The Next Generation of Canadian Talent Headed to the 73rd Venice International Film Festival

MONTREAL, July 28, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Four emerging Canadian filmmakers will present their first feature films at the 73^rd Venice International Film Festival, which will be held from August 31 to September 10 in Italy. Maudite poutine (Metafilms) by Karl Lemieux will premiere in the competitive section Horizon, while the film Prank (Art & Essai) by Vincent Biron will have its world premiere at the 31^st Venice Critics' Week. Venice Production Bridge, the Festival's film market, selected Trinity, a virtual reality feature film by Patrick Boivin (Unlimited VR), as well as the first feature film by brothers Carlos and Jason Sanchez, A Worthy Companion (micro_scope), in the international funding component.

The Canadian delegation will also include Bruce LaBruce, who presented his film Gerontophilia in the Venice Days section in 2013. This time, the renowned director will preside over the jury of the competitive sidebar.

The documentary series Nomads from Canadians Félix Lajeunesse and Paul Raphaël (Felix & Paul Studios), pioneers in cinematic virtual reality, was also selected by the market Venice Production Bridge. The project was previously presented at the Sundance Film Festival.

These talented Canadians will be alongside accomplished directors Denis Villeneuve and Philippe Falardeau, whose respective films Arrival and The Bleeder will also have their world premieres.

"We are very proud of the Canadian talent travelling to the Venice Mostra, a key event on the international stage," stated Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. "This selection is highly representative of our cinema and, like it, it is rich and diverse: new filmmakers will present their first feature films alongside experienced, world-renowned directors. This confirms once again that Canadian cinema is constantly evolving, while solidifying its reputation on the international scene."

The films Maudite poutine by Karl Lemieux and Prank by Vincent Biron, both of which put the spotlight on youth, will compete for the Lion of the Future – Luigi De Laurentiis, a prestigious award with a $100,000 prize for a first feature presented in a section of the Festival.

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SOURCE Telefilm Canada

Media enquiries: Françoise Lapointe, Advisor, External Communications, Telefilm Canada, 514-283-0838, extension 2028 or 1-800-567-0890, [email protected]