Nova Scotians Among Gemini Nominees

NOTE: A list of Nova Scotia nominees follows this release.

Nova Scotia-based television productions have earned a total of 29 nominations for the upcoming 20th Annual Gemini Awards.

Sex Traffic, a two-part miniseries produced by Chester-based Big Motion Pictures, leads with 14 nominations. The series tells the disturbing tale of two sisters who are sold into slavery and trafficked from eastern to western Europe. Produced as a co-production between Canada and the United Kingdom, Sex Traffic aired in both countries to critical acclaim.

"Once again, Nova Scotia demonstrates that we are home to incredible talent and produce award-winning shows," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation. "To be nominated by their peers is significant recognition of the creativity and passion of those who make film their life's work."

Another 15 nominations were went to a variety of Nova Scotia-produced programs including the television series This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and Body of Knowledge, and the documentary Diet of Souls.

The Trailer Park Boys Season 4, the Trailer Park Boys Christmas Special, POKO, Chef at Large, Street Cents, The Halifax Comedy Festival and the 2005 East Coast Music Awards also received nominations.

"Nova Scotia productions continue to be recognized on the national stage not only for the quality of the productions but because the stories are compelling, humorous and informative -- they continue to resonate with audiences across the country and around the world," said Ann MacKenzie, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation.

The Gemini Awards are a presentation of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, a national, non-profit, professional association dedicated to promoting, recognizing and celebrating exceptional achievements in the Canadian film and television industries. The Gemini Awards will air on Global television on Nov. 19.

The Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation reporting to the minister of Economic Development. The corporation provides a wide range of programs and services to build the capacity and competitiveness of the province's film, television and new media industries. The provincial film industry is the fourth largest in Canada, regularly exceeding $100 million in economic activity annually.

Note: Following is a list of Nova Scotia-based nominees for the 20th Annual Gemini Awards

Sex Traffic:

• Best dramatic mini-series
• Best direction in a dramatic program or mini-series
• Best writing in a dramatic program or mini-series
• Best photography in a dramatic program or series
• Best picture editing in a dramatic program or series
• Best sound in a dramatic program
• Best production design or art direction in a dramatic program or series
• Best costume design
• Best performance by an actor in a leading role in a dramatic program or mini-series
• Best performance by an actress in a leading role in a dramatic program or mini-series (2)
• Best performance by an actor in a featured supporting role in a dramatic program or mini-series (2)
• Best performance by an actress in a featured supporting role in a dramatic program or mini-series

This Hour Has 22 Minutes -- XII:

• Best comedy program or series
• Best writing in a comedy or variety program or series
• Best ensemble performance in a comedy program or series

Body of Knowledge:

• Best general/human interest series
• Best direction in a lifestyle/practical information program or series

Chef at Large:

• Best lifestyle/practical information series

Diet of Souls:

• Best science, technology, nature, environment or adventure documentary program
• Best photography in a documentary program or series

POKO II:

• Best pre-school program or series

2005 East Coast Music Awards:

• Best direction in a variety program or series

Trailer Park Boys – Season 4:

• Best direction in a comedy program or series
• Best ensemble performance in a comedy program or series

Trailer Park Boys Christmas Special:

• Best writing in a comedy or variety program or series

Halifax Comedy Fest #3:

• Best individual performance in a comedy program or series

Street Cents:

• Best children's or youth non-fiction program or series