Screw the Oscars Anyway

Sure it was great to see so many Canadians nominated but really, the Oscars are tired and predictable and tend to reward personal popularity and box office success more than anything. Overall it has all the excitement and drama of Feist being nominated for "Best New Artist" (a joke in itself) and then losing to Amy Winehouse (also not new) because she needs the encouragement so she can handle the regular trips to rehab.

So - screw the Oscars anyway, our films are better and our stars spend less time in jail and jumping on sofas.

Talkback 2008

Presented by the First Weekend Club (http://www.firstweekendclub.ca/)

TalkBack 2008, with Genie Nominated Filmmakers, Sunday March 2nd, at The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen West, 3pm to 4.30pm (with a reception to follow). Guests include Rob Stewart (Sharkwater) and Vic Sarin (Partition), hosted by Paul Gratton. An intimate Film Artists Salon, to celebrate the finest in Canadian filmmaking talent. $15.00, RSVP to info@firstweekendclub.ca

Canadian Short Film Festival

From the Canadian Filmmakers Festival and Bell - Comes the "Bell Video Award for Best Short." It would appear that there are only 3 films online now but the contest remains open until March 14. The rules read like this

• Films must be Canadian Productions
• Films should be no more than 10 minutes in total length.
• Films that have been already submitted the Canadian Film Fest are ALSO eligible.
• Please pay attention to our submission guidelines.
• Film School submissions are welcome

More info and short films to watch at http://www.bellvideostore.ca/FilmFestival/Home.aspx

Lift Workshops for March & Early April

The Liason for Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (http://www.lift.on.ca/) presents monthly workshops for would be indie filmmakers.

PROJECTOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR *
Fix your own Super 8 and 16mm projectors!
SUNDAY MARCH 16, NOON-6 PM
Instructor: MARTIN HEATH
Cost: Members $60, Non-Members $75
* at Cinecycle, 129 Spadina Ave.

GETTING STARTED AS AN ACTOR
Act from the child and do business from the adult!
MONDAY MARCH 17, 6-10 PM
Instructor: MICHELLE LATIMER
Cost: Members $45, Non-Members $55

THE ART OF BLACK AND WHITE REVERSAL FILMMAKING IN 16mm
An all-inclusive 'make a film' course - workshops, film and equipment!
SATURDAY MARCH 22-SATURDAY MARCH 29 (various dates and times)
Instructors: ERNIE KESTLER, JULIA EDIGER, ALEXI MANIS, SHENAZ BAKSH, JEREMY SINGER
Cost: Members $250, Non-Members $300

*SECOND CLASS ADDED!*
CAMERA THEORY
A foundational workshop for aspiring camera operators and directors!
SATURDAY APRIL 5, 10 am - 6 pm
Instructor: Guy Godfree
Cost: Members $50, Non-Members $60

p.s. Now on DVD: Everything's Gone Green

Really funny film, if you're local video store doesn't have it it's because they have no taste.