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RAPAPORT... Ten female film directors and actors will be honored on September 11, at the Maison Birks' Bloor Street W. store in Toronto, Canada during an inaugural ''Birks Diamond Tribute to the Year's Women in Film,'' in partnership with Telefilm Canada. The event takes place during the Toronto International Film Festival, which runs from September 5 to 15.
Directors Louise Archambault, Deepa Mehta, Alanis Obomsawin, Sarah Polley and Chloé Robichaud, as well as actresses Évelyne Brochu, Geneviève Bujold, Sarah Gadon, Jessica Paré and Alison Pill, were selected for the award.
Jean-Christophe Bédos, the president of Birks & Mayors, said, "We are delighted to renew our partnership with Telefilm Canada this year in order to highlight the important contribution of Canadian women filmmakers in the context of the Festival. Canadian women filmmakers and actors help our country shine brilliantly around the world -- the same way that Canadian diamonds make us proud on the international scene! The Toronto International Film Festival is synonymous with glamour, with prestige, and especially with Canadian success. That's why this partnership is a natural for Maison Birks."
Members of the selection committee chose five honorees in each category, taking into account the impact of their achievements and talent; the recognition they have received and the visibility they have brought Canada over the past year. Nominees were also required to have either directed or appeared in a production during the past year.
"This partnership with Maison Birks offers us a new opportunity to recognize these remarkable women's artistic talent and the major contribution they provide to our industry," said Carolle Brabant, the executive director of Telefilm Canada. "Because the world's attention is focused on the Festival, the time is perfect to celebrate the successes of our creative talent, who distinguish themselves not only in Canada but around the world."
Beginning at 4 p.m. on September 11, the public will be invited to meet with honorees on the red carpet at the FanZone, which will be set up in front of the Maison Birks store at 55 Bloor Street W.
This will be Telefilm's third event in collaboration with Maison Birks to honor Canadian women filmmakers. In 2012, Telefilm and Maison Birks paid tribute to Canadian women in film at the Toronto International Film Festival and earlier in the year at Cannes, the inaugural Birks Canadian Diamond was awarded during Telefilm Canada's Tribute to Canadian Talent.
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