Minister of Canadian Heritage Appoints Joint Chairs for the New Feature Film Advisory Group
OTTAWA, March 30, 2001 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced the appointment of three highly acclaimed Canadian film producers as joint Chairs of the new Feature Film Advisory Group. They are Toronto's Niv Fichman, Montreal-based Denise Robert and Tom Rowe of Vancouver.This announcement is the first step in creating a permanent advisory group responsible for providing advice on how best to achieve the goals of the new Canadian Feature Film Policy. Members of the Advisory Group will be selected from the ranks of Canada's producers, distributors, exhibitors, broadcasters, screenwriters, directors and performers.
"We are fortunate to be able to rely on such a talented group of producers. Together, Mr. Fichman, Ms. Robert and Mr. Rowe offer a wealth of experience and a clear understanding of the issues affecting Canada's feature film industry," said Minister Copps. "Their expertise will be an asset for government and for the Canadian film industry as we aim to build new audiences for Canadian feature films."
The Feature Film Advisory Group will report to the Minister of Canadian Heritage on policy and program issues, taking into account the needs and priorities of the Canadian feature film sector. It will help monitor, assess and evaluate the Canada Feature Film Fund's performance. It will also conduct investigations and enquiries into all matters that the Minister or that Telefilm refer to it.
The Canadian Feature Film Policy, launched in October 2000, takes a comprehensive script to screen approach to funding. The Federal Government has doubled its investment in the Canadian feature film industry and intends to encourage more private sector investment, strengthen partnerships across the industry and improve the quality, marketing and distribution of Canadian feature films.
Niv Fichman is a founding partner of Rhombus Media, a company recognised as one of the world's most important producers of films on the performing arts. His work, which spans roughly 100 films over the past two decades, includes the Academy Award-winning The Red Violin, as well as Last Night and Thirty-two Short Films About Glenn Gould.
Denise Robert has made her mark as an acclaimed producer of such films as La veuve de Saint-Pierre, Stardom, Le confessionnal and C't'à ton tour, Laura Cadieux. She has won several Genie and Gemini awards for her productions. Ms. Robert is President of Cinémaginaire Inc., a Montreal film production company.
Tom Rowe is an award-winning television and film producer whose credits include In Cold Blood, the CBS mini-series that earned him an Emmy nomination, and the feature film A Boy Called Hate. He is the Executive Vice-President of Creative Affairs at Sextant Entertainment Group and sits on the board of the Canadian Film and Television Production Association.
Information:
Krista Pawley
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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