'Atanarjuat' dethrones 'Mon once Antoine' as Canada's most memorable film

'Atanarjuat' dethrones 'Mon once Antoine' as Canada's most memorable film

NEW DELHI: Toronto International Film Festival has announced the results Canada's All-Time Top Ten List, an international poll of industry and academics on the most memorable Canadian films.

 

This is the fourth edition of TIFF's All-Time Top Ten List; previous lists were released in 1984, 1993 and 2004.

 

"In our 40th year we are celebrating our national cinema by revisiting the list of top Canadian films, with help from our esteemed colleagues in the industry and academia. It is encouraging to see new filmmakers and films establishing themselves on the list alongside the classics," said TIFF director and CEO Piers Handling.

 

"With more than a decade since our last survey, much has changed in Canadian cinema, and in the results of the survey. Atanarjuat has dethroned the long-standing No. 1 film, Mon once Antoine, and we welcome filmmakers including Guy Maddin, Jean-Claude Lauzon, Sarah Polley and Jean-Marc Vallee to the list for the first time. It's an exciting group of films indicative of our rich cinematic tradition," added TIFF senior programmer Steve Gravestock.

 

Canada's All-Time Top Ten List of Canadian films:

 

1. Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, Zacharias Kunuk (2001)

2. Mon oncle Antoine, Claude Jutra (1971)

3. The Sweet Hereafter, Atom Egoyan (1997)

4. Jesus de Montreal, Denys Arcand (1989)

5. Leolo, Jean-Claude Lauzon (1992)

6. Goin' Down the Road, Don Shebib (1970)

7. Dead Ringers, David Cronenberg (1988)

8. C.R.A.Z.Y., Jean-Marc Vallee (2005)

9. My Winnipeg, Guy Maddin (2007)

10. Stories We Tell, Sarah Polley (2012)Les Ordres, Michel Brault (1974)

 

"The Directors Guild of Canada takes pride in shining the spotlight on our national cinema at every opportunity. The filmmakers featured here have contributed much to our country's cultural voice and history. It is inspiring to be able to experience them again with a new generation of viewers," said DGC national president Tim Southam.

 

The films on the All-Time Top Ten List will be screened free of charge at TIFF Bell Lightbox in July and August. Screening times and more details will be announced 20 May.

 

The upcoming issue of Montage magazine published by the DGC and includes individual participants’ votes alongside essays on each of the selected films.