Thursday, January 21, 2010

Canadian Films on the Screen in Your Community


In addition to finding Canadian films in libraries and video stores, visit The Film Circuit website to find movies that are being screened in your community. The Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival, has been helping to bring Canadian and world cinema to communities across the country since 1995. Circuit groups are usually non-profit organizations who typically use the screenings as an income stream and awareness builder for their cause. Working with The Film Circuit staff, community organizers develop a program of films, promote and sell tickets to the screenings, and in many cases create special events or mini festivals as part of their program. Over the past fifteen years The Film Circuit and their community partners have helped tremendously to develop new audiences for Canadian film, brought back to the screen Canadian classics like Goin' Down the Road, The Rowdyman, and The Grey Fox, and introduced Canadians to many of the talented actors and directors working to develop a unique voice and Canadian identity, through the motion picture. With a little searching, I'm sure you'll find a Film Circuit group in your community.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Cozy Up With a Canadian Film this Winter


Last weekend the busy awards season was launched with the Golden Globes. As you find yourself inundated in the next two months with the relentless marketing of overblown Hollywood movie product, seek out a Canadian film.

Whether you stumble upon a film on a television movie channel, rent one from your video store, or borrow from your local library (many have a world cinema section) you'll immediately sense that you are watching something previously undiscovered.

Under-stated, under appreciated, and for the most part under-watched, a Canadian movie shares a unique perspective partially derived from dwelling in our vast and diverse country. These ten films are just a sampling, but a good place to start.