Shaw Rocket Fund proud to present The Breadwinner at TIFF and Ottawa International Animation Festival

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OTTAWA, Sept. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Shaw Rocket Fund is proud to be involved with bringing Canadian author Deborah Ellis's award-winning book The Breadwinner to life as an animated feature film. The Rocket Fund, dedicated to investing in the Canadian children's and youth production industry, is excited to see it premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival today.

"The Breadwinner is an inspiring story that speaks to many important issues for today's youth. The Rocket Fund is proud to make an investment in this film which will help children better understand the complex world around them and how young people can make a difference," said Agnes Augustin, Shaw Rocket Fund President and CEO. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, we congratulate the producers for their great success with this film."

The animated film is internationally co-produced by Aircraft Pictures (Canada), Cartoon Saloon (Ireland), and Melusine Productions (Luxembourg). It tells the story of 11-year-old Parvana, who must disguise herself as a boy to help her family in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The book has sold more than two million copies globally with more than $1 million of proceeds being donated to the Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan charity. Honourary Canadian citizen Malala Yousefzai said in a New York Times interview, "The Breadwinner reminds us how courageous and strong women are around the world," and that all girls in the world should read it.

"Canadian author Deborah Ellis tells the story of Afghanistan through the eyes of a child. For years, she has shined light on the struggles and resiliency of Afghan people and the strength of women and girls of Afghanistan. With the animation of The Breadwinner, we are all reminded once again to never underestimate the power of a girl," said Status of Women Minister Maryam Monsef, who will attend the TIFF screening.

"Under the leadership of our director Nora Twomey, an enormous amount of care has gone in to crafting a cinematic journey for children and parents from every walk of life while also striving for authenticity and pushing artistic boundaries," said producer Anthony Leo of Aircraft Pictures. "This timely and relevant work would not have been possible without the support of Shaw Rocket Fund."

In keeping with the Rocket Fund's commitment to children and youth programming, we are also proud to be sponsoring InGenius Jr. Day at the Ottawa International Animation Festival on Sept. 23 where The Breadwinner will be screened at the National Gallery of Canada, free of charge. InGenius Jr. Day is dedicated to young audiences between the ages of six and 12 who will have the opportunity to go deeper into animation innovations with workshops, interactive games, virtual reality experiences and talks with industry representatives. Families are encouraged to attend.

"The media landscape has evolved tremendously, creating ever more opportunities for exciting children's and youth programming through digital innovations. We're pleased to work with the best in the children and youth production industry through our partnership with OIAF to bring amazing content to young Canadian audiences," Augustin said.

About Shaw Rocket Fund
The Shaw Rocket Fund is a forward-thinking, not-for-profit corporation that focuses on stimulating excellence in the Canadian children's production industry in Canada through equity investment and industry initiatives such as the much-celebrated Shaw Rocket Prize and Startoon, an online development program for animators. The Rocket Fund is an advocate of the Canadian children's production sector, maintaining an active role with regulators and governments. Contributors to the Fund are Shaw Communications and Shaw Direct.

www.rocketfund.ca | t: @rocketfund | facebook.com/rocketfund

SOURCE Shaw Rocket Fund

Lisa Amato, Shaw Rocket Fund Manager, Strategic Communications, [email protected]