In collaboration with the Government of Canada - Telefilm Canada announces
screening of The Child Prodigy as a highlight of the Cultural Program of the
Canada Pavilion during Expo 2010 in Shanghai

MONTREAL, May 5 /CNW Telbec/ - Telefilm Canada is announcing the screening of The Child Prodigy, a film written and directed by Luc Dionne and produced by Denise Robert and Daniel Louis, to be held on May 9 during Expo 2010 in Shanghai. The event is a highlight of the Cultural Program of the Canada Pavilion, whose theme is The Living City: Inclusive, Sustainable, Creative; presented by the Government of Canada, and imagined and designed by Cirque du Soleil. The Child Prodigy tells the life story of André Mathieu, a pianist and composer who was once described as the "little Canadian Mozart".

The screening is presented by Telefilm Canada in collaboration with the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC).

"By having the screening of The Child Prodigy at Expo 2010, Telefilm Canada is providing an opportunity for Chinese and international audiences to experience the creativity and vitality of Canadian cinema," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. "Canada's cultural program at this Expo, which will feature more than 165 Canadian artists, showcases our country's flourishing arts and culture scene, and highlights our diverse, bilingual, and multicultural society."

"Telefilm Canada is proud to be presenting a high-quality Canadian film in Shanghai, in collaboration with its partners, the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) as well as the film's producers, scriptwriter and director. It allows us to demonstrate the capacity and talent of Canada's filmmakers to an international audience," says Michel Roy, Chairman, Telefilm Canada. "We're also thrilled to be part of the Cultural Program of the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, which provides visitors from around the world with a fresh and contemporary insight into our country's vibrant arts and culture scene, including feature film," he concluded.

"The SODEC is proud to be associated with an international-scale event since this meets our organization's goal of developing new markets and partnerships," said François Macerola, President and CEO of the SODEC.

"It is an honour to be presenting The Child Prodigy in Shanghai. This is a film that allows audiences to discover André Mathieu's genius as well as the great talent of Alain Lefèvre, the film's musical director and interpreter who has devoted his career to making Mathieu's music known worldwide," said Denise Robert and Daniel Louis, producers of The Child Prodigy. "In fact, we wish to pay homage to Alain by dedicating this screening to him," they concluded.

About The Child Prodigy

On the keyboard, the young hands fly rapidly and the melody rises. For the child, nothing is easier; he hears the sounds in his head. These hands belong to 6-year-old André Mathieu. He won his audiences and fired up concerts halls in London, New York, Paris and around the world. Adulated, hailed, praised, the child prodigy seemed to have everything to succeed. From the top of his vertiginous successes, to depths of torment, the life of the "Little Canadian Mozart" lends into his music. A romantic and passionate composer wishing for happiness, his story is nevertheless played on tragic notes.

Written and directed by Luc Dionne, The Child Prodigy is produced by Denise Robert and Daniel Louis. The film stars Patrick Drolet as André Mathieu. The cast also includes Marc Labrèche, Macha Grenon and Karine Vanasse. Canadian musical director Alain Lefèvre contributed the film' soundtrack made up of André Mathieu's compositions.

Telefilm Canada's contribution to the Canada Pavilion

In addition to the screening of The Child Prodigy, a highlight of the Cultural Program of the Canada Pavilion during Expo 2010 in Shanghai, Telefilm will be contributing to the visitors' journey through a short clip showing highlights of Canadian cinema, screening at the Pavilion's entrance.

About Telefilm Canada

Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian products that appeal to domestic and international audiences. Telefilm also administers the Canada Media Fund. Visit www.telefilm.gc.ca.

For further information: Eva Hartling, Senior Advisor, External Communications, Telefilm Canada, [phone], ext. 2090, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]; www.twitter.com/telefilm_canada