- Title: CANADA: OPENING OF THE 25TH MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
- Date: 23rd August 2001
- Summary: MONTREAL, CANADA (AUGUST 23, 2001) (REUTERS) SCU (SOUNDBITE) (English) DIRECTOR DIGVIJAY SINGH SAYING: "If we win, it makes it very easy for me to make my second film, but just in terms of this film, I mean if we win any festival, especially a festival as prestigious as Montreal, it gets people into movie theaters. People walking by say, 'oh this one won the festival so l
- Embargoed: 7th September 2001 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: MONTREAL, CANADA
- Country: Canada
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA2IHVMRWNA33YIESHULBL0OYL4
- Story Text: The Montreal World Film Festival, which plays a pivotal role in showcasing the potential of independent filmmakers and cinema, kicks off its 25th year with a smorgasbord of 228 dynamic feature films from around the world.
Far removed from the hype and hoopla of Hollywood is the Montreal World Film Festival in Canada. Held from August 23 to September 3, 2001, it is the only competitive film festival in North America recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations. For independent films, the show remains a strong symbol of arrogant indifference to the financial considerations that filmmakers say is the primary concern of the U.S movie Industry.
Celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year, the show attracts the rich talent and diversity in the movies and filmmakers and considered a precursor to the Toronto Film Festival in September.
Since its inception, the festival has been open to the tendencies and quirks of world wide cinema, and this year is no different as films from 70 countries will participate.
Fans, celebrities and industry professionals will take over the city of Montreal for 11 days, giving the city, a definite air of festivity with colourful flags and banners adorning streets, and an air of excitement and enthusiasm pervading.
Fans like Raveen Pavnani from England said the World Film Festival in Montreal is more conducive to the general audience, unlike the Cannes Film Festival set in the opulent French Riviera.
"Cannes is a more industrial event, where as this event is more consumer oriented, so you know, you could be sitting next to a director in a cinema."
Others have come in the hopes of catching a glimpse of their favorite movie star. Ben Irving of Manchester, England, believes he has a good chance of bumping into his favorite Hong Kong action hero, Jackie Chan, who is scheduled to receive a lifetime achievement award. Said Irving, "Jackie Chan? Can't go wrong with that, can you? Brilliant stuff."
And for the local Montreal audience, many of whom are bored with the standard Hollywood fare, the Montreal Film Festival is something they look forward to each year.
"American movies... it is always the same thing, the good are winning and the bad are dying and always the same thing," said Marielle Cultier.
The Festival offers the opportunity for films as diverse as the Canadian film, "L'Ange De Goudron" ("Tar Angel) and Brazilian film, "A La Gauche Du Perre"( Brazil) , both in the official competition category, to be entered side by side.
"Tar Angel" is the story of Ahmed Kasmi and his family who are forced to flee their native country, Algeria due to civil strife and settle in Canada. Days away from getting their official Canadian citizenship, Ahmed discovers his eldest son, Hafid,19, is involved with a group of activists. What follows is a dark adventure through the snowy streets of Montreal, a passionate love story, and a journey of self discovery and truth.
Like "Tar Angel," most entries into the World Film Festival pride themselves on being thought provoking, passionate, analytic and educational.
"A La Gauche Du Perre," set in Brazil in the 1940s, is a story of two brothers and intertwines with jealousy, dark secrets and revenge.
Every year, films including well known and first-time filmmakers alike, are selected. Many films have been discovered in Montreal during the past two decades which director Digvijay Singh, who is making his iflm debut with "Maya," hopes to accomplish.
"If we win, it makes it very easy for me to make my second film... especially a festival as prestigious as Montreal, it gets people into movie theaters."
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