News Updates

Manitoba Industry Creates a Buzz at TIFF

Posted on September 12, 2012

The vibrancy of Manitoba’s film and television industry was celebrated at this year’s Toronto Film Festival with two screenings, a full-capacity Manitoba event and high praise from some of Canada’s major industry players.

This year’s screening slate featured the Manitoba film My Awkward Sexual Adventure, written by Jonas Chernick, directed by Sean Garrity and produced by Juliette Hagopian of Julijette Inc. Featuring a mostly local crew and cast, the film was promoted as part of Telefilm Canada’s Eye of TIFF. A short film called Keep a Modest Head by local filmmaker Deco Dawson also screened at the festival.

One of the most talked about receptions at TIFF, the Manitoba party was once again at full-capacity on September 9 at the Drake Hotel. Held in honour of the Manitoba screenings at TIFF, the party creates opportunities for Manitoba producers, talent and professionals to network with national and international industry players.

Among the party’s 350 guests was CEO and Chairman of Comweb Corp. and William F. White Paul Bronfman. Bronfman is a member of Playback’s Film and Television Hall of Fame and was honoured in 2011 at the Gemini Awards for his Enduring Contributions to Canadian Television.

“William F. White International has a long and rich history of nurturing and supporting Manitoba filmmakers,” said Bronfman. In fact, Winnipeg is the home to many of the country’s top production companies whose projects are being exhibited and aired both domestically and internationally so they’re really competing on a world-class level.”