Village Gamer

The Grand Seduction, one of the year’s most talked-about Canadian films, will open the 24th annual St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival. The film will be presented as part of the Eye on Canada program, a new national promotional initiative by Telefilm Canada, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and the Canadian Media Production Association. The Eye on Canada program aims to increase awareness of, and interest in, the success of Canadian audiovisual content, and to promote pride in the industry across the country and around the world.

Last year, the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival hosted Oscar-nominated director Deepa Mehta and her film “Midnight’s Children,” as part of its Opening Night Gala celebration.

This year, the Festival was chosen once again to participate in the program. “The Grand Seduction” will screen at the Festival’s Red Carpet Opening Night Gala. The screening will be preceded by a red carpet event and VIP reception with “The Grand Seduction” stars, including Gordon Pinsent, Mary Walsh and Mark Critch. Newfoundland’s Lieutenant Governor, his Honour Frank F. Fagan, CM, ONL, MBA, will also be on the red carpet, along with a host of other festival filmmakers and industry delegates, including actress/director Ingrid Veninger, Deborah Zimmerman, screenwriter Tassie Cameron and actress Sherry White.

“Each year, the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival displays renewed enthusiasm for our success stories,” said Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. “We are very eager for Newfoundland cinema-goers to discover Don McKellar’s highly anticipated film, which showcases numerous local talents.”

Valerie Creighton, CMF President and CEO, added: “The Canada Media Fund is pleased to be joining other industry representatives, business leaders, government officials and all Newfoundlanders in celebrating Canadian talent and productions at SJIWFF’s opening night festivities. The Grand Seduction shows what great work is produced right here in Newfoundland, and is an excellent example of Canadian talent from all parts of the country working together to bring a world-class production to life that can be enjoyed by both Canadians and international audiences alike.”

Noreen Golfman, Chair of the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival, further added: “We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to be a part of the Eye on Canada program. The film and television industries in both Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are thriving, and this is an exceptional opportunity to showcase them together.”

Stars will arrive to walk the red carpet beginning at 5:45 PM, and a special VIP reception will commence at 6 PM. The Opening Night Gala screening of The Grand Seduction starts at 8 PM. A reception with traditional Newfoundland music sensations The Dardanelles will close the night.