The 35th Toronto International Film Festival ended last weekend with the announcement of the best Canadian film: Incendies. Director Denis Villeneuve also receives a $30,000 cash prize from the City of Toronto.
The film also created a buzz at both Venice and Telluride film festivals. Featuring Maxim Gaudette, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin and Rémy Girard, Incendies tells the story of twins who are devastated, following the death of their mother, to discover not only is their father still alive, but they have a brother they didn’t know existed. Thus begins the siblings’ journey to uncover the truth about their family history.
The film, based on the play Scorched by Lebanese-born Montreal playwright Wajdi Mouawad, has received widespread critical acclaim and there are rumours that this production may represent Canada at Oscar time.
Other recipients include The King’s Speech with Colin Firth, which won the People’s Choice award, and director Deborah Chow’s film, The High Cost of Living, which received the award for best Canadian First Feature Film.