Next month's Palm Springs International FilmĀ Festival will include a new focus on Canadian cinema, festival organizers said Thursday.
Twelve films have been chosen for the program, which includes anĀ opening weekend reception and "Canadian Film Day" highlightingĀ filmmakers from Canada.
The films are "The Auction," "Empire of Dirt," "Enemy,"Ā "Gabrielle," "Gerontophilia," "The Grand Seduction," "The Manor," "Patch Town," "Sarah Prefers to Run," "Siddharth," "Stay" and "Vic +Ā Flo Saw a Bear."
"We've selected Canadian films for a special focus at this year'sĀ festival for many reasons, not the least of which is the wealth of talentĀ emerging from its relatively small, indigenous film industry, and the depth andĀ richness of story and character portrayal its films exemplify," festivalĀ Director Darryl Macdonald said.
"Whether it's established auteurs like DenisĀ Cote, Denis Villenueve and Atom Egoyan, gifted actor/directors like DonĀ McKellar and Sarah Polley or newly emerging talents like Chloe Robichaud, CraigĀ Goodwill and Sebastien Pilote, Canadian creative ingenuity is on abundantĀ display in its films,"Ā Macdonald said.
Additionally, festival organizers announced 45 films picked toĀ compete for the International Federation of Film Critics' award in theĀ festival's Awards Buzz section and 10 films in the festival's Modern MastersĀ showcase.
Awards Buzz is for films considered the strongest entries in the AcademyĀ Awards race, and international film critics review the films to give awards.
Modern Masters features films from international directors who "set theĀ standards for contemporary cinema," according to festival organizers. AllĀ the films are listed on the festival's website.
For more info on the 25th annual Palm Springs International FilmĀ Festival, which runs from Jan. 3-14, call (760) 322-2930 or visitĀ www.psfilmfest.org.
Reported by City News Service
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