RBC and TIFF announce top five finalists in RBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition

Fan Favourite voting begins June 1

TORONTO, May 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, RBC and TIFF proudly announce the top five finalists for the third annual RBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition. These five finalists were narrowed down from 17 up-and-coming Canadian and international filmmakers, by a jury panel comprised of established film industry producers, directors and executives. Each five-minute short film incorporates the 2012 theme — Time. This year's finalists are:

• THE ARRIVAL HOUR - Nimisha Mukerji (Vancouver, BC)
  A visitor's first hour in a new country is one she won't forget.
• DEC 32 - Johnny Ma (Toronto, Ontario / New York City, New York)
  The end of the world, experienced through the eyes of a child.
• JANUARY - Cameron Labine (Vancouver, BC / Toronto, Ontario)
  He's in Vancouver. She's in Toronto. That's 3362.44 km of long distance relationship.
• MY LAST CIGARETTE WITH - Kaz Cai (Singapore, Republic of Singapore)
  It is modern day Shanghai, but a man remains trapped in vintage style and shackled by addictions.
• SECONDS - Jordan Canning (St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador / Toronto, Ontario)
  The details of a man's life flash before his eyes as he chokes to death on a piece of meat.

From these finalists, the judges will determine a winner and runner-up who will win $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.

"As the official bank of TIFF, we recognize the power of the arts in creating vibrant communities," said Jennifer Tory, RBC's regional president for Greater Toronto. "RBC is proud to champion and foster emerging artists' growth and look forward to seeing these talented filmmakers on the big screen in the years to come."

In addition to the winner and runner-up, film enthusiasts from across Canada have the opportunity get involved by voting for their Fan Favourite and help one of these filmmakers receive a $5,000 cash prize. Voting is open from June 1 to June 29, 2012 and each vote is entered in a contest to win an all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. Vote online at rbc.com/fanfav.

"We are once again overwhelmed with the talent seen in this competition," said Piers Handling, director and CEO, TIFF. "Each competitor demonstrated great ability in working with our theme and creating unique and inspiring pieces. We are proud to work alongside RBC in supporting emerging filmmakers across the country." 

The RBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition is part of Talent Lab, a four-day intensive program at the Toronto International Film Festival that offers artistic development opportunities to a select group of emerging Canadian and international filmmakers. Each filmmaker is provided with $500 cash and challenged to develop a one- to five-minute short film for the competition. Winners of the RBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition will be announced prior to this year's Toronto International Film Festival in September.

About RBC and the Arts
RBC sponsors a wide-range of grassroots and local initiatives that contribute to the cultural fabric of our communities. Proud to support events and passions that resonate with our clients and all Canadians, RBC provides opportunities for up-and-coming artists through programs like the RBC Canadian Painting Competition, and the RBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition, part of our commitment as the Official Bank and major sponsor of the world's top public film festival - the Toronto International Film Festival®.

About TIFF
TIFF is a charitable cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September; TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, major exhibitions, and learning and entertainment facilities; and innovative national distribution program Film Circuit. The organization generates an annual economic impact of $170 million CAD. TIFF Bell Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including Founding Sponsor Bell, the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net.

Jackie Braden, Senior Manager, Brand Communications, RBC, 416-974-1724, [email protected]

Jessica Goldberg, Account Manager, Weber Shandwick, 416-642-7970
[email protected]