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RAPAPORT... Birks will host its second annual diamond tribute to 10 Canadian women directors and actors on September 10 at the Birks store on Bloor Street West in Toronto, presented in partnership with Telefilm Canada. This year's honorees are directors Jennifer Baichwal, Ric Esther Bienstock, Marie-Hélène Cousineau and Madeline Piujuq Ivalu (co-directors of Uvanga), and Nancy Florence Savard, as well as actors Anne Dorval, Tatiana Maslany, Sophie Nélisse, Molly Parker and Cobie Smulders. "At a time when the eyes of the world are on the Toronto International Film Festival, we want to highlight the enormous contribution made by these women to the dynamism of Canadian cinema," said Carolle Brabant, the executive director of Telefilm. "Their careers have been marked by awards and honors, and their talent contributes to Canada's cultural success at home and abroad. We thank Birks for this innovative public-private partnership to promote Canadian talent." Eva Hartling, the vice president of marketing for Birks Group Inc., added, "The essence of the Birks brand lies in its Canadian heritage. We are therefore proud to continue our partnership with Telefilm Canada in order to highlight Canadian women's important contribution to the film industry." The jury selected the women based on the impact of their work and their talent, the recognition they have received from respected organizations and their peers, and the visibility they generated for Canada this past year. Nominees were also required to have either directed or appeared in a production during that year. This is the fourth event organized by Telefilm and Birks to honor Canadian women directors and actors. In 2012, they paid tribute to Canadian women in film at the Toronto International Film Festival, in an event held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto. Also in 2012, the Birks Canadian Diamond was awarded at Telefilm Canada's Tribute to Canadian Talent event at the Cannes Film Festival. And in 2013, the inaugural Birks Diamond Tribute to the Year's Women in Film was launched at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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