Ottawa, January 26, 2005 -- The Canada Council for the Arts applauds Oscar-nominated filmmakers Chris Landreth and Hubert Davis, who both received Canada Council funding for their films Ryan and Hardwood. Chris Landreth received $60,000 in Canada Council funding in 2001 for Ryan, which has been nominated in the short animated film category. The film tells the story of Ryan Larkin, a visionary animator who was himself nominated for Oscars in 1969 and 1972. Hubert Davis received $16,000 from the Canada Council in 2002 for his documentary entitled Hardwood which chronicles the life of his father and Harlem Globetrotter, Mel Davis. Hardwood was nominated in the short documentary film category. Both Ryan and Hardwood were co-produced by the National Film Board of Canada and independent production companies, with Canada Council funding instrumental in the initial stages of their production. The Council's Media Arts Section provides support to a wide range of film and video genres, including animation, documentary, experimental and art-related films. "While the National Film Board and Telefilm Canada are better known for their support of the film sector, the Canada Council often supports the research, creation and production of films in their earliest stages," said David Poole, head of the Council's Media Arts Section. "Both Chris Landreth and Hubert Davis are outstanding filmmakers, and we are proud to have supported these two highly-acclaimed films." -30-
