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BENSON & HEDGES FILM DISCOVERY AWARD The press corps which consisted of more than 775 international media voted on the 1999 Benson & Hedges Film Discovery Award. The 1999 Benson & Hedges Film Discovery Award goes to Kevin Jordan's charming GOAT ON FIRE AND SMILING FISH, which focuses on two brothers struggling with the demands of adulthood. Justin Kerrigan's energetic HUMAN TRAFFIC, about five friends who venture into club land finished second; and Tom Gilroy's moving SPRING FORWARD - which explores, with uncommon sensitivity, an unlikely friendship between two men from very different backgrounds - took third place. FIPRESCI AWARD For the eighth consecutive year, the Festival welcomed an international FIPRESCI jury. This award is annually bestowed upon a feature film by an emerging filmmaker having its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The 1999 jury was comprised of Nenad Dukic, Radio Belgrade, Yugoslavia - Jury President; David Sterritt, The Christian Science Monitor, USA; Norbert Grob, Die Zeit, Germany; Luz Maria Virgen Aguilar, El Informado, Mexico; Rashmi Doraiswamy, Cinemaya, India; Lasse Rade, GT/Expressen, Sweden; and John Harkness, NOW Magazine, Canada. The FIPRESCI Prize is awarded to SHOWER by Zhang Yang (China), "for its humour and compassion in its treatment of the tensions of family life in a rapidly changing society." AWARDS FOR CANADIAN FILMS The juries for the Citytv Award for Best Canadian First Feature Film and the Toronto-City Award for Best Canadian Feature Film, and for the NFB - John Spotton Award for Best Canadian Short Film, were impressed by the sophistication and breadth of Canadian filmmaking. "This year was marked by exciting new voices and bodes well for the future of Canadian cinema," enthused Perspective Canada co-programmer Helen du Toit. "The public response to Canadian films is overwhelming. Canadian audiences are flocking to see their own stories," added co-programmer Liz Czach. NFB - JOHN SPOTTON AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN SHORT FILM Sponsored by the National Film Board of Canada, this award carries a cash prize of $2500 along with $7500 worth of NFB Filmmakers' Assistance Program (FAP) benefits to be applied against the costs of a future production. Canada has a long-standing tradition and international reputation for excellence in the short film form. By programming 37 films this year, Perspective Canada celebrates the exciting array of new Canadian voices. A special jury citation was awarded to Stéphane LaFleur's KARAOKE for its youthful energy and spirit. The winning short film this year was breathtaking from its very first frame. The 1999 NFB John Spotton Award goes to Patrick Demers for DÉCHARGE. The 1999 jury was comprised of Brian Nash, Toronto-based director; Peter Demas, Toronto filmmaker; and Janine Marchessault, film professor. FEATURE FILM AWARDS IN PERSPECTIVE CANADA A jury of industry professionals awarded prizes to two feature films from the Perspective Canada programme. Comprised of Ellen Baine, programme Director for Citytv; Kyle Rae, City Councillor; B. Ruby Rich, author and cultural critic; André Forcier, Montreal filmmaker; and Bingham Ray, film distributor. The jury awarded the Citytv Award for Best Canadian First Feature Film and the Toronto-City Award for Best Canadian Feature Film. CITYTV AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FIRST FEATURE FILM Established two years ago by sponsor Citytv in celebration of the station's 25th anniversary, the award carries a cash prize of $15,000 and is presented to a Canadian filmmaker whose first feature film is considered exemplary. This award acknowledges the fresh new talent emerging within Canadian cinema. A special jury citation was awarded to Rodrigue Jean for FULL BLAST which shows the emergence of a compelling new voice in Canadian Cinema. For sparking a provocative interrelation between its subject and its public, the 1999 Citytv Award for Best Canadian First Feature goes to director Catherine Annau for JUST WATCH ME: TRUDEAU AND THE 70'S GENERATION. The Jury also wishes to make an exception to its usual custom - due to the extraordinary acting in a number of films, the Jury wishes to congratulate three young actors for their impressive interpretations of three complex and original characters: Chris Martin as "Johnny" in Carl Bessai's JOHNNY; Liane Balaban as "Mooney Pottie" in Allan Moyle's NEW WATERFORD GIRL; and Karine Vanasse as "Hanna" in EMPORTE-MOI. TORONTO-CITY AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FEATURE FILM Presented annually at the Toronto International Film Festival and generously co-sponsored by The City of Toronto and Citytv, the Toronto-City Award for Best Canadian Feature Film carries a cash prize of $25,000. A special jury citation was awarded to Léa Pool for EMPORTE-MOI, an indelibly moving drama of a young girl's struggle to master both her family and cinema itself. he Jury chose to honour the maturation of talent that has resulted in a film which brilliantly combines emotional depth with conceptual rigour and visual elegance. The Toronto City Award for Best Canadian Feature Film goes to Jeremy Podeswa for THE FIVE SENSES. AIR CANADA PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD Sponsored by one of the Festival's major supporters and long-time partners, the Air Canada People's Choice Award is voted by Festival audiences - known worldwide for their enthusiasm for and love of cinema. The 1999 award goes to Sam Mendes' AMERICAN BEAUTY. Khyentse Norbu's THE CUP placed second; Carlos Siguion-Reyna's YESTERDAY CHILDREN, one of the last films selected by long-time Festival programmer David Overbey, placed third. Public box office for the 24th Toronto International Film Festival totalled $1.32 million. The Awards Brunch is generously sponsored by Citytv and the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
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