Congratulations to all 2011 Award Winners!!!

On June 1st 2011, the Multimedia Film Festival Awards & Closing Galaconvened at the historic Aurora Cultural Centre.  Without a doubt, the centerpiece of the event was the awards ceremony. Gleeful film-makers received coveted and beautifully crafted crystal awards for artistic expression and technical achievement. Awards were presented across distinct/separate submission categories: Professional (Industry standard entries), All Inclusive (no age restriction), Youth/Secondary (ages 14-18) and Children/Elementary (ages 6-13).

Namely, awards were given across all submission categories for "Best Documentary", "Best Photo-Voice" and "Best Drama" and for technical elements: Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound and Lighting.    

The event was keynoted by Christopher Rowley. Mr. Rowley is a widely accomplished and multiple-award winning producer/director with an international reputation. His distinguished career has spanned three continents and encompasses all areas of film from documentary and features, to music videos, television series and commercials.

The presentation of awards were interspersed with delicious Hors d’ Oeuvres, lively entertainment headlined by George St. Kitts and the electric Downtown Funk Connection band and attended by the regal company of local community members and dignitaries.

Award recipients include:

Journey to Oz(1^st place, Best Documentary, Professional Category): A thoughtful and well crafted documentary that explores the First Nation’s experience in Mishkeegogamang regarding the struggle to overcome colonial devastation, divided lands and untimely death. More often that not, these challenges are distorted by media which casts the people and their community “in crisis.”

Annuit Coeptis (Best Drama, Professional Category): A captivating and provocative film that speaks to our conscience and challenges our humanity;         

How to Properly Watch Television(Best Drama: All Inclusive Category): A comedic film that takes a lighthearted look at Society’s addiction to television.   

Stained (1^st place, Best Documentary, Secondary/Youth Category): A fascinating look at the world of tattoos and those who create this unique art form.  It is also a sobering and critical look at Society’s bias and reactions to those who wear them. 

The Kiss (Best Drama, Secondary/Youth Category) A whimsical glimpse into the world of teenage romance.   

Sitting Small(Best Docu-Drama: Secondary/Youth Category): A raw and heart-felt dramatization of poverty in York Region.

D is for Deer Park(1^st place, Best Documentary, Elementary/Children Category):

The 2011 Film Festival and all associated events (the April 21st Regional Kick-off event and the June 1^st Awards & Closing Gala) were made possible by the participation and in-kind contributions of all host municipalities, volunteers, members of the Film Development Council as well as our premiere funder and sponsors.

The Multimedia Film Development Council of York Region would like to thank: 

All filmmakers who made a submission to the film festival  

Our Premier Funder: Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration (Ontario’s Builders Fund)

Hon. Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister, Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration

Hon. Michael Chan, Minister, Ministry of Tourism & Culture

Catherine Campbell, Regional Representative, Ministries of Culture & Immigration

The mayors of each municipality for their involvement and that of their staff! 

The Regional Municipality of York for hosting the April 21^stRegional Kick-Off & Media Event

The Town of Aurora for hosting the June 1^st Awards & Closing Gala!

Staff at the Aurora Cultural Centre who asisted with hosting the June 1^st Awards & Closing Gala on behalf of the Town of Aurora!

Christina Pochmursky, Producer, Director, Writer: Keynote speaker for the film festival's April 21^st Regional Kick-Off & Media Launch Event

Christopher Rowley, Iconic Producer, Director & Writer: Keynote Speaker for the film festival's June 1^st 2011 Awards & Closing Gala

We would also like to thank and acknowledge all performing artists and the leadership of a number of agencies/organizations/governments for their support and/or direct contribution to the work of the multimedia film festival:  

All volunteers!

The Film Development Council’s appreciation is also extended to: Social Media Tools, iAutomate Inc., York University’s Film Department, Envisage Engagement Marketing/Byte Media Inc., Marin Media Group, FANtactics Sports & Entertainment Marketing,  Rogers T.V., and York University’s Advance Broadband Enabled Learning Program.

All Sponsors:  All languages Ltd.,  Andees Sweet Treats,  Green River Coffee, Rogers TV