Spotlight on Canadian cinema in Shanghai

Montréal, June 2, 2010 – Telefilm Canada and the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) are partnering with the Shanghai International Film Festival to present Focus Canada, a showcase for Canadian film. During the event, which runs from June 12 to 20, 13 features will be screened in parallel with the two Canadian films in official competition at the Festival. In addition, a special screening of Canadian director Dilip Mehta’s movie Cooking with Stella will be presented on June 16 as part of an evening celebrating the Canadian presence at the Festival. This event is being held within the context of Expo 2010 Shanghai and is a highlight of the Cultural Program of the Canada Pavilion, presented by the Government of Canada and imagined and designed by Cirque du Soleil.

“We are proud to provide Chinese and international audiences with the opportunity to discover Canadian filmmakers’ talent and creativity through the Focus Canada screenings at the Shanghai International Film Festival,” said Carolle Brabant, Telefilm Canada’s Executive Director. “It is particularly meaningful that this Canadian event is being held in Shanghai this year, just as Canada and China are celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations and Shanghai is hosting the World Expo.”

“SODEC is proud to help Quebec cinema make a name for itself in international markets and, at the same time, to share a part of our culture with movie-lovers attending the Shanghai Festival,” said François Macerola, President and CEO of the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC). “Making our film industry better known through the Shanghai Festival and seeking new partnerships are among SODEC’s objectives.”

Films in official competition

Films presented during Focus Canada

Telefilm Canada’s contribution to the Canada Pavilion
In addition to the Focus Canada celebration, Telefilm, in collaboration with SODEC, held a screening on May 9 of The Child Prodigy, a feature written and directed by Luc Dionne and produced by Denise Robert and Daniel Louis. The film tells the tragic story of pianist and composer André Mathieu, who was once called “the young Canadian Mozart.” This screening was also a highlight of the Cultural Program of the Canada Pavilion.

Telefilm is also contributing to the visitor experience at Expo 2010 Shanghai by presenting, at the entrance to the Canada Pavilion, a short video compilation of clips from contemporary Canadian films. The video can be viewed here.

About Telefilm Canada
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian products that appeal to domestic and international audiences. Telefilm also administers the Canada Media Fund. Visit www.telefilm.ca.

About SODEC
SODEC’s mandate is to promote and support the development of cultural enterprises in Quebec and on the international scene as well as to permit the cultural outreach in the film and television production industries. For more information, visit www.sodec.gouv.qc.ca.

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For information:
Eva Hartling
Senior Advisor, External Communications
Telefilm Canada
514-283-0838, ext. 2090
hartlie@telefilm.ca
www.twitter.com/telefilm_canada