AMPAS Invites 271 to Academy Membership

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 271 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy's membership in 2014.

“This year’s class of invitees represents some of the most talented, creative and passionate filmmakers working in our industry today,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “Their contributions to film have entertained audiences around the world, and we are proud to welcome them to the Academy.”

2014 Directors Guild of Canada Awards nominees announced

The DGC is delighted to announce the 2014 DGC Awards nominees. Selected from over 250 submissions, the nominees in 19 categories represent a cross section of the industry's outstanding talent working in the screen-based industry.

The Awards will be presented at the annual Gala on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at The Carlu in Toronto. Hosted by Arisa Cox with special guests soon to be announced, the 13th edition of the DGC Awards promises to be a big one. The evening will feature a special Nominees' reception prior to the Gala.

"I am proud of the nominees and what their collective body of work brings to this country's industry as well as to the Guild as a whole," stated Tim Southam, National President, DGC. "It is a privilege for the Guild to have an opportunity to celebrate such outstanding talent every year through the DGC Awards, and this year looks more exciting than ever."

2014 Polaris Music Prize announces long list

The Polaris Music Prize has announced the long list for the 2014 award. The 40 Long List albums were unveiled at the National Music Centre in Calgary in association with the Sled Island Music Festival.

In total 189 titles made the first ballots of the 190 member jury. Twenty-three of the 40 Long List titles are first-time Polaris Music Prize nominees. Of those, three have been in previously nominated groups.

“The city has been so welcome and after what happened last year we felt it was important to reveal this year’s list in one of the most musical places in Canada. We’d like to congratulate all of the inspiring artists who made the list and the people with the easiest/toughest job in the world of narrowing that 189 worthy records to just 40 – our jury,” said Jordan.

Festival International de Jazz de Montréal announces free outdoor programming

A 35th anniversary for the Festival: everyone is invited to the party!
Free outdoor program of the 35th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

Thirty-five years—already! Well, for an occasion like this, it’ll be Party Time every day from June 26 to July 6 during the 35th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, presented by TD in collaboration with Rio Tinto Alcan! The 2014 free outdoor program offers concerts for every taste, in every possible genre related to or descended from jazz, from new discoveries to major names to festive events.

The Festival is a genuine engine for the social, economic, cultural and tourism development of Montreal, inviting the entire world to plunge into its oasis in the heart of the du Quartier des Spectacles, the perfect place to surrender to a musical celebration in complete security on a people-friendly site packed with free music and activities, with all of your worries left at home! With that magic formula, it’s no wonder that our event annually draws 2 million entries!

Niagara Integrated Film Festival (NIFF) unveils full program for inaugural year

The inaugural Niagara Integrated Film Festival (NIFF) is only a few weeks away! The hugely anticipated event from Toronto International Film Festival co-founder, Bill Marshall, runs June 19 through 22, 2014.

Highlighting the world-class epicurean wonders of Niagara, NIFF will take full advantage of its unique location with two special programs. Film Feast is a gourmet wine tour meets short film festival mash-up where fine wines and hors d’oeuvres are enjoyed with a short film from Canada’s Not Short on Talent program. Filmalicious is a sublime dinner and a movie experience, where guests will enjoy a luscious three-course-meal, accompanied by a top selection of wines, and finished off with a stellar feature film, at one of the Region’s top wineries.

At the same time, NIFF aims to shine a cinematic spotlight not only on Niagara’s extraordinary beauty, but also on the remarkable talent that comes from this part of Canada. In Niagara Rises, a special program showcasing home-grown Niagara filmmakers, St. Catharines' own Mike Enns kicks it off with the world premiere of Restrung, NIFF's opening night film.