News Updates

Manitoba’s Film & Music Industries Celebrate 25 Years

Posted on November 15, 2012

Saturday’s cocktail reception included a film installation exhibit featuring local filmmakers Kevin Lee Burton, Deco Dawson, Noam Gonick, Greg Hanec, Alain Delannoy, Paula Kelly, Heidi Phillips and Dominique Rey. There were also musical performances by The Solutions, Larry Roy Trio and DJ Grant Paley. All proceeds from the event are being donated to Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) Winnipeg – a charity that provides affordable housing and support services to older members of the arts community.

The purpose of the event was to celebrate the cultural and economic contributions that film and music have made to Manitoba over the past 25 years. William F. White International Inc., operating in Winnipeg since 1998, is one of the principal companies that have invested heavily in Manitoba’s economy through the film industry.

“I applaud the Manitoba government for its unwavering support and commitment to the local film and television production sector, which has a rich history of generating economic growth and job creation while nurturing some of the country’s top producers,” said Paul Bronfman, Chairman & CEO of William F. White International Inc. and Comweb Corp. “The stability and reliability of the tax credit is an essential driver of economic activity to the province and is instrumental in keeping Manitoba competitive on a world-class level.”

The growth of Manitoba’s film and music scene over the past 25 years has had cross-cutting benefits for the private sector as well. The Fairmont Hotel Winnipeg is one of the many businesses that has benefitted greatly from these vibrant industries.

“The local industry has contributed significantly to both the awareness of Winnipeg as a vibrant and exciting destination as well as to the financial success of hotels in the city, including the Fairmont Winnipeg,” said Michael Pye, the hotel’s General Manager. “As the Winnipeg landscape continues to evolve with all its new and dynamic backdrops, support of Winnipeg’s film and music industries is an investment in the long term success of local business and one that we applaud.”

Manitoba Film & Music and On Screen Manitoba would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers and artists that made the 25th anniversary event possible. Donations can be made to PAL Winnipeg through the purchase of a custom designed Hilary Druxman necklace. Visit http://www.hilarydruxman.com/philanthropy for details.