Canada Wins Big in Locarno

By / Food / August 26th, 2010 / 2

Not too long ago, I told you about the Canadian films premiering at the Locarno Film Festival held August 8 to August 14 in Switzerland. I’ve got some great news to pass on. Selected in the International Competition was Denis Côté’s most recent film, Curling. It took home the Silver Leopard for Best Director, at the same time winning a prize of $30,000. The film’s lead actor, Emmanuel Bilodeau, received the Best Actor award.

“The international success of Canadian productions is a real springboard, attracting audiences both abroad and nationally. Recognition at a prestigious festival such as Locarno translates into invaluable visibility and recognition for our creators,” said Sheila de La Varende, Director of National and International Business Development at Telefilm Canada.

If you’re wondering when you can see it for yourself. Here’s the info. Curling is scheduled to open in theatres across Quebec on October 29. Set on the fringe of society in a remote part of the countryside, it examines the unusual private life of a father and daughter. Between his unremarkable jobs, Jean-François Sauvageau devotes an awkward energy to Julyvonne. Throughout the movie, though, the fragile balance of their relationship will be jeopardized by some dreary circumstances. Denis Côté has found success at Locarno before. These are the fourth and fifth prizes the filmmaker has won over the last five years at the festival. His Les états Nordiques (2005), Vies privées (2007) and Elle veut le chaos (2008) were all presented at the Swiss festival.

Adam Traynor’s Ivory Tower received a special mention in the Filmmakers of the Present Competition. Starring Chilly Gonzales, Tiga and Peaches, Traynor’s film was a Canada-France co-production. The film tells the story of Hershell and Thadeus, two chess-playing brothers and their rivalry over both the chessboard and a woman. The film opens on September 15 at Camera Bar in Toronto.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosemary Mantini has always loved words. When she isn't working as the Associate Editor at Tidings Magazine, she's helping others achieve their writing dreams, and sometimes she even relaxes with a good book and a glass of wine.

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