FOR RELEASE     #08-099
April 30, 2008

WHITEHORSE – Yukon filmmakers’ talents have earned them international acclaim, and the three recipients of support from the Department of Economic Development’s Film & Sound Commission are also receiving an impressive array of awards and nominations from across North America.

“I am very impressed by the recognition that these three projects have received and am pleased that their efforts were supported by the Film and Sound Commission,” Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. “They are all excellent and diverse examples of Yukon’s talented film industry and I congratulate them on their achievements.”

Arthur (Tookie) Mercredi’s project, Out in the Cold was awarded the Gold Plaque at this year’s Chicago Film Festival. Mercredi gained broadcaster interest for this project at the Banff World Television Festival in 2005. He attended the festival under the mentorship of the Film & Sound Commission.

Anash and the legacy of the Sun-Rock, a live-action animation series produced, written and directed by Teslin resident Carol Geddes with Edmonton’s Josh Miller as the executive producer, received an impressive seven nominations from the Alberta Motion Picture Industries Association.

“To have the opportunity to tell stories set in the North, and to know that these stories join the body of works that help define our northern cultural identity, is to be in a uniquely privileged position,” Geddes said. “The fact that this a First Nations story makes it particularly satisfying, since these stories have not been widely known. It's pleasing to think that, through the creation and wide distribution of such stories, we might gain a stronger understanding of each other's histories.”

The Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Foundation of British Columbia has honoured Werner Walcher’s River of Life documentary with two of their LEO award nominations. The LEO winners will be announced May 23 and 24 in Vancouver.

The Film & Sound Commission supported these three projects through the Yukon Filmmakers Fund, the Film Development Fund, the Film Production Fund and the Yukon Film Location Incentive, collectively. Yukon’s film industry is important to the economic diversity of Yukon and is supported through the Film & Sound Commission to ensure it continues to be a viable industry.

The next intake deadline for application to the Yukon Filmmakers Fund is June 1. The fund awards up to $8,000 to successful applicants. Visit www.reelyukon.com for more information.

-30-