The Grand Seduction chosen as Calgary International Film Festival Opening Gala film

Posted on August 15, 2013

"The Grand Seduction is a laugh-out-loud comedy, and we're overjoyed to present the Western Canadian premier of this major release. The film is a who's who of talent from across Canada, from director Don McKellar and the incredible cast, to co-writer Michael Dowse, who is well known in Calgary and abroad for Fubar and others. Last year's Opening Gala was the largest and most talked about in the festival's history, and we look forward to an even bigger night this year." – Steve Schroeder, Executive Director, The Calgary International Film Festival

In The Grand Seduction, we follow along as a small Newfoundland fishing town looks for a new lease on life. Plans for a lucrative factory contract in tiny Tickle Head are contingent on the town’s ability to secure a resident doctor—and none have jumped on board. Things are looking grim, until Murray French (Brendan Gleeson) concocts an elaborate scheme and enlists his neighbours to charm a big-city doctor (Taylor Kitsch) to stay behind.

McKellar returns to the director’s chair for The Grand Seduction, teaming up with writer Michael Dowse (Fubar, Goon), for a remake of Ken Scott’s 2001 film Le Grande Séduction (Seducing Doctor Lewis). Working with a stellar cast that includes Irish heavyweight Gleeson and Canadian film legend Gordon Pinsent, McKellar also snagged blockbuster action star Kitsch and iconic comedian Mary Walsh for this Canadian comedic gem.

“Since 1999, the Calgary International Film Festival has delighted and entertained audiences in the Calgary region and provided an opportunity to celebrate diverse and unique stories from Canada and around the world,” said the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. “The Grand Seduction features some of Canada’s brightest talent and showcases beautiful landscapes in Newfoundland and Labrador. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to commend the Calgary International Film Festival and its partners for promoting Canadian cinema and enriching the cultural life of Alberta.”

“We’re so very proud to support the Calgary International Film Festival and this outstanding opening night gala,” said Heather Klimchuk, Alberta Culture Minister. “This evening is a perfect opportunity to showcase Alberta’s home-grown talent and content, our award-winning crews and our vibrant screen-based production industry that make Alberta such a great place to make films.”

“Thanks to the Calgary International Film Festival’s passion for promoting and encouraging Canadian talent, the visibility of our filmmakers is being raised around the city, throughout the province and across the country,” said Carolle Brabant, Telefilm Canada’s Executive Director “Innovative public-private partnerships, with industry players like CIFF, result in more Canadians having the opportunity to experience great homegrown films like Don McKellar’s The Grand Seduction.”

“The Canada Media Fund is pleased to be joining other industry representatives, business leaders, government officials and all Albertans in celebrating Canadian talent and productions at CIFF’s opening night festivities,” said Valerie Creighton, CMF President and CEO. “The Grand Seduction is an excellent example of Canadian talent from all parts of the country working together to bring a world-class production to life that can be enjoyed by both Canadians and international audiences alike.”

CIFF’s Opening Gala screening of The Grand Seduction takes place on Thursday, September 19, at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. The 11-day festival continues through to September 29, showing nearly 200 multi-genre films.

Tickets for the September 19th Opening Gala are $75.00 each and go on sale at 10:00 am on August 15th. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT: Calgaryfilm.com


For more information or to book interviews contact:
Nadine bibi, Marketing Director, The Calgary International Film Festival
nadine.bibi@calgaryfilm.com
403.452.4845

About the Calgary International Film Festival

The Calgary International Film Festival (Calgary Film) is a 12-day showcase of up to 200 multi-genre feature and short films from Canada and over 40 other countries. The festival hosts gala events, screenings, special presentations, and a Behind the Screen series that emphasizes unique and exciting ways for filmmakers and fans to interact.

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