Fantasia supports cinema students through award
The Fantasia International Film Festival has forged stronger ties to Concordia through a newly established prize for Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema students.
The annual Fantasia Award, destined for a film production or animation student, comes with a $1,000 prize and a screening of the winning film at the festival, an invaluable opportunity to showcase before an international film crowd.
“Creating this award is a way to give back to Concordia and show our gratitude and confidence in the institution and the people we work with at the university,” says Pierre Corbeil, co-founder and president of the Fantasia International Film Festival.
Fantasia is the largest and most influential festival of its kind in North America, showcasing genre films — ranging from fantasy to eccentric comedy to the experimental, documentary and anything in between.
In 2012, the university celebrated a decade-long partnership with Fantasia, which screens films on the Sir George Williams Campus downtown.
“There’s a real community of film lovers at Concordia, from the faculty and staff to students. Working together has been a very natural collaboration that gets even better with the years,” says Corbeil. “We hope the award will encourage young filmmakers to pursue their career in the film industry.”
Fantasia attracts some of genre cinema’s marquee names — including Quentin Tarantino, whose film Inglourious Basterds made its North American debut at the festival in 2009. Filmmaking greats who have attended the festival include the late British maverick Ken Russell, director John Landis of Blues Brothers fame, and Japanese director and screenwriter Kiyoshi Kurosawa, best known for his horror flicks.
Also having premiered at Fantasia are successful alumni filmmakers Erik Canuel, director of Canadian cinema sensation Bon Cop, Bad Cop, and Oscar-nominated director Kim Nguyen, who debuted Truffe at the festival.
“We’re truly impressed by the quality of work and accomplishments of Concordia cinema graduates. To be associated with a university with so many people who are passionate about film and filmmaking is an incredible asset for our festival,” says Corbeil.
“Fantasia's generous recognition ensures the important relationship between the festival and Concordia will continue to grow,” says Daniel Cross, chair, associate professor and alumnus of the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, and co-founder of Montreal’s EyeSteelFilm. “The festival provides our students with invaluable real-world experience and exposure in their pursuit of excellence.”
Founded in 1996, the Fantasia International Film Festival is one of Canada’s most popular film festivals. Last year, it drew more than 100,000 spectators and industry professionals. The festival’s 17th season runs from July 18 to August 6, 2013.
Related links:
• Fantasia International Film Festival
• Concordia’s Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema
• Concordia’s Advancement and Alumni Relations