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FIVE CANADIAN PRODUCERS SELECTED IN FINAL ROUND FOR CFTPA’S $10,000 FEATURE FILM PRIZE

Ottawa, August 22, 2008 – Award-winning Canadian producer Niv Fichman today announced the shortlist for the 3rd Annual CFTPA Feature Film Producer's Award as chair of the national jury, and last year’s recipient. The winner receives a cheque for $10,000 at a special reception to mark the opening of the Toronto International Film Festival on September 4th.

“As a producer, it is wonderful to have the opportunity to explore the work, passion and commitment of our very talented colleagues across the country,” says Niv Fichman. “It was not an easy job to narrow the field—a testament to the talent we have in this country.  But the body of work of the five finalists selected today makes the industry proud.”

“The CFTPA is delighted to once again partner with the Toronto International Film Festival to recognize excellence in the production of feature films,” says Guy Mayson, President and CEO, CFTPA. “Although we do face on-going challenges in creating feature films in Canada, we know it is not because of a shortage of creative and technical ability. The CFTPA award recognizes the very high caliber of producers across the country.”

More than 30 eligible Canadian films are being screened at the festival this year.  The Jury’s was asked to narrow the field to five nominees. Joining Jury Chair Niv Fichman (Rhombus Media) in making the decision were Barbara Doran (Morag Loves Company), Patricia Rozema (Vos Productions), Manitoba Film and Sound’s CEO, Carole Vivier and Blake Corbet (Anagram Pictures).

The Nominees for the 2008 CFTPA Feature Film Producer's Award are:

Dean English – Edison and Leo (producing partners were Karen Powell, Perfect Circle Productions, and Dave Valleau, Infinity Features)
Production Company: Perfect Circle Productions
Filmography: The Timekeeper, Falling Angels, Flower and Garnet, Lilith on Top, Looking for Leonard, Kissed, Gwar

David Hamilton – Heaven on Earth
Production Company: Deepa Mehta Films  
Filmography: Fire, Earth, Lunch with Charles, Bollywood Hollywood, Forgotten Woman

Jennifer Jonas – Toronto Stories
Production Company:  New Real Films
Filmography: All Hat, Otto; or Up With Dead People, Monkey Warfare, Cake, Sugar, Childstar, The Perfect Son, Satie and Suzanne, Firebird, Elizabeth

Barbara Shrier – Un été sans point ni coup sur
Production Company:  Palomar Films
Filmography: Atlantic City, Quest for Fire, The Moderns, Comment Faire l’Amour Avec un Nègre Sans se Fatigue, Cargo, Automne Sauvage, l’Homme Idéal, The Red Violin, Une Jeune Fille à la Fenêtre, Mémoire Affectives

Rob Merilees – Stone of Destiny
Production Company: Infinity Features
Filmography:  The Butterfly Effect 3, The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, Sleepwalking, The Cleaner, Just Friends, Capote, Mr. Ripley’s Return, The Snow Walker, Saved!, I Fought the Law (a.k.a., Dead Heat), Here’s to Life!, Bar None, Curiously Dead

The CFTPA is a non-profit trade organization that works on behalf of almost 400 companies engaged in the production and distribution of English-language television programs, feature films, and interactive media products in all regions of Canada.  More specifically, it promotes the general interests of its members provincially, federally, and internationally; negotiates and manages labour agreements with guilds and unions; administers copyright collectives; trains new industry entrants through seven national internship programs; and undertakes a number of other specific initiatives that help increase awareness and enhance communication within the Canadian and international production communities.

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) ranks among the most prestigious film festivals in the world, presenting the most compelling films from across Canada and around the globe. Through exceptional programming, memorable special events and remarkable filmmakers, TIFF provides its audiences with unparalleled access to ideas and perspectives that lead to exciting creative and cultural discourse through film.

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For further information contact:
Anne Trueman, Director of Communications and Media, CFTPA 
T: (613) 233-1444 x 227,  C: (613) 851-4538

Communications Department, Toronto International Film Festival
T: (416) 934-3200