The talents of 11 post-secondary student filmmakers were applauded today at the Ontario Film Review Board’s Class Acts Wanted! student film competition gala.

The premiere screening of their work showcased poignant and often funny one-minute shorts on Ontario’s film classification system. The five groups of film-school finalists were each awarded production budgets of up to $10,000 in order to produce a public service announcement to help Ontario consumers make informed film and home video choices.

The finalists’ work will be shown throughout the next two years on nearly 600 pre-show screens in theatres across Ontario, and by a cable service provider.

The gala was hosted by Janet Robinson, chair of the Ontario Film Review Board, and Charles Sousa, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Government Services and MPP for Mississauga South.

QUOTES

“We’re proud to showcase Ontario’s young film talent and highlight the importance of Ontario’s film classification system,” said Ontario Film Review Board chair, Janet Robinson.  “We hope this recognition helps jump start several young careers in film and television across the province.”

“I applaud the talent of this year’s Class Acts Wanted! winners, as this government continues to ensure that all Ontarians and their families get the information they need to make informed entertainment choices,” said MPP Charles Sousa.

QUICK FACTS

• Class Acts Wanted! is a competition held every two years to highlight the work of young filmmakers and the film classification system in Ontario.
• The OFRB supports Ontario’s consumer protection mission by providing filmgoers and parents with classifications and information necessary to make informed choices.

LEARN MORE

View this year’s short films, along with winning shorts from the 2006 competition, at www.ofrb.gov.on.ca

Backgrounder: Student filmmakers awarded at ofrb ceremony For promoting film clssification system

Greg Dennis,
Minister’s Office,
416-327-3072

Ciaran Ganley,
Communications Branch,
416-325-8659