So the Genies were last night. It was so poorly publicized that even *I* didn’t know they were on. Interestingly, I had managed to see a lot of the movies that were nominated, and even a few that won. Frankly, what struck me as odd about this entire scenario is that Canadians have made such a significant impact on the American film industry — and film in general — and yet we can’t even be bothered to turn up at an event that honours it, even when there’s going to be some big-name stars there. I know, I get it, it’s supposed to be more about the ‘art’ for us, but when we’re competing on such a high level with American studios (Canadians populated many of the major categories at the Oscars this year) I think it’s important that we get out heads out of our ‘arty arses’ and get our heads into the game….damnit!
As if I need more fuel for this fire, Wayne Clarkson, head of Telefilm Canada recently said,
“Canadians have always had a bigger reputation outside of their own country than they often do within the country. When we look at the riches of talented filmmakers, whether it’s Atom Egoyan or David Cronenberg or Denys Arcand . . . it’s now as if North America and Canadians in particular are catching up to that wave of Canadian talent.”
I had the opportunity to listen to Robert Lantos speak earlier this year, and someone in the audience asked him where he thought the Canadian film industry was going and, while he said lots of things in response to that, what stuck with me was this point: When China, India, Saudia Arabia, Africa, Japan, Spain, France, Australia or any other country overseas makes a movie, they have their own category for awards within the US. It’s called ‘Foreign Film’. When Canada makes a movie we’re out there competing with American movies, that have Americanized scripts and American money behind them. And we ARE competing, but as Canadians, we have an obligation to step up the competition and start playing for keeps.
I applaud Mr. Lantos’ and Mr. Clarkson’s sentiments and with that, I’ll stop posturing about CanCon in film. I will, however, ensure that I post my coverage of Canada’s Top Ten as soon as I am able.
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