The Talent Fund-supported The Breadwinner was honoured with a nomination at the Oscars and three Canadian Screen Awards for best Original Score, Original Song and Adapted Screenplay. In advance of the Oscars, the Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles, James Villeneuve, hosted a celebration of Canadian film and the Talent Fund at the Consulate General of Canada in LA.

Mr. Villeneuve welcomed the crowd with opening remarks:

“I am very pleased to once again host this event that highlights the success and importance of the Talent Fund. By being here today, you demonstrate that you are not simply patrons of the fund, but true champions of Canada’s emerging talent.” – James Villeneuve, Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles

While at the event, guests contributed money to the cause; Talent Fund Advisory member Sandi Treliving and husband Jim of CBC Dragon’s Den pledged $50,000, and a five year commitment to the Fund. Others’ generosity followed suit, with additional contributions to the Fund.

Acclaimed actor Bruce Greenwood also spoke to the crowd and touched upon how integral organizations like the Talent Fund are to creating a community of support around our artists to ensure their success:

“People need to see a story up on its feet. There’s a lot of water between the story on the paper and the movie on the other side…The Talent Fund provides young artists with just enough to give them the momentum to create what they envision…These artists are succeeding and we’re part of a community that cultivates those that dream.” – Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek, Thirteen Days)

Another big winner this awards season was the Talent-Fund Micro-Budget film Black Cop. Not only did the film receive acclaim at festivals worldwide, Writer/Director Cory Bowles and producer Aaron Horton were also awarded the John Dunning Discovery Award at a special ceremony during 2018 Canadian Screen Week.

In advance of taking home the award, Cory and Aaron attended the LA event to thank the Talent Fund Donors personally for their support. In his speech, Cory talked about his experience with the Micro-Budget program and how it influenced his journey as a filmmaker:

“When I made this movie and saw roughly 40 people of colour on-set, that’s the day I really felt I was doing what I need to be doing. A program like [the Talent Fund] allows you to not only be the artist you want to be but be the artist you need to be.” Cory Bowles, writer/director, Black Cop

See more photos from the Talent Fund Awards Season event in LA.