Montréal in the spotlight at the 36th edition of the World Film Festival

MONTREAL, Aug. 7, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Helen Fotopulos, member of the Montréal Executive Committee responsible for culture, heritage, design and the status of women, is pleased to announce that the city will be supporting the 36th edition of the Montréal World Film Festival (WFF), to be held from August 23 to September 3, 2012, in the Quartier des spectacles. This cosmopolitan festival reflects Montréal's cultural makeup and features, again this year, a rich and diversified program including outdoor performances. The WFF is a Montréal tradition for film lovers and features close to 400 films representing more than 80 countries.

"The World Film Festival is a great showcase for Montréal as a cultural metropolis, and it helps promote the liveliness and excellence of local and international film makers. We are proud to support this annual rendezvous focusing on films by brilliant film makers, and to highlight emerging talents on the local and international scenes. I wish the best of luck to the organizers of the Montréal World Film Festival and invite Montrealers and visitors to discover the many films that make this event a must for film aficionados," said Helen Fotopulos.

In 2012, Montréal is awarding $150,000 to the organizers of the Montréal World Film Festival and is also providing technical support for outdoor showings in the Quartier des spectacles. This amount is part of the $140 million budget from the gouvernement du Québec for implementing the Imagining - Building Montréal 2025 development strategy. This cosmopolitan festival is one of the highlights of the city's annual cultural calendar and promotes ties of friendship with some 120 communities of various origins.

Thanks to quality programming, which includes recent productions, the festival is becoming increasingly popular, with more than 375,000 visitors attending the festival's 2011 edition.

About the World Film Festival
Since its creation, the World Film Festival has remained faithful to its founding principles to promote cinematographic research. Each year, the Festival features some 400 films from 80 countries by renowned and emerging film makers. The WFF is the only competitive international film festival in North America recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers' Associations. At the forefront of the Festival, the international competition will feature world and international premieres. A jury presided over by famous actress Greta Scacchi will be giving out a series of awards, including the Grand Prix of the Americas and Special Grand Prix of the Jury.

Mel Hoppenheim, a key player in the Montréal film industry
A special tribute will be made to Mel Hoppenheim, who contributed to the development of the film industry in Montréal by building Mel's Studios in the Cité du Cinéma. He received the 2010 Genie Achievement Award for his contribution to Canadian cinema and holds an honorary degree from Concordia University. An experienced entrepreneur, he founded the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, which is recognized throughout North America for its teaching excellence. Mel Hoppenheim also helped build the National Institute of Image and Sound, in 1998. It is a renowned teaching establishment for writers, directors and producers.

SOURCE: Ville de Montréal

Source:
Martine Painchaud
Office of the Mayor and Executive Committee
514 872-9998

Information:
Patricia Lowe
514 872-5467