The Tragically Hip documentary Long Time Running selected for special gala screening in Halifax September 14

Movie Nights Across Canada and FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival team up on an epic night to celebrate Canadian film and the beloved band

HALIFAX, Aug. 31, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadian opera superstar Measha Brueggergosman and actor, writer, producer Allan Hawco will act as talent ambassadors and emcees for a combined Movie Nights Across Canada and FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival Opening Night Gala presentation of Long Time Running at the Dalhousie Arts Centre's Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax, Thursday, September 14 at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the Opening Night Gala (which include exclusive access to the Opening Night Celebration) go on sale tomorrow, Friday, September 1 at 12:00 p.m. AST, and will be available through the Dalhousie Arts Centre Box Office (6101 University Ave.), by phone at 1-800-874-1669, and online at dal.ca/dept/arts-centre.

Following the Opening Night Gala presentation is the FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival's Movie Nights Across Canada Opening Night Celebration. Penned as one of Halifax's 'most anticipated parties of the year', this red carpet event will take place at the Via Rail Halifax Train Station on Thursday, September 14, starting at 9:00 p.m.

Produced by Banger Films, Long Time Running follows The Tragically Hip on their 2016 Man Machine Poem Tour across Canada after the band's announcement that lead singer Gord Downie had been diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. The documentary culminates in the final, emotional concert in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario.

Award-winning filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier, who directed the film, will both be at the Gala to introduce the film.

This magical evening also celebrates Canada 150th Anniversary of Confederation in a night dedicated to our country's incredible homegrown talent. Joining the filmmakers will be the evening's co-hosts the Honourable Leo Glavine, Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

"We here at FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival are elated to be chosen to be part of the nationwide Movie Nights Across Canada coast-to-coast-to-coast road trip," said Wayne Carter, Executive Director at FIN. "To celebrate Canadian talent both in front of and behind the camera is one of our primary mandates and this very special event exemplifies all that is creatively Canadian."

Movie Nights Across Canada continues with the country's biggest celebration of Canadian talent, highlighting the successes of the film, television, and digital artists who tell our stories and contribute to Nova Scotia's thriving cultural and creative industries.

About Movie Nights Across Canada
Movie Nights Across Canada started more than a decade ago in Ottawa as Movie Night on the Hill. Touching down in eight cities, Movie Nights Across Canada events are where decision-makers, local film fans, industry supporters, private and public broadcasters and the country's top talent converge to experience the wealth of creativity, unique storytelling, entrepreneurship and passion that resides in the hearts and minds of Canadian filmmakers. The roadshow also travels to Calgary and Vancouver. In each city, Movie Nights Across Canada is partnering with regional film experts and cultural agencies.

About FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival
FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival is an eight-day celebration of film, media and music from around the world. It's a festival that turns Halifax into an international mecca for the arts, abuzz with movie lovers and filmmakers alike. Discover a variety of local, national and international films that explore all corners of life, culture, entertainment and the global human experience. A champion of local filmmakers, all of our film selections are chosen with our community in mind and our special events are designed to bring us all together.

A not-for-profit organization, the Festival began as a tiny, grassroots operation in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1981, relocating to Halifax the following year. Three decades later, the Festival has blossomed into one of Canada's premier film festivals. Whether for industry folk, unabashed film lovers or curious onlookers, the Festival offers a slew of opportunities to engage through the celebration of film. Today's FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders: Atlantic Film Festival for Youth, the Outdoor Film Experience, and Strategic Partners.

Follow FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival
Website:finfestival.ca
Facebook: atlanticinternationalfilmfestival #FIN #AIFF
Twitter: @thefilmfest #FIN #AIFF
Youtube: youtube.com
Instagram: @thefilmfest #FIN #AIFF

For further information: Media enquiries: Wendy Phillips, FIN: Atlantic Film Festival, (902) 492-0960, wendy@pprl.ca; Andrea Archibald, Telefilm Canada, (514) 283-0838 ext. 2047 or 1-800-567-0890, andrea.archibald@telefilm.ca

The Tragically Hip documentary Long Time Running selected for special gala screening in Halifax September 14

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