Thumbs up for Canadian filmmakers

wow. So I am feeling great about the Canadian film industry right now. There were concerns that our improving dollar would discourage filmmakers from shooting here, but this year's awards shows seem determined to make sure that doesn't happen. Two films in particular, Away From Her and Juno come up often in the lists of nominees, and so far have even been on the list of winners as well. I am not exactly sure exactly what either are about since I haven't seen them yet, but I know that Away From Her was adapted and directed by Sarah Polley, a Canadian, and Juno stars several canucks, namely Ellen Page and Michael Cera. Page is even one of the nominees for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, and the film itself is also up for Best Picture, despite being originally shown as a limited release. Polley is also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. Both Juno and Away From Her were shot in Canada, and Away From Her also features acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan as producer, and three other Canadians as part of central cast.

I think this is a huge step forward for Canadian film, which usually only garners acclaim from the success of one actor/actress, or is considered Canadian because it was shot here. There are a few exceptions, but clearly this year is a standout year, with Canadian presence in at least 3 of the major categories at the Oscars and many others at other shows. The future looks bright for movies in Canada, and I tip my hat to them.