TORONTO – There is very little attention paid to film projects across Canada, despite the astounding amount of entertainment filmed, produced, and distributed from province to province.
We all enjoy a great cinematic experience. It is more likely these days that we are sitting around with friends and co-working, theorizing over the latest comic book blockbuster or the backlash of Netflix’s latest cancellations of shows.
We regal over the memories of being the first to see a galactic battle in a galaxy far, far away or dinosaurs causing havoc in a park.
The cinema has made a lasting impact on our minds, shaping our fandom, and showing us a reality beyond our own.
This is why Telefilm is asking the public to share their stories of the cinema in a chance to have Director X and Up-and-coming Canadian director, LeSean Harris bring their story to life.
Now until June 10, 2022, film fans can create a written, visual or audio submission and share their own #MovieMemory, illustrating the magic of visiting a theatre to see their favourite stories and characters come to life.
#MovieMemory submissions can be made online at moviememory.ca.
Entrants are encouraged to share their memory in the format that works for them, whether it be a maximum one-minute audio, a video file or a written submission of up to 800 words in length. All entries are encouraged to tap into a strong narrative and emotion and will be judged accordingly.
The selected submission will serve as creative inspiration and be brought to life in a national, bilingual commercial airing later this summer.
Open to Canadians of all ages, interested participants can learn more at moviememory.ca.
In addition to the first-place prize, all entrants will be included in a draw to win two secondary prizes consisting of two VIP Fan Experience package tickets to the FanExpo Canada at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario from Aug. 25 – Aug. 28, 2022.
Director X is known for directing high-budget, visually distinctive videos for popular artists, including Drake (Hotline Bling), Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and many more.
His work has been nominated and awarded by the MTV Music Video Awards, BET Awards and the Much Music Video Awards and he has directed commercials for Apple Music, eBay, Virginia Black, and GAP.
Additionally, he made his feature film debut with Across the Line, which was named Best Atlantic Feature at FIN Atlantic International Film Festival, and most recently directed Superfly. He is currently developing a new TV series Robyn Hood for Boat Rocker Studios and Global Television.
“I remember going to see Wedding Crashers in theatres. It was sold out, the place was packed and the laughter couldn’t be contained. The filmmaker in me began looking around and felt something profound: all these strangers are in this massive theatre but sharing a singular experience and having a great time. The audience was feeding off of one another — it was funnier together, more enjoyable together. You can only get that experience in theatres. I love the idea of tapping into this experience and finding an artful way to bring one person’s memory to life in a way that resonates with as many Canadians as possible. Similar to Telefilm, I also love giving back to the film community I was fortunate to come up in and am thrilled to leverage this opportunity to continue my production company’s goal of developing the directorial talent here in Canada.”
Now, Director X is set to select one incredible movie memory to bring to life with help from a rising Canadian director and mentee, LeSean Harris, who will lead the direction of the Movie Memory project, working under X’s guidance.
