginners, as expected.
Outstanding British Film and Adapted Screenplay went to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with Senna (Documentary, Editing) and Hugo (Production Design, Sound) also winning two Baftas.
In a huge surprise Pedro Almodovar’s The Skin I...
- 2/12/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
The Artist wins seven BAFTAs including Best Film, Leading Actor for Jean Dujardin and Director and Original Screenplay for Michel Hazanavicius
Meryl Streep wins Leading Actress
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Hugo, The Iron Lady and Senna win two BAFTAs each
The Artist was named Best Film at tonight.s Orange British Academy Film Awards hosted by Stephen Fry, held at London.s Royal Opera House. The film also won six other awards: Director, Original Screenplay, Original Music, Cinematography, Costume Design as well as a performance award for Jean Dujardin who won the Leading Actor BAFTA.
Meryl Streep was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for her performance as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady; the film was also honoured in the Make-Up & Hair category.
The Help.s Octavia Spencer won the Supporting Actress category and Christopher Plummer won Supporting Actor for his performance in Beginners.
Outstanding British Film and...
Meryl Streep wins Leading Actress
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Hugo, The Iron Lady and Senna win two BAFTAs each
The Artist was named Best Film at tonight.s Orange British Academy Film Awards hosted by Stephen Fry, held at London.s Royal Opera House. The film also won six other awards: Director, Original Screenplay, Original Music, Cinematography, Costume Design as well as a performance award for Jean Dujardin who won the Leading Actor BAFTA.
Meryl Streep was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for her performance as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady; the film was also honoured in the Make-Up & Hair category.
The Help.s Octavia Spencer won the Supporting Actress category and Christopher Plummer won Supporting Actor for his performance in Beginners.
Outstanding British Film and...
- 2/12/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
HollywoodNews.com: British Academy Film Awards… and the winners are…
“The Artist” was named the year’s best film at the Orange British Academy Film Awards, as it is expected to win again at the Academy Awards in two weeks.
Winners Announced
The Artist wins seven BAFTAs including Best Film, Leading Actor for Jean Dujardin and Director and Original Screenplay for Michel Hazanavicius
Meryl Streep wins Leading Actress
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Hugo, The Iron Lady and Senna win two BAFTAs each
The Artist was named Best Film at tonight?s Orange British Academy Film Awards hosted by Stephen Fry, held at London?s Royal Opera House. The film also won six other awards: Director, Original Screenplay, Original Music, Cinematography, Costume Design as well as a performance award for Jean Dujardin who won the Leading Actor BAFTA.
Meryl Streep was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for her performance as...
“The Artist” was named the year’s best film at the Orange British Academy Film Awards, as it is expected to win again at the Academy Awards in two weeks.
Winners Announced
The Artist wins seven BAFTAs including Best Film, Leading Actor for Jean Dujardin and Director and Original Screenplay for Michel Hazanavicius
Meryl Streep wins Leading Actress
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Hugo, The Iron Lady and Senna win two BAFTAs each
The Artist was named Best Film at tonight?s Orange British Academy Film Awards hosted by Stephen Fry, held at London?s Royal Opera House. The film also won six other awards: Director, Original Screenplay, Original Music, Cinematography, Costume Design as well as a performance award for Jean Dujardin who won the Leading Actor BAFTA.
Meryl Streep was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for her performance as...
- 2/12/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
via filmindependent.org Narrative Award (for Best Narrative Feature) Winner: Familiar Ground written & directed by Stéphane Lafleur Producers: Luc Déry, Kim McCraw Cast: Francis La Haye, Fanny Mallette, Sylvain Marcel,...
- 6/26/2011
- by Ryan Adams
- AwardsDaily.com
The Los Angeles Film Festival has announced the world premiere of Richard Linklater's Bernie as the opening night film for the 2011 festival.
The film will kick off the festival on June 16 at Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 at L.A. Live. It is written by Skip Hollandsworth and director Linklater and stars Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, and Matthew McConaughey.
The film follows a beloved mortician (Black) from a small Texas town, even winning over the town's richest, meanest widow (MacLaine). Even after Bernie commits a horrible crime, people still will not utter a bad word against him.
"We're thrilled to be opening the Festival with the world premiere of this delicious black comedy - a treat from one of the most original and exciting voices in independent film, Richard Linklater," said Festival director Rebecca Yeldham. "With its fabulous all-star cast, Bernie is a perfect stage setter for the incredible line-up of...
The film will kick off the festival on June 16 at Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 at L.A. Live. It is written by Skip Hollandsworth and director Linklater and stars Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, and Matthew McConaughey.
The film follows a beloved mortician (Black) from a small Texas town, even winning over the town's richest, meanest widow (MacLaine). Even after Bernie commits a horrible crime, people still will not utter a bad word against him.
"We're thrilled to be opening the Festival with the world premiere of this delicious black comedy - a treat from one of the most original and exciting voices in independent film, Richard Linklater," said Festival director Rebecca Yeldham. "With its fabulous all-star cast, Bernie is a perfect stage setter for the incredible line-up of...
- 5/30/2011
- by alyssa@mediavine.com (Alyssa Caverley)
- Reel Movie News
Incendies, Barney’s Version, and the other winners of the 2011 Prix Jutra (Jutra Awards) have been announced. The 13th Annual Jutra Awards (Prix Jutra or La Soirée des Prix Jutra) are Canadian annual cinema awards “that recognizes talent and achievement in the mainly francophone feature film industry in the province of Quebec. First introduced in 1999, the Jutra Award is named after Quebec film-maker Claude Jutra and awarded for performance, writing and technical categories such as best actor, actress, director, screenplay, et cetera. This year’s awards were handed out on March 13, 2011 at the Théâtre St-Denis in Montreal. The full listing of the 2011 Prix Jutra (Jutra Awards) winners is below.
Best Film
Incendies – Luc Déry, Kim McCraw
Best Director
Denis Villeneuve - Incendies
Best Actress
Lubna Azabal - Incendies
Best Actor
Claude Legault - 10 ½
Best Supporting Actress
Dorothée Berryman - Cabotins (Entertainers)
Best Supporting Actor
Jean Lapointe - À l’origine...
Best Film
Incendies – Luc Déry, Kim McCraw
Best Director
Denis Villeneuve - Incendies
Best Actress
Lubna Azabal - Incendies
Best Actor
Claude Legault - 10 ½
Best Supporting Actress
Dorothée Berryman - Cabotins (Entertainers)
Best Supporting Actor
Jean Lapointe - À l’origine...
- 3/15/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
thanks to alan of montreal Incendies won 8 Genie Awards. Barney’s Version won 7 Genie Awards. 31st Annual Genie Award Winners Best Motion Picture / Meilleur Film Incendies – Luc Déry, Kim McCraw...
- 3/14/2011
- by Ryan Adams
- AwardsDaily.com
Unlike last year's two filmmaker/film horse race between Denis Villeneuve's Polytechnique and Xavier Dolan's J'ai tué ma mere, this year it was all "Villeneuve" and "Incendies". Repeating his wins in all the same categories it won at the Canadian Oscars (Genies) this week (this includes Editing, Screenplay, Best Cinematography by the excellent André Turpin, Best Actress in Lubna Azabal (who forced here co-star Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin to give her own thank you speech). These wins more than makes up for his loss last year when Villeneuve won the Best Director honor for Polytechnique, but lost in the Best Film category to J'ai tué ma mere. The predictable 13th edition also saw a Genie-Jutra winner from Barney's Version and in the Animated Film category, the Nfb (naturally) supported Theodore Ushev added a Jutra to his Genie for Lipsett Diaries. Best Film/meilleur film 10 1/2 - Pierre Gendron (Zoofilms) Les amours imaginaires - Xavier Dolan,...
- 3/14/2011
- IONCINEMA.com
HollywoodLife.com’s Editor-in-Chief Bonnie Fuller strolled the red carpet with her fellow Canadian stars! Check out all the pics!
Bonnie returned to her native Canada for the star-studded 31st Annual Genie Awards in Ottawa, Ont. and rubbed shoulders with some big Hollywood names — some you might not have realized were Canadian! Bonnie had the honor of presenting the fan-voted favorite actor category, which was awarded to Canadian cutie and star of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Jay Baruchel. Keep reading for a full list of winners!
Jay was most recently in the movie The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, but you would also recognize him from hit movies like Million Dollar Baby, Knocked Up, How to Train Your Dragon, and She’s Out of My League. He must have been super excited to win, because as he was accepting the awards he thanked his “fiancée,” actress Allison Pill, and accidentally announced his engagement for the first time!
Bonnie returned to her native Canada for the star-studded 31st Annual Genie Awards in Ottawa, Ont. and rubbed shoulders with some big Hollywood names — some you might not have realized were Canadian! Bonnie had the honor of presenting the fan-voted favorite actor category, which was awarded to Canadian cutie and star of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Jay Baruchel. Keep reading for a full list of winners!
Jay was most recently in the movie The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, but you would also recognize him from hit movies like Million Dollar Baby, Knocked Up, How to Train Your Dragon, and She’s Out of My League. He must have been super excited to win, because as he was accepting the awards he thanked his “fiancée,” actress Allison Pill, and accidentally announced his engagement for the first time!
- 3/11/2011
- by Christina
- HollywoodLife
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