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Canada Feature Film Fund 2005-2006
Telefilm Canada supports 12 feature films

Montreal, June 30, 2005 - Telefilm Canada is pleased to announce that following the second application deadline to the Canada Feature Film Fund in April 2005, eight English-language projects out of 47 applications submitted and four French-language projects out of 43, have been selected to receive production financing, for a grand total of 12 projects.

"This is an exciting and diverse group of projects ranging from a local and wintry slacker comedy to a stunning, exotic international film from the team that brought us The Red Violin. We have every hope these films will entertain, move and resonate with audiences," stated Karen Franklin, Telefilm Canada's Director of English Operations.

Michel Pradier, Director - Quebec Office and French Operations, noted that the quality of the projects was higher than ever. "However," he added, "the available funding allowed the Quebec office to approve only five of the submissions received."

The next application deadline for all English-language feature film production requests, except for the Quebec regional envelope, which has been entirely allocated, is October 3, 2005.

Telefilm Canada, a cultural investor in film, television and new media
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to the development and promotion of the Canadian film, television and new media industries. With the objective of building larger audiences for Canadian cultural products, the Corporation acts as a partner to the private sector through investments in diverse productions with wide appeal.

Information:
Jeanine Basile, Manager - Communications and Public Affairs
basilej@telefilm.gc.ca
(514) 283-6363 or (800) 567-0890

Alejandra Sosa - Communications Officer, Ontario & Nunavut Regions
sosaa@telefilm.gc.ca
(416) 973-6436 or (800) 463-4607

National English-Language Projects

National French-Language Projects

Quebec English-Language Regional Project

English-Language Synopses

American Venus, Bruce Sweeney
Bruce Sweeney's most recent outing American Venus, is a psychological thriller, one which pits mother against daughter. Jenna is 17 years old and lives under the influence of her overbearing mother Celia. When Jenna decides to leave the nest, Celia's escalating obsession with guns and controlling her daughter, takes the two women on a heart-stopping ride.

Dallaire, Yves Simoneau
Best known in Canada for his suspense film Pouvoir Intime, Yves Simoneau is now set to embark on the timeless story of Roméo Dallaire's experience in the most horrific genocide of the last half of the 20th century. Set in present day, Dallaire explores the United Nation's Commander's true compassion, wisdom and integrity. Jennifer, a cynical and jaded journalist sets out to do a simple story on the man, but soon realizes, through the vivid retelling of his horrific experience, the true meaning of a hero.

Fugitive Pieces, Jeremy Podeswa
Based on the beloved novel by Anne Michaels, Fugitive Pieces is a poetic and multi layered look at the power of survival, love and healing set against the backdrop of WWII and Toronto in the early 1970's.

God Forgives, Lucy Walker
Director Lucy Walker's God Forgives, takes the coming-of-age experience and turns it on its ear. Sam, an Amish teenager, finds his long standing belief system tested when he opens himself up to a sample of the outside world in this international co-production with the United Kingdom.

Poor Boy's Game, Clement Virgo
Following the recent erotic Lie with Me, and his television movie, One Heart Broken into Song, which explored racial tension in historic Halifax, Clement Virgo's Poor Boy's Game is a gritty, fight movie. Donnie, recently released from prison, returns to his working-class neighbourhood and is confronted by his victim's father, George who for nine years has been waiting to wreak revenge. Poor Boys' Game is an exploration of the power of forgiveness and the futility of vengeance.

Silk, François Girard
From the director and producers of The Red Violin, comes a lush and exotic tale set in France and Japan in the late 1800s. Silk is the story of Hervé, a young married Frenchman who is enlisted by a businessman to travel to the Far East to bring back silk worm eggs. Hervé's foundation is shaken to the core, when during his travels; he meets and falls in love with a mysterious woman.

Still Life, Jeffrey Blatt
An unknown painter is proclaimed as an artistic genius after he is mistakenly declared dead. Still Life is a clever satire about art, fame and love.

Weirdsville, Allan Moyle
From the director of Pump Up the Volume and New Waterford Girl, Weirdsville is an "on the lam" gonzo comedy which follows the ridiculously funny misadventures of Dexter, Royce and Mathilda, three lovable-loser stoners during one blistering cold night in a small Prairie town.

French-Language Synopses

Dans les villes, Catherine Martin
This visual poem unfolds along the crossing paths of the different characters. An experimental auteur film that explores states of mind.

Guide de la Petite Vengeance, Jean-François Pouliot
The mild-mannered accountant of a jewellery store prepares to wreak dreadful vengeance on his scoundrel boss. A bittersweet black comedy.

Secret de ma mère (Le), Ghyslaine Côté
As the entire family gathers for her father's funeral, a young woman is confronted with painful secrets. Portrait of a Quebec family.

Vie extraordinaire de sœur sourire (La), Stijn Coninx
The tragic life of Jeannine Deckers, a Belgian nun who rose to fame with the hit song "Dominique".