Serendipity Point Film’s Barney’s Version Premiere’s in Ottawa at the NAC
OTTAWA— The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage will be hosting a special Ottawa premiere of BARNEY’S VERSION at the National Arts Centre on Tuesday November 2nd. Based on Mordecai Richler’s prize winning novel of the same name, BARNEY’S VERSION is produced by Robert Lantos (Eastern Promises, Being Julia), directed by Richard J. Lewis (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Whale Music), from a screenplay by Michael Konyves.
“I am thrilled that we are able to bring this magnificent film to the National Arts Centre in Ottawa,” said Heritage Minister James Moore. “It is a great example of the quality of films that are being produced in this country and a perfect opportunity to discover another great movie produced through public and private partnerships with Telefilm Canada.”
“With Barney’s Version, Mordecai Richler left me a magnificent legacy. Adapting his final novel for the screen has been a great privilege and the highlight of my career,” said Mr. Lantos.
The evening will be filled with some red carpet excitement as Mr. Lantos will be accompanied by Mordecai Richler’s widow Florence Richler and several cast members. Scott Speedman, the Canadian film and television actor best known for his role in the television drama Felicity, will be in attendance along with one of Quebec’s best known actresses Macha Grenon, the star of the sitcom Lance et Compte as well as newcomer Anna Hopkins who plays Barney Panofsky’s daughter in the film.
Academy Award nominees Paul Giamatti, Minnie Driver and Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman star in the film along with award-winning British actress Rosamund Pike, who plays Barney Panofsky’s adored third wife, and Canadian actress Rachelle Lefevre in the role of his first wife.
“BARNEY’S VERSION is a very funny film that captures the life of an unforgettable character, in an unforgettable setting. It’s great to see large, international co-productions set in Canada, and in this case, Mordecai Richler’s beloved Montreal. I know the audience will adore this film,” said Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada.
Based on the novel by celebrated Canadian writer Mordecai Richler, BARNEY’S VERSION is the touching story of a impulsive, irascible, and fearlessly blunt television producer Barney Panofsky. Poised between laughter and tears, the story chronicles Barney’s three marriages to three very different women.
Mordecai Richler’s beloved city of Montréal comes to life on the screen with scenes from the garden of the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Sherbrooke Street, to Grumpy’s bar on Bishop Street, both places that Mr. Richler often visited during his life.
“Mordecai Richler was one of Canada’s greatest writers, and a frequent visitor to the NAC during his lifetime. We are honoured to bring this film that honours his work, and gives us a chance to celebrate Canadian director Richard J. Lewis and producer Robert Lantos,” said Peter Herrndorf, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre.
The screening would not have been possible without the generous contribution of many sponsors including: Serendipity Point Films, Entertainment One, Astral, Corus Entertainment, Wind Mobile, CIBC, Zip.ca, CBC/Radio-Canada, the National Arts Centre, the Ontario Media Development Corporation and Telefilm Canada.
The event is by invitation only, but the National Arts Centre will be offering some tickets to the public through contests on radio and television.
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For more information please contact:
Rosemary Thompson. NAC. (613) 947-7000 ext 260
Susan Smith. Bluesky Strategy. (613) 241-3512 ext 221
Élise Proulx. Telefilm (514) 283-0838 ext 2090