OTTAWA, March 3, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla and His Excellency Daniel Jouanneau, French Ambassador to Canada today announced that the third edition of DiverCiné, Windows on the world of the Francophonie, will be held from March 10 to 13, 2005 at the National Gallery of Canada. Works by francophone filmmakers from some ten countries, including Canada, will be screened at the event. "Through their works, the filmmakers participating in DiverCiné help us to learn about unique people, countries and environments, enriching our vision of Francophone nations," said Minister Frulla. "This film festival reflects the diversity that characterizes the Francophone world." "We are very proud to be organizing this festival for the third time, together with the Department of Canadian Heritage and our other partners," said Ambassador Jouanneau. "It helps audiences in the National Capital Region to become more familiar with the richness of cinema in the Francophone world." The third edition of DiverCiné will show films produced and co-produced by Senegal, Morocco, Vietnam, Tunisia, Belgium, France and Canada. Among the works to be screened are Canadian filmmaker Francis Leclerc's feature film, Mémoires affectives, starring Roy Dupuis. The film recently won four Prix Jutra, including the award for best film. DiverCiné is one of the activities marking the International Day of La Francophonie, which takes place on March 20. This year, Haïti is the focus of celebrations organized for the International Day. DiverCiné will close with a screening of the film Royal Bonbon, co-produced by Canada and France, and filmed in Haïti. Radio-Canada, the Cité collégiale, TV5 Québec Canada, and the Alliance française are partners of the 2005 edition of DiverCiné. - 30 - For further details on DiverCiné, visit the following Web site: www.divercine.com Information: Jean-Philippe Côté Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 Olivier Desharnais-Roy Press and Communications Officer French Embassy to Canada (613) 562-3741 Myriam Brochu Chief, Media Relations Canadian Heritage (819) 997-9314
