HBO Canada presents Temple Grandin, the true story of an author, animal
advocate and autistic hero

    
    -   Starring Golden Globe(R)-winner Claire Danes in the title role

    -   Premieres Saturday, February 6 at 8 p.m. ET/MT on HBO Canada, day-
        and-date with HBO in the U.S.
    

TORONTO , Jan. 12 /CNW/ - HBO Canada , a multiplex channel of Corus Entertainment's Movie Central (Western Canada ) and Astral Media's The Movie Network (Eastern Canada ), presents the HBO original film Temple Grandin , premiering Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 8 p.m. ET /MT. Starring Golden Globe(R)-winner Claire Danes as Temple Grandin , this film tells the true story of a stigmatized, misunderstood young woman who learned to channel her unique gifts into a brilliant career as a scientist, author and groundbreaking animal advocate.

Based on two books - Emergence (by Temple Grandin and Margaret Scariano ) and Thinking in Pictures (by Temple Grandin ) - the film chronicles Grandin's early beginnings as a child diagnosed with autism; her turbulent growth and development during her school years; and the enduring support she received from her mother, her aunt and her science teacher. Against all odds, Grandin transitioned into a celebrated academic whose interest in animals, particularly cows and other livestock, transformed the way cattle ranches are designed and managed in the United States . Grandin's unique ability to empathize with the animals she studied led her to devise much more efficient and humane methods for the cattle industry to manage their animals, even as they are led to slaughter.

Temple Grandin also stars Catherine O'Hara, Julia Ormond and David Strathairn, and is executive produced by Emily Gerson Saines, Alison Owen , Gil Bellows , Paul Lister , Dante Di Loreto and Anthony Edwards . The film was directed by three-time Directors Guild of America winner Mick Jackson from a screenplay by Christopher Monger and Writers Guild of America Award-winner William Merritt Johnson.

Temple Grandin will also be offered in high definition on HBO Canada HD and will be available on demand after its network premiere.

HBO Canada is a multiplex channel offered by Astral Media's The Movie Network (Eastern Canada ) and Corus Entertainment's Movie Central (Western Canada ). HBO Canada brings Canadians the current slate of signature dramatic programs for which HBO is known, together with new and never-before-seen programming including comedy series, live specials, sporting events, behind-the-scenes content and titles from HBO's extensive library - all in an uncut and commercial-free environment. HBO Canada is offered in high definition on HBO Canada HD and programming is accessible on demand where available by service provider. For more information, please visit www.hbocanada.com.

The Movie Network is an Astral Media Television Network. Astral Media is a leading Canadian media company, active in specialty and pay television, radio, outdoor advertising and interactive media. Astral Media's solid and dynamic presence in the country's major markets rests on its commitment to offer a unique combination of high-quality, targeted media for all its audiences. For more information about Astral Media, please visit www.astralmedia.com.

Movie Central is owned by Corus Entertainment Inc. (CJR.B/CJR), a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in specialty television and radio with additional assets in pay television, advertising services, television broadcasting, children's book publishing and children's animation.

For access to The Movie Network's media room or Movie Central's press site, please visit http://tv.astral.com or http://mediacentre.corusent.com.

For further information: Media contacts: The Movie Network (Eastern Canada), Nicolle Balen, [phone], [email protected]; Movie Central (Western Canada), Owen McCorquodale, [phone], [email protected]