February, 2005 - Nr. 2
Canadian culture in the spotlight at the 2005 Berlin International Film Festival
Montreal, February 8, 2005 – "Telefilm Canada is proud to support the Canadian presence at Berlin, which is distinguishing itself this year with eight original and inspirational films of universal appeal," said Wayne Clarkson, Telefilm’s Executive Director. "We hope that the Festival is rewarding for the creators and the companies at both the coproduction and export levels. At the Berlinale and its film market, our industry has the opportunity to win over new audiences and contribute to promoting Canadian culture on the international scene."
Danny Chalifour, Director of International Operations and Development, added: "International partnerships are essential for our industry. From festivals and markets to coproductions, Telefilm’s activities target the development and success of the Canadian industry."
Panorama (this section is dedicated primarily to art-house
films that will be part of the European calendar for the coming year)
Feature films
Childstar by Don McKellar, produced by Rhombus Media. A child star appears in a blockbuster where he must save the world. An action-comedy where nothing happens as expected.
The Love Crimes of Gillian Guess by Bruce McDonald, produced by Force Four Entertainment. The mystical-musical, surreal and entertaining adventures of a young girl ready to do anything to extend her 15 minutes of fame.
Chun Hua Kai/Plastic Flowers by Liu Bingjian, a
Canada-China coproduction.
This film is a complex and disquieting look at the brightly coloured,
synthetic façade of a fast-changing society in which the stability of
individual identity is under threat.
Short films
Sissy Boy Slap Party by Guy Maddin, produced by Rhombus
Media. A companion work of The Saddest Music in the World, with 50% more
slapping!
Sombra Dolorosa by Guy Maddin, produced by Rhombus
Media. A dream-like Mexican melodrama in which a woman faces Death in a
wrestling ring to save her daughter.
Sad Rooz/Hundred Days by Azadeh Reisdana, produced by
the filmmaker. Three months and ten days: the laws of religious
fundamentalists require that this amount of time lapse between a woman’s
divorce and her remarrying. The film explores the dilemma of an Iraqi woman.
Mixed Signals by Richard Martin, produced by Acme Motion
Pictures Inc. The filmmaker explores the mixed messages of fundamentalism
and politics by looking at a TV evangelist program broadcast in 1995 and the
2004 election in the United States.
Forum Documente
Telefilm’s support to the Canadian selection
Telefilm contributed to the German subtitling of the feature films in selection.
Through its International Festivals and Events Participation Assistance Program, most of the directors who are part of the selection will attend the festival to assist in promoting their films and develop their international ties.
A press attaché will also be working to exclusively promote the Canadian films at the Festival.
Once again, Telefilm is producing its Canada at Berlin brochure, an information and promotional tool distributed to the international press, and to international buyers and programmers. The brochure will also be available on Telefilm’s Web site (www.telefilm.gc.ca).
European Film Market: 24 Canadian companies at the Canada Stand Telefilm Canada is overseeing the Canada Stand, an information, liaison and promotion centre at the European Film Market. Telefilm’s information desk will also be organizing networking events through the Festival, and answering inquiries about the Canadian film industry and Canadian coproduction treaties. The Corporation is supported by two partners: the Department of Canadian Heritage and SaskFilm (Saskatchewan Film & Video Development Corporation).
The Canada Stand gathers together 24 companies from all
regions of the country.
Berlinale Coproduction Market
Zoom In On Canada, February 13, 2005
As part of the coproduction market, there will be three panels dealing with coproduction between Canada and Germany. Among the speakers are Canadian and international players. The following topics will be addressed:
Revitalizing German-Canadian coproduction or how to deal with the German media decree?
How Miss Texas came to Canada – or what are the advantages of shooting films in Canada?
A walk through the Canadian tax incentive system – best practices for Germany?
Speech by Danny Chalifour, Director of International
Operations and Development, Telefilm Canada,
February 14
At the invitation of the Canadian Embassy in Berlin, Danny Chalifour will
speak to 250 coproducers and explain how and why Canada is a solid, creative
and attractive country when it comes to film shooting and international
partnerships.
Berlinale Talent Campus, February 12-17
The Berlinale Talent Campus, initiated by the Festival three years ago, is a platform of know-how and inspiration for the next generation. International and interdisciplinary in nature, the program will bring together nearly 500 young talents with seasoned professionals – among them about 20 invited participants from Canada.
Telefilm Canada, a cultural investor in film, television, new media and music Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to the development and promotion of the Canadian film, television, new media and music 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.
