National Spotlight Shines on Local Talent

N.S. FILM DEVELOPMENT CORP.--National Spotlight Shines on Local Talent

Three locally produced films have recently garnered seven nominations from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television for the 2004 Genie Awards.

Among the nominees were three nods for the film Marion Bridge. Produced by Idlewild Films of Halifax, Marion Bridge tells the story of three estranged sisters who come back together to care for their ailing mother. Two of the nominations were in the performance by an actress in a leading role category for Rebecca Jenkins and Molly Parker. The third nomination, in the adapted screenplay category, recognizes Cape Breton native, Daniel MacIvor, for his writing mastery. Marion Bridge is based on his play by the same name.

Thom Fitzgerald's The Wild Dogs, produced by imX communications, earned nominations in performance by an actor in a supporting role (David Hayman), achievement in editing (Michael Weir) and achievement in music - original score (Sandy Moore) categories. The Wild Dogs weaves together a week in the life of several characters living in Bucharest.

Olympia Dukakis was nominated in the performance by an actress in a supporting role category for her role as a mother supporting her son's decision to end his life in a second Thom Fitzgerald film, The Event, produced by Emotion Pictures.

"We are fortunate to have many talented filmmakers in Nova Scotia. Our directors and writers push the edge regularly with compelling stories and our producers are among the best in the country and internationally in recognizing quality projects and developing innovative ways of completing these projects," said Ann MacKenzie, CEO Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation.

The Genie Awards recognize excellence in Canadian filmmaking. They are set to air on Saturday, May 1 at 9 p.m. on ASN.