“This is a very exciting chapter for the CFC, we are so fortunate to have an accomplished and gifted storyteller such as Paul lend us his expertise, “said CFC Founder Norman Jewison. “His insights and passion for the art of filmmaking will hopefully inspire our young filmmakers and help to give their ideas and stories a greater reach.”

In 2006, Paul Haggis became the first screenwriter to write two Best Picture Oscar winners back-to-back - Million Dollar Baby (2004) and Crash (2005, which he also directed). For Crash, Haggis won Academy Awards® for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. Haggis’ writing credits also include such acclaimed films as Flags of Our Fathers, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. Recent directing credits include In the Velley of Elah and The Next Three Days, which was the first feature to be produced through his Highway 61 Productions. Prior to making his mark on the film industry, Haggis spent over two decades writing, directing and producing television shows such as thirtysomething, Due South and Walker, Texas Ranger.

“It’s an honour to accept this position and contribute to Norman’s legacy of an organization that supports and fosters creative talent.” said Haggis. “Programs like these are vital in helping make sure that filmmakers will have all the right tools to make their mark on the world and ensure a vibrant future for Canada ’s storytellers.”

In addition to his work in film, Haggis is also committed to his social concerns as founder of Artists for Peace and Justice, a non-profit organization supporting communities in Haiti through programs in education, health and dignity (www.APJNow.org).

The Cineplex Entertainment and Short Dramatic Film Programs offer an intense creative and professional immersion in the art and business of dramatic filmmaking for directors, producers, writers and editors. With a focus on entrepreneurial spirit and collaboration, these programs maintain a balance between the artistic and commercial aspects of the filmmaking industry, while nurturing originality and fostering creative risk-taking. The CFC’s film programs have produced over 152 critically acclaimed short films and launched the careers of many of Canada ’s top filmmakers such as Clement Virgo, Sarah Polley, Vincenzo Natali, Charles Officer and Don McKellar.