Canadians at Cannes
by Staff
(May 14, 2018 – Toronto, ON) Canada has a long history with Cannes. In recent years Xavier Dolan had become a festival regular and a bit of a festival darling but things changed last year when his film It’s Only the End of the World was heavily criticized in the press. There was some thought he would be at the southern France destination but announced his latest effort, The Death and Life of John F. Donovan, would not be ready in time for the 71st Festival de Cannes. As a result, for the second year in a row, there are no Canadians among the film screening in competition.
The name most associated with Cannes is David Cronenberg. He won the Cannes Jury Special Prize in 1996 for Crash, presided over the Cannes Film Festival jury in 1999 and in 2006 the festival honoured him with its lifetime achievement award, which is known as the Carrosse d’Or.
This year the big name at Cannes is Denis Villeneuve. The Quebec filmmaker who completed five films in the last six years is a member of the Palme d’Or jury. It’s a nine-member international panel led this year by Australian actress Cate Blanchett. Léa Seydoux and Kristen Stewart also sit on this year’s jury.
Canadian content is far from absent at the festival. More than 250 Canadian producers have registered for Cannes and thanks to the Perspective Canada initiative supported by Telefilm eight Canadian feature films will be showcased and in the Not Short on Talent program, 22 recent Canadian short films will screen at the Cannes’ Short Film Corner.
Of special note is Gander filmmaker Patrick Condon, who will have his film Incredible Violence screened at the Frontières Showcase during the Cannes Marché du Film, which is the business portion of the Festival.
Also of note, Canadians James Gallanders, Deragh Campbell and Daniel Fathers are in Cannes for the World Premiere of Project Ithaca. Helmed by award-winning director Nicholas Humphries, the sci-fi feature is written by Anthony Artibello and Kevin C. Bjerkness. Because the film is still in its post-production phase and can’t be screened, “first look footage” will be shown during Cannes.
Film Mode Entertainment represents the film to all world markets except Canada. Project Ithaca is a production from Wild Media Entertainment. President and Producer James Milligan said his company’s objective was “to create a theatrical quality, cinematic feature film with emerging talent. I believe we delivered. Not only in front of the camera, but also in post. The team we assembled in Canada was top notch and it shows in the VFX, colour and score. Film Mode is the final piece in bringing Project Ithaca to market, and we’re thrilled to be partnered with them. They’re a great fit for this film.”
Based in Beverly Hills, Film Mode Entertainment is a leading worldwide sales agent, production entity and distribution company, focusing on commercially driven feature films of all genres and budget sizes.
Back to David Cronenberg, the 75-year-old director will be honoured by the Venice Film Festival with its Golden Lion for lifetime achievement. When told of the honour Cronenberg said, “I’ve always loved the Golden Lion of Venice. A lion that flies on golden wings – that’s the essence of art, isn’t it? The essence of cinema. It will be almost unbearably thrilling to receive a Golden Lion of my own.” The upcoming 75th Venice fest runs August 29 to September 8.
